TfL Appoints IMG for Global Brand Licensing Program

Transport for London (TfL) has announced a multi-year deal with licensing agency IMG to expand its brand engagement and licensing program within the U.K. and across the world. TfL’s recent collaborations include partnerships with Arsenal, Uniqlo and Kurt Geiger. 

 In December, following the news that TfL had announced tender for its Brand Licensing and Development Agency, License Global spoke with Ellen Sankey, brand licensing manager, TfL, to explore what 2023 would look like for the brand, as it celebrates 160 years since the opening of the London Underground and the 90th anniversary of the iconic London Underground map as designed by Harry Beck.

As TfL’s agency, IMG will have a special focus on engaging children and supporting wellness and active travel products. These will include apparel and accessories, home, gift and stationery, publishing, food and beverage, toy and games, and experiential experiences. 

The partnership will help brands access these assets, as well as iconography for rail and river services, buses, active travel modes such as walking and cycling, as well as the Elizabeth line. Brands will also have access to TfL’s poster archive dating back to the early 20th century, which contains posters advertising travel to sporting events, tourist attractions and the art deco styles of the 1920s. 

Related:What Does 2023 Look Like for TfL’s Brand Licensing Program?

“We are delighted to be partnering with IMG to grow our brand licensing work,” says Ellen Sankey, brand licensing manager, TfL. “Every penny made by TfL is reinvested back into the transport network and working with such a recognized leader in this field will help us reach new markets and engage with new audiences, such as licensed products for children. We are so excited to see where we can take the brand!”  

“In addition to being a world-leading transport system, Transport for London has also become a hallmark of London itself and an iconic brand that resonates around the world,” says Tim Smith, senior vice president, licensing, IMG. “We are excited to leverage our global network and expertise in licensing British heritage brands to curate a first-class collection of TfL products and experiences that stay true to the brand’s values and identity.” 

IMG was recently listed top of License Global’s Top Brand Licensing Agents 2023.