First-Time Exhibitor at BLE: Blonde Sheep

Natasha Dyson is the founder of Blonde Sheep Licensing who are exhibiting at Brand Licensing Europe for the very first time this year. BLE takes place 4-6 October and retailers and manufacturers are invited to attend for free by registering at www.brandlicensing.eu  

Who are you and how does your business fit into the licensing eco-system? I’m the founder of Blonde Sheep Licensing.  Blonde Sheep is a boutique agency and consultancy that offers brand owners global, EU and local (UK & Spain) representation.  We also work with manufacturers to help then to secure IP for their products.  

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the licensing industry right now? The cost-of-living crisis is already affecting licensing.  We’ve already seen certain product categories like apparel really slow down.  This will make it harder for new brands to get retail listings as retailers will likely select brands with higher awareness and stronger cross category presence.  However, just like during the Covid pandemic, certain categories will thrive.  We’re likely to see people spending more time at home so brands that have a presence in the food and drink, home entertainment and home furnishings categories could benefit.  

You’re exhibiting at BLE for the first time. Why are you exhibiting and what can licensees and retailers expect to see on your stand? Yes, this will be Blonde Sheep’s first year exhibiting at BLE.  We’ll be showing our food & drink clients, Swizzels and Millions, Advisory Bored (a collective of BAYC NFTs), and art from museums, galleries and artists.  

Are you launching new IP/showcasing exciting products at BLE?  We are showing the current portfolio of brands we represent.  If we can get a contract in place in time, we will also be launching new IP. 

If so, what is it, who is it aimed at and why should licensees and retailers be excited by it?  Ah, I wish I could say.  I can tell you it will be all categories and available across Europe.