The mentees on this year’s course represent numerous retail categories, from apparel, gift, toys and leisure.

New additions to this year’s programme include Toymaster; The Entertainer; online retailer Character.com; apparel retailer M&Co; supermarket chain Morrisons and cinema chain Odeon and UCI Cinemas Group.

Teams from Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Halfords, Matalan and Sainsbury’s Tu are also confirmed for the 2017 programme. Head of Licensing at Tesco, Rachel Wakley, said: “We are delighted to support the retail mentoring initiative. We have nominated several of our colleagues to be part of the programme, as it offers a strong insight into the world of licensing. As it is an on-going programme throughout the year, the scheme enables participants to experience many different aspects of our industry, as well as broaden their network and experience.”
Anna Knight, BLE brand director, commented: “This year, we have worked hard to recruit retailers in new categories and have also seen growth in the number of designers, marketers and merchandisers joining the programme. It’s the most diverse line-up we’ve seen for many years. We would urge any retailers who are looking to learn more about licensing to sign-up before we reach capacity – which is imminent.”

For the first time, the retailers who complete the course will receive CPD accreditation which will help to enhance their individual career paths. The course is worth £499, but it is provided to selected retailers free of charge by BLE. Visit ubm.brandlicensing.eu/retail-mentoring-programme/ for details about applying to join the programme.