Winners will win a free stand at BLE 2019, along with one year’s LIMA membership and other prizes.

2016’s winner Charlotte Reed.

Entries for Brand Licensing Europe’s 2018 License This! competition are now open, with two award categories being presented this year: Art & Design, and Brand & Design. The competition is now in its eighth year and is a proven propeller for entrepreneurs to launch themselves in to the licensing industry.

Applicants can enter for free online by clicking here. The deadline is 5pm Friday 14th September.

This year’s winners will receive a free exhibition stand at BLE 2019, one year’s LIMA membership, PR support and advice from a panel of industry experts. Previous entrants – both winners and finalists – have also signed lucrative agent and licensing deals off the back of the competition.

Charlotte Reed, who won in 2016 with her book of motivational thoughts and illustrations – May the Thoughts Be With You – has since partnered with licensing agent Larkshead Media. She is expecting to see her branded calendars and greetings cards in shops this year, and is in discussions regarding leisure and nightwear launches.

Charlotte commented: “Entering License This! was a great experience. I met so many useful contacts and was exposed to an abundance of agents and licensees through the competition’s panel and audience. I was very lucky to win – totally shocked – so I would absolutely encourage other brand owners to enter – it’s an amazing platform to get into the licensing industry.”