BLE’s Retail Program Breaks Record

A record number of retailers are taking part in Brand Licensing Europe’s 2014 Retail Mentoring Programme.

April 6, 2018

The only program of its kind in the U.K., this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme boasts involvement from 10 leading retailers including Lakeland, Debenhams, Boots, J Sainsbury, Tesco , Miniclub and, for the first time, Marks and Spencer.

Launched five years ago with two retailers on board, the initiative offers delegates a deeper understanding of the licensing industry. More than 50 buying professionals from these retailers will take part in workshops and seminars over the next six months, including the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course and Spring Fling this month. The program culminations at Brand Licensing Europe, which will take place Oct. 7-9.

“We decided to join the mentoring scheme last year as it gave our buyers an opportunity to get a 360-degree picture of how the industry works,” says Matthew Canwell, director of buying,

Lakeland, which is returning to the program this year. “Clearly to make a licence work well, you need to ensure there is collaboration between licensor and licensee, and this scheme enabled us to understand how to make that possible. Our participants found it extremely valuable, hence our involvement again this year.”

For more details on the Retail Mentoring Program and Brand Licensing Europe visit

BrandLicensing.eu.