BLE Details Retail Mentoring Program

The mentees participating in this year’s course, which is now CPD accredited, represent numerous retail categories and departments, including buyers, marketers and designers from the apparel, gift, toys and leisure sectors.

Stand out additions to the program include: online retailer Character.com; specialty toy buying group Toymaster; apparel retailer M&Co; supermarket chain Morrisons; and the U.K. theater chain ODEON and UCI Cinemas Group.

“This year, we have worked hard to recruit retailers in new categories and in so doing have also seen growth in the number of designers, marketers and merchandisers joining the program,” says Anna Knight, brand director, BLE. “It’s the most diverse line up we’ve seen for a number of years. We would urge any retailers who are looking to learn more about licensing to sign up before we reach capacity, which seems imminent.”

Furthermore, participants

“We are delighted to support the retail mentoring initiative,” says Rachel Wakley, head, licensing, Tesco. “We have nominated a number of our colleagues to be a part of the program, as it offers a unique insight into the world of licensing that is impossible to get anywhere else. As it is an ongoing program throughout the year, the scheme enables participants to experience many different aspects of industry, as well as broaden their network and experience.”

Additionally, for the first time, the retailers who complete the course will receive CPD accreditation, which will help enhance their individual career paths.

The Retail Mentoring Program is run as part of BLE, which is organized by UBM and sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association. The program is designed to give buying and merchandising professionals a deeper understanding of the licensing industry.

Graduates from the 2016 program include representatives from Marks & Spencer, Halfords, Claire’s Accessories, ASDA and Mothercare.

For details about applying to join the program,

click here

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