BTHA delighted to announce that two Golden Teddy Awards have been presented to long-serving industry veterans, brothers Paul and Mark Collinson.
Paul (left) and Mark Collinson.
Paul and Mark Collinson have both worked in the toy industry for more than 40 years, and have represented companies including Funko and VTech. They were described by their proposers and seconders as being loyal, well principled and highly respected by all that they worked with and were described as true unsung heroes of the industry.
The brothers were both presented with their awards at a special ‘Northern Toy Boys’ event in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where they are based.
On receiving his award, Mark Collinson commented: “We were both truly humbled to receive our BTHA Golden Teddy Awards. It’s not like us to shout about our work, but we are at the end of our careers now and very proud to look back. We have been proud to work as part of this ever-changing but amazing industry over many years. Thanks to the BTHA for this special recognition.”
The Collinsons family used to run toyshops in Ripon and Harrogate, and Mark and Paul were keen to follow in the footsteps of their father Ian Collinson from a young age. After working in the retail side of the business for several years, the brothers eventually moved into the sales side, where they went on to work for decades with both national and international brands.
Speaking to local Harrogate news outlet, The Stray Ferret, Mark commented: “There are lots of people in Harrogate and Ripon over a certain age who still have fond memories of our father’s and grandfather’s shop. Back then, going to the toy shop was a rare treat for children. The industry has changed massively over the years but children still have that love for play.”
Golden Teddies are awarded to nominated candidates who have served the industry for more than 15 years, and are designed to recognise ordinary people with extraordinary talents, people who go over and above expectations and who are the industry’s ‘genuinely nice people’.
You can read more about BTHA Golden Teddies here.
