BHS and Lakeland Join The BLE Retail Mentoring Programme

LONDON, May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brand Licensing Europe 2013, the Advanstar organized exhibition, says its ground-breaking Retail Mentoring Programme has received overwhelming endorsement from retailers this year. Boots PLC, BHS Limited, John Lewis PLC, Lakeland Limited, New Look Limited, J Sainsbury PLC and Tesco PLC will all be participating, with BHS and Lakeland taking part for the first time.

BLE event director Darren Brechin said retailers have been very responsive to the programme this year. "Retailers see the value of licensing very clearly now. Understanding our business helps them to make stronger decisions so they are keen to help junior buyers, and buyers who are new to licensing, get to grips with the way the licensing industry works. We are delighted to welcome BHS and Lakeland to the programme this year and look forward to working with all the buyers who are taking part over the next six months."

Caroline Scott, Senior Buyer Children's Nightwear, BHS said: ''We have joined the programme as BHS Childrenswear is looking to increase its mix of licensed product. It is, therefore, important that there is a greater understanding of licensing at all levels to ensure we ultimately buy great licensed product.''

During the next six months nominated retailers will take part in workshops and seminars, including the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course and Spring Fling in May in partnership with LIMA UK. They will shadow a licensor and this year there is the chance for retailers to host licensors in return. The programme culminates in the buyers' attendance at Brand Licensing Europe in October.

The Retail Mentoring Programme was introduced in 2010 to give buyers a wider understanding of the licensing business. This year over 50 buying professionals will take part in the programme. It is funded and organised by Advanstar and is the only programme of its kind.

Brand Licensing Europe 2013 takes place from 15 – 17 October 2013 at London's Olympia. For more information please visit  www.brandlicensing.eu

Notes to editors:

About Brand Licensing Europe

Brand Licensing Europe 2013 (www.brandlicensing.eu) takes place from 15-17 October 2013 at Olympia, London. It is the only pan-European event dedicated to licensing and brand extension. Now in its 15^th successful year, Brand Licensing Europe 2012 hosted 284 exhibitors and 6,875 visitors from 73 countries.

About Advanstar Licensing Group

Advanstar Communications Inc. (www.advanstar.com), producer of Licensing Expo and Brand Licensing Europe, is a leading worldwide media company providing integrated marketing solutions for fashion, life sciences and power sports industries. Advanstar serves business professionals and consumers in these industries with its portfolio of 147 events, 68 publications and directories, 267 electronic products and web sites, as well as educational and direct marketing products and services. Market leading brands and a commitment to delivering innovation, quality products and services enable Advanstar to "connect our customers with theirs". Advanstar has approximately 1,000 employees and currently operates from multiple offices in North America and Europe.

SOURCE Advanstar Communications Inc.

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