What's new this month?

Welcome to our monthly newsletter, from podcasts to press releases, celebrating the Olympic Games one year to go, and of course Barbie.

Hi LinkedIn legends!

This is edition two of our monthly newsletter, More To The Point.

This month has whizzed by, it feels like it was even faster than last month if that is even possible. Maybe it's because #schoolsout? Or maybe it's because, like always, we have been super busy.

So what have we been up to? Here's a recap.

We have been recording more episodes of our True Purpose Podcast. We have now shared episode #two "Our Purpose is Happiness" with Joel Silverman and host Will Stewart , who discuss all things purpose, business, and happiness.

Joel is the CEO and co-founder of KidsKnowBest , an insight data company powered by kids’ voices. Kids Know Best makes a huge impact for brands around the globe by helping them to reach and understand a uniquely under-appreciated demographic. On the podcast, we hear about Joel’s journey and passion for purpose, including… How purpose is the driver behind everything he does? Joel’s time as a Mayfair hairstylist, learning the benefits of helping others to feel good. The incredible story behind Kids Know Best, including why businesses should listen to children and how the business has grown to where it is today. How he creates a positive working culture, where people are happy in their jobs. Why he believes in making a change to impact the future. … And crucially, the link he’s found between purpose and happiness - for his clients, team, and in his own life.

Episode #three is available on all major platforms now too.

Our host Will Stewart is joined by Sarah Crimes . Sarah is Group Marketing Director at True Purpose Enterprises Ltd and is also known as Will’s ‘honesty angel’. On the podcast, Sarah shares how purpose underpins everything she does in life and business, including…how Sarah believes purpose is deep in your core (and that’s why it may take a while to discover it). Her earliest memories of purpose and how her mum inspired her with her love for work. The fascinating experience of attending a garden party hosted by Anita Roddick, the pioneering founder of The Body Shop. And why being a purpose-led business means you recruit better people and attract the right clients.

The importance of purpose in brand messaging in today’s world.

Sarah's personal purposeful missions, including buying no new clothes in 2023.… And the ultimate driver of paying back the kindness she has experienced at the toughest times in her life.

Moving on through the month our sister company Story.1888 supported their client The Raccoons, as the animation from the 1980s and 90s makes a UK comeback with a never before seen restored and remastered tv series. The series is now available on Britbox UK via ITV X.

First hitting screens in 1985, the Canadian show followed Bert Raccoon and married couple Ralph and Melissa Raccoon and the trio’s efforts against the industrialist forces of greedy aardvark millionaire Cyril Sneer, who regularly tried to destroy the forest they lived in, The Evergreen Forest, in his quest to make a fortune.

Running for five seasons, it eventually came to a close in 1992.

Now it’s returning to screens, with the entire series now ‘completely restored and remastered’, allowing old fans to dive back in.

Our lovely Hannah Redler , Bethan Garton , Will Stewart and the team headed over to the Brands Licensing Retail Conference, which was a huge success. Stepping away with two new deals (we can share those at a later date), we were the only agent to present and the feedback was just wonderful. Here are our legends in Bethan's camper van.

As a Team GB partner, we are very excited to celebrate that the 26th of July marks one year to go until the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

With finalists announced for this years The Licensing Awards we are thrilled that Moomin Characters has been shortlisted for The Classic Licensed Property Award.

This prestigious award recognises properties that have stood the test of time and as Moomin looks towards its 80th in 2025 it absolutely deserves its place on the shortlist.

Created in 1945 The Moomins are a carefree and adventurous family who live in the peaceful Moominvalley. They are the central characters in the works of celebrated Finnish author Tove Jansson and the growth and love for this brand continues to grow year after year.

Over the last 12 months Moomins UK licensing programme has enjoyed great success -?evolving and innovating.?It has included the exciting brand partnership?Adidas x Moomin collection, and?a capsule collection launch with ARKET celebrating the pioneering work of Tove Jansson ARKET X Moomin collection. Broader retail growth in the UK has seen Asda and HMV increase their ranges as well as with new retailers such as Forbidden Planet and Sainsburys coming on board.

The incredible Moomin Phenomenon podcast launched earlier in the year The Moomin Phenomenon hosted by UK talent Lilly Collins and Jennifer Saunders, with the launch was heavily promoted across YouTube, Instagram and facebook and last September Read Hour returned?- an initiative that encourages people of all ages to set aside an hour to read on UN International Literacy Day.?

Our wonderful Moomin licensing partners have been brilliant- with new partners joining us and expansion into new categories including craft, men's fashion and a brand new partnership with Mattel, Inc. (exciting new product launching later this year!)?We are thrilled that our partners are bringing new Moomin product to market every single month! There is no doubt that Moomin has not only stood the test of time for far more than the decade needed to qualify for the classic licensed property award but will continue to be a firm favourite for many many years to come.

We simply cannot leave our July newsletter without mentioning Mattel, Inc. and Barbie. The fact that Mattel has had a complete rebrand for Barbie via the incredible marketing strategy surrounding the critically acclaimed Barbie Movie without having to do any of the heavy lifting is just..... GENIUS.

Was it the $100 Million dollar marketing budget? The $150 Million movie budget?The over 100 collaborations? The brand purpose which they endured was at the forefront of every marketing message they made?

They doubled down on their identity, Barbie pink is everywhere! They created sharable content. They used nostalgia (always a great strategy to make the consumer "feel" something). They are selling an experience.

It's a 2 hour long advert. Mind blown.

We have to say a huge well done! It's been a pleasure to see the level of creativity thats gone into marketing the movie, months before its release. And lets face it, if you haven't heard about the movie, where on earth have you been the last few months?

Until next time, have a great purposeful month.

The Point.1888