The British Toy & Hobby Association’s annual Industry Day once again played host to  a raft of suppliers as well as top-flight inspirational speakers. 

Matt Jones from the BTHA unveils the Toy Trust Teddy, a major new fundraising initiative for 2024 developed in partnership with Golden Bear

Leading suppliers were once again out in force for the BTHA Industry Day, an annual networking event designed to inform and inspire members held at Great Fosters Hotel in Egham.

The day kicked off with the BTHA AGM and Toy Retailers Association AGM. During the latter, The Entertainer’s chief commercial officer, Geoff Sheffield, was voted in as the TRA’s new chairman, taking over from Alan Simpson, the association’s long-serving former chairman.

In a short speech accepting his new position – in which he assured those gathered that he was not, in fact, one of the day’s inspirational speakers – Geoff thanked Alan for his many years of dedicated service to the TRA and expressed his pride at having taken over the chairmanship. He also teased significant upcoming changes to DreamToys, including substantially more influencer activity and a new agency for the event. These changes, Geoff said, promise to breathe fresh life into DreamToys, which bills itself as the most authoritative prediction of what are expected to be the hottest new toys on the high street each festive season.

The Industry Day’s main events kicked off with opening remarks from BTHA chairman Simon Pilkington. Simon highlighted that it’s a special year for the association, its 80th anniversary, and played for guests an official video showcasing the association’s history since 1944 and its integral role in championing toy safety and the value of play.

Matt Jones, head of Digital & Toy Trust Services at the BTHA then gave an overview of The Toy Trust’s fundraising efforts over the past year. £6.75m has been raised to date, with £312,000 of that in 2023 alone, £215,075 of which was donated to kids charities across the UK. £100,000 was raised at the 2024 Media Auction, which takes place at London Toy Fair – readers may recall that Playmobil placed the winning bid for all lots in celebration of its 50th anniversary year – while Midsummer Mayhem, an evolution of May Mayhem, continues to raise vital funds via a variety of sporting and non-physical activities. This year, the majority of funds will be donated to children’s hospices, to be used to purchase new equipment and finance new activities. These will help hospices create lasting memories for families whose children are facing life-limiting and terminal illnesses.

Matt also unveiled the trust’s new fundraising initiative for this year: the adorable Toy Trust Teddy, created in partnership with Golden Bear.

Following this presentation, Don Williams, partner at KPMG, took to the stage for an informative look at the economy and the opportunities and challenges the months ahead hold. Considering it’s been a challenging start to the year for many, we should see things start to stabilise once the UK and US elections are out of the way. GDP growth remains stunted, however, delivering in four years what could reasonably be expected in just one. However, wage growth is accelerating, unemployment levels are at a record low, and interest rates, which many believe have plateaued, are slowly starting to return to something resembling normality.

As for 2025, spending will be marginally up, with a continued shift from ‘stuff to experience’ and out of town retail parks likely seeing more footfall than the highstreet. In Toys, Plush, Construction and STEM/Educational ranges will continue to drive growth, while sustainability remains a key focus for many. Unsurprisingly, given the continued squeeze on household finances (KPMG research indicates that a quarter of adults feel less financially secure than they did a year ago, and ‘ buy now, pay later’ purchases are up +21%), the value and discount channel is likely to be big winner in the months ahead.

After a break for refreshments, during which a birthday cake was cut in honour of the BTHA, guests returned for the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Padraig Smyth of Smyths Toys. Presenting the award, Simon Pilkington said: “Padraig’s career in toys is exceptional and the BTHA is honoured to present its Lifetime Achievement Award to him for the significant contribution he has made to the toy industry over the long term. He is respected by so many of his peers and his impact has been one of a true game changer, making a lasting imprint on the industry that sustains us all and champions the industry we know and love.”

Former RAF pilot Mandy Hickson regales the crowd with the story of how she chose her own flight path

In his acceptance speech, Padraig paid homage to his parents and his upbringing behind the till of the small family store and said that the success of Smyths Toys Superstores is a testament to what can happen when a family pulls together: particularly his brothers Tony and Liam. Liam sadly passed away last year.

Then it was time for the second of this year’s guest speakers – RAF pilot Mandy ‘Big Bird’ Hickson. Mandy had the crowd enthralled (and laughing uproariously) with her inspiring tale of overcoming adversity to become a pilot with the Royal Air Force – despite women not being allowed to become pilots in the RAF when she first set out to become one. Her take home message – to dream big, no matter what – left everyone feeling energised and filled with positivity, while more than a few probably felt a rewatch of Top Gun: Maverick was in order that evening.

With the mercury rising on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, guests then gathered in the beautiful Tithe barn for a buffet-style lunch comprising salads and curries before heading home.

Toy World would like to express its thanks to the BTHA for another superb event and to all the speakers for sharing their time and experiences.