Ian Downes
The Brand Radar: Network Rail, Thomas & Friends and how brands bolster safety campaigns
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how brands like Thomas & Friends, Space Invaders and Shaun the Sheep have successfully been used to support safety campaigns.
Jane and Neil Woodhead on Speakeasy’s approach to creating licensed alcohol-infused ice cream
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes catches up with the team at Speakeasy, delving into the ice cream firm’s collaborations with brands like Ableforth’s Rumbullion and Lazzaroni’s Limoncello.
The Brand Radar: The Batman, Oreo and a deep dive into the world of licensed promotions
Prompted by an article bemoaning the amount of tie-in promotions around The Batman, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes explores this space, with the help of Snowball Effect’s Nikki Beckett, SGLP’s Simon Gresswell and Innovation Design Hub’s Paul Conisbee.
Farshore’s Zoe Masters on publishing trends, evergreen brands and the power of licensed books
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes talks brands, publishing and World Book Day with Zoe Masters – Publisher for Brands and Licensing at Farshore, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes on opportunities and fresh thinking around food brands
Ahead of a panel session on food brand licensing at IFE Manufacturing later this month, Start Licensing Ian Downes highlights why it’s an exciting part of the licensing landscape.
Asgard Media’s Robyn Cowling on why successful licensing should be a two-way street and not a cul-de-sac
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes talks with Robyn Cowling – Head of Strategic Partnerships at Asgard Media – about how best to bring new companies into licensing.
Ian Hopkins discusses Rocksax’s approach to developing unique music merch
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes speaks to Ian Hopkins, Director at Rocksax, about the blossoming world of band licensing – and what genres of music are best suited to his company’s product areas.
The Brand Radar: House of Disaster, The Beatles and preserving legacies through licensing
Inspired by a trip to Spring Fair, Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how the legacy of music icons like The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse are being preserved through smart brand extensions.
The Brand Radar: How exhibitions can power licensing activity
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how exhibitions like Bob Marley: One Love, Amy: Beyond the Stage and Pissarro: Father of Impressionism have the power to fuel exciting brand extensions.
The Brand Radar: Royal Mail, Aardman and fresh thinking around licensing
Start Licensing’s Ian Downes looks at how Aardman’s recent partnerships with the likes of Royal Mail, P&O and Wild in Art showcase innovation around brand extensions.