Start Licensing

“Licensing is very much a ‘team business’ and we feel this award recognises the teamwork that goes into The Ashmolean programme – which of course includes all the licensees and retailers who work with us,” said Start Licensing’s Ian Downes.

Start Licensing have been recognised for their work with The Ashmolean Museum with a nomination in the Sector Support Partnership category.

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at the FMCG sector, revealing some highlights from the summer.

In the run up to BLE, we’re asking regular attendees and exhibitors about creative brand extensions – and how they have ideas… Up next is Ian Downes, Director at Start Licensing.

Aardman’s Molly Van Den Brink, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes and Rainbow Productions’ Simon Foulkes discuss brands treading the boards.

TELA’s Gabi Drew, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes and Trend UK’s Lindsay Hardy share their thoughts on the pre-school titan’s brand power.

Dynamo’s Danny Heffer, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes and Atlantic Mat’s Susan Baker share their picks of brands that could win in gifting.

We asked figures in the licensing industry for their favourite launches of the year. The only caveat… They couldn’t choose a product or experience they were involved in!

BLE 2023 welcomed record numbers of retailers – and enjoyed a healthy jump in total visitors on 2022’s show. Claire Potter, Ian Downes, Richard Pink and Clare Piggott discuss what this means for their businesses – and where future growth lies…

Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at the rise and rise of personality-based licensing – and why it’s a route worth navigating carefully.