This month, in honour of Toy World’s 10th anniversary, we spoke to a small selection of valued clients and contributors about the past decade.

L-R: Jerry Healey, Alison Downie, Sue Barratt, Michael Hick, David Middleton, Graham Canning, Nick Thomas, Anita Baulch, Alan Simpson, Gary Grant, Lesley Singleton and Phil Ratcliffe.

Our respondents told us what changes they’ve seen over the past decade – the good, the bad and the ugly – and what impact these have had on the toy industry, their companies and the way they work.

Massive thanks to Mark Buschaus and Stephen Barnes of Toy Barnhaus, who say they have loved being part of Toy World. “It was great to be asked to become a Toy World regular, and to help contribute to the toy industry in some way,” they told us. “The magazine landing on our desk is always one of the highlights of the month and, with the lack of toy shows, has proven to be especially valuable over the last 18 months.”

We’d also like to thank the following for their input: Gary Grant founder and CEO of The Entertainer; Michael Hick, VP and country manager, Mattel UK; Alan Simpson, chairman SMF Toytown/chairman the TRA; Phil Ratcliffe, sales & marketing director, MV Sports; Alison Downie, Global Licensing and Brand director, HTI Group; Lesley Singleton, head of play, Playtime PR; Graham Canning, sales director, VTech; Mary Wood, general manager UK & Ireland, Tomy; Dave Middleton, owner, Midco Toys; Nick Thomas, general manager, Vivid Goliath; Sue Barratt, country manager, IMC UK; Jerry Healy, group marketing director, Character Options; and Toy World’s own Anita Baulch, who gets a rare word in.

All of the contributors have fascinating comments on how their working life has developed over the past ten years. However, as Sue Barratt points out: “The very changes that keep the toy industry exciting are responsible for keeping those of us working in the sector excited too.”

Mattel’s Michael Hick was kind enough to say: “Toy World has been a real dynamic force in the industry, and it seems amazing that it’s only been 10 years since it first began. John and his team commentate on the industry with insight and knowledge, and with a perspective that always makes for an interesting read.”

To read the full comments about the last decade of the toy industry, which appeared in the Touching Base feature in our September edition, click here.