Five new faces join The Point. 1888’s expanding commercial, retail, product, and finance teams

The momentum continues to gather apace at the brand extension agency, The Point. 1888 as a swathe of new starters sees the company expand across its commercial, retail, product development, and finance departments this month.

The latest line-up of new faces to join the team follows the company’s latest sweep of appointments that saw it bolster its marketing division for Story.1888 only this month. In its latest recruitment drive, The Point. 1888 has brought in five new faces in order to support its increasing client base and product development programme.

Rosanna Cousins, who has several years’ of retail buyer experience at John Lewis and Harrods, has joined as The Point.1888’s newest retail manager. She will report to head of retail and sport, Hannah Stevens, to support the division as it prepares for a busy year ahead.

Sophie Fennessy has joined the team as senior PD executive and will be working within the fast-paced product development division, putting to use her vast licensee experience gathered at previous employer Poetic Brands. Meanwhile, Naomi Serradimigni – previously of the ambassador marketing platform, Brandbassador –  has joined as The Point.1888’s new senior commercial executive with a focus on health and beauty categories.

Max Pilcher, the agency’s newest commercial executive, joins from ViacomCBS and will report into senior commercial manager of soft goods, Becky Langer, to support work across the portfolio and assisting with sub-agents in Italy and Iberia, while finally, Mia Wakeling, joins as finance assistant to work in the agency’s busy finance department.

Despite the pandemic’s best efforts, The Point.1888 has welcomed 11 new clients and this growth in the agency and its client book made the decision to recruit once more an easy one.

Bethan Garton, commercial director at The Point.1888, said: “This is a hugely exciting time for us as we expand the licensing arm of our agency, continuing the growth we have seen in recent years. Bringing Rosanna, Sophie, Naomi, Max and Mia to the commercial and brand teams at The Point.1888 allows us to continue the fantastic work we do with Moonbug, Rachel Ellen and all of our other brands, whilst still attracting new clients.”

Will Stewart, managing director of The Point.1888, added: “I am incredibly excited to welcome Rosanna, Sophie, Max, Mia and Naomi to Team.1888 family. Our amazing book of clients and our high profile within the industry mean we have no shortage of talent to choose from when new roles are created and I’m confident that we’ve picked the very best.

“Their energy and enthusiasm as well as the diverse experience they bring will undoubtedly give our team the support it needs to continue our growth.”

Ethical chocolate and toy brand PlayIn Choc secures crowdfunding to scale business to next level

The ethical confectionery brand, PlayIn Choc has beaten its crowdfunding target of £250,000 to scale up its business and build on the solid foundation it has here in the UK and global markets.

The brand has been championed for its message of sustainability while promoting healthier organic treats and natural ingredients through its chocolate product, as well inspiring creativity and engagement with bio-diversity through the kids’ puzzles included in each box.

Launched to the scene in 2018 by the husband and wife team, Maya and Dominic Simler, PlayIn Choc already exports to 30 countries and is listed with 25 distributors, including a recently secured partnership with Ocado.

The team launched a crowdfunding campaign to the CrowdCube platform earlier this year with a target of £250,000 in order to scale up its business. 

“We currently have a range of 19 products which are all plastic-free, organic, vegan certified, and free from 14 allergens. We estimate that the global chocolate with toy market segment is worth $4bn a year, and PlayIn Choc ToyChoc Box is the only plastic free allergen free product in this market,” read a statement posted on the team’s crowdfunding page.

The company has also estimated that the total market size of stockists is around one million, of which 100,000 are in the UK. PlayIn Choc’s strategy going forward to acquire more stockists will be driven by targeted marketing, key new hires, and automating production and packing processes.

The funding secured via the CrowdCube campaign will enable the business to put this plan into action. PlayIn Choc has now secured 136 per cent of its initial target, completing its crowdfunding campaign with £342,000.

Check out the brand here and its successful crowdfunding campaign here.