The toy clinics at the 2013 London Toy Fair were well received and Good Toy Guide will run them again this year.

These bookable slots are available for anyone with a new toy at whatever stage of development. In addition this year, GTG will offer advice on the development of digital content and apps related to toys as part of the launch of the Good App Guide.

One of last year’s success stories is Karisma Kidz. Founder, Erika Brodnock booked a toy clinic and presented the Karisma Kidz interactive dolls to Dr Amanda Gummer. After following advice received at the clinic, Erika subsequently submitted the prototypes for evaluation by the Good Toy Guide testers. The feedback she received enabled her to address minor design issues and approach major distributors to discuss both the toys and Moodville, the digital platform. The following 12 months have seen Karisma Kidz sign deals with O2, mioon.com, and KD UK (maker of the Kurio), on whose stand you will be able to see Karisma Kidz in action at Toy Fair 2014.

Erika Brodnock, founder and CEO of Karisma Kidz, said: “The toy clinic was incredibly valuable. It gave me an insight into the toy industry and child development that enabled me to really understand and hone my product to meet the needs of my target audience. I really appreciated the friendly approach and no-nonsense advice I got from Amanda Gummer and the Good Toy Guide team. It made improving and pitching my products so much less daunting. I’d recommend these clinics to anyone.”

Toy Fair clinics are available by contacting marketing@goodtoyguide.com or calling 01438 831 204. Advance booking is advised as slots are limited.

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One World Futbol Project has announced the addition of its European distribution centre and partnership with RHIEM Group, the e-commerce and fulfillment specialist based in Voerde near Düsseldorf, Germany.

This partnership makes it easier for consumers in Europe, Africa and the Middle East to purchase the One World Futbol.

The One World Futbol, a nearly indestructible ball that never needs a pump and never goes flat, even when punctured multiple times, is sold online through a “Buy One, Give One” model. For every ball purchased at retail for £33, One World Futbol Project gives a second ball to organisations using sport and play to support peace and development programmes in disadvantaged communities worldwide. The company also offers a “Give Balls” option, enabling people who don’t need a One World Futbol for themselves to buy balls to give to the project’s growing network of organisations.

To date, One World Futbol Project has shipped more than 700,000 One World Futbols across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas enabling sustainable play for an estimated 21m young people worldwide.  RHIEM Group is providing comprehensive fulfillment services for One World Futbol Project to countries outside the Western Hemisphere.

Arnold Ambiel, chief operating officer, One World Futbol Project, said: “We unveiled the One World Futbol in July 2010 and over the past three years, retail sales have increased more than 400%. We want to better service our growing base of customers in Europe, Africa and throughout the Middle East. We chose RHIEM Group as our partner in Europe because of their ability to enable a unique business like ours to establish a European footprint quickly and cost effectively. Working with RHIEM helps ensure that we have a complete, one-stop e-commerce solution that will support our mission to reach the most vulnerable members of society—our children—and ignite their potential through the power of play.”

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