Tag Archives: hornby

Transport technology brand Cosworth revs up licensing programme

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British technology and engineering brand Cosworth has announced its first positions on the licensing grid.

Cosworth has applied its leading-edge expertise to design and build propulsion systems and intelligent solutions for the motorsport and automotive industries – from Formula 1 to the Aston Martin Valkyrie – for over 60 years,

Now, Cosworth Group Holdings Limited is working with Faster Brands to negotiate licence agreements and collaborations in association with Ford Motor Company. Cosworth is partnering with Hornby Hobbies to create the Ford Escort Cosworth and Ford Sierra Cosworth rally and race cars as die-cast models and slot car racing models for Hornby’s Scalextric range.

A partnership with Poetic Gem has also been announced for a range of fashion apparel.

In addition, Cosworth has announced a collaboration with leading bespoke watch company Dartmouth Brands for a range of unique watch designs supported by great historic stories, targeting the collector, consumer retailers and specialist online direct-marketing sectors.

The company is also entering the world of E-SPORTS, with details to be announced shortly.

Faster Brands MD Chris Parkes says: “Cosworth has such a rich heritage in motorsport and we are proud to be working them to find the right partnerships that celebrate their past and present successes.”

“Cosworth has a proud history of innovation, and we look forward to growing our relationship with Faster Brands to showcase our rich and varied history with our key licensing partners,” adds Nick Greenway, Marketing Director at Cosworth Group Holdings.

To learn more about licensing opportunities with Cosworth, contact Chris@Fasterbrands.co.uk or David@Fasterbrands.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Warner Bros.’ Batman vs Superman tops the John Lewis ten toys for Christmas list

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The Warner Bros. and DC Comics icon, Batman has swooped in on the first of the major retailers’ top Christmas toy predictions this year, having secured top billing within John Lewis’s Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2021.

It’s Warner Bros Consumer Products’ partnership with the leading hobby brand, Hornby’s own Scalextric that is tipped to excite Christmas shoppers this season, featuring not once but twice upon a list that otherwise sees licenses somewhat thin on the ground this year.

The Scalextric Batman vs Superman (exclusive to John Lewis) sits atop the list, followed by the retailer’s non-exclusive version. A read through the top ten, however, and it’s a sparse presence that the licensing department holds with the retailer’s selection this year.

A £59.99 Harry Potter Games Compendium features above the Tonies Soft Cuddly Friends – Hoppie Rabbit Audio Play line this year, while the seven items selected among this year’s top ten lean towards the traditional toy and play-sets trend, tipped to be a core element within the Christmas toy shopping scene this year by the retailer.

LEGO makes its appearance in the form of its LEGO Elf Clubhouse, while sustainability finds itself at the forefront as John Lewis places its FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set and FSC Wooden Waitrose Supermarket firmly within the top ten picks.

Elsewhere, Ravensburger secures two listing with its Space Puzzle and Gravitrax Pro Starter Extrme (another John Lewis exclusive), while the rundown is made complete by the Secret Garden Book and the Kaloo My First Doll.

Rachael Larkman, toy buyer at John Lewis, said: “This year we’ve seen a huge surge in the popularity of traditional toys and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We predict this trend will continue for Christmas 2021.

“The selection chosen by our panel includes toys suitable for all ages – a great variety that will guarantee excitement on Christmas day.”

Hornby takes fresh steps into franchise building with new licensing consultant Michele Pearce

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Hornby Hobbies has taken the first steps forward in launching its Scalextric brand onto the global licensing scene with the appointment of its new licensing consultant, Michele Pearce.

In her new role, Pearce will work to represent Hornby in the start of a new in-house licensing initiative, utilising her specialist knowledge and appreciation of the brand through her work as a successful licensing expert in the toy category and experience working within licensing in the video game industry.

The company is looking towards utilising this expertise as Pearce brings a new focus to the Scalextric brand.

The programme will focus on both the retro archive and the new Scalextric branding with the aim to find the partners who can realise the brand in product that will add to the whole family’s enjoyment of the ultimate slot car racing experience. 

Lyndon Davies, Hornby CEO, said: “Scalextric is loved by many and there are some exciting opportunities for us to work with licencing partners. Michele brings a wealth of experience to the team and we are  excited by some of the early conversations.” 

Pearce added: “I have been talking to Hornby for some time about the licensing opportunities for Scalextric and how much I would enjoy developing a strategy for them and I couldn’t have been more delighted when they contacted me at the start of this year with the wave of a chequered flag to start the programme.” 

For more information about the licensing opportunities for Scalextric please contact  michele.pearce@hornby.com