TLL Staff
Nominations are now open for the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards (B&LLAs), which returns April 23, 2026.
The B&LLAs will also be marking its 10th anniversary with a gala event at the Royal Lancaster London, and will be adding two new categories
Launched in 2016 by Max Publishing, the B&LLAs were created to recognize the brand and lifestyle licensing sector separately from the more entertainment-focused Licensing Awards held in September.
“It feels like yesterday that we launched the B&LLAs, so for it to be marking its 10th anniversary is extraordinary,” said Ian Hyder, CEO of Max Publishing. “Back in 2016, we had the vision of what we wanted the event to be, but the brand and lifestyle licensing sector was still evolving and it was one of our biggest challenges to embrace it and create an event which highlighted both its achievements and its potential.
Hyder also credited the companies and individuals who helped support the event since the beginning. “Many thanks to our loyal sponsors and supporters, many of whom have been with us since the start,” he said. “Together, we have created an event that is the only one in the world which totally focuses on this incredible sector of licensing.”
The 2026 awards will recognize brand and lifestyle licensing activity in 2025, across the Product, Retail and Property categories. The Brand Ambassador Award will once again honor an individual for contributions to the sector, while the UK Rising Star Award will spotlight emerging talent within the industry.
Additionally there will be two new categories for the 2026 event.
The first is for Best Brand Licensed Paper Products & Publishing Range, open to licensed paper goods including greeting cards, stationery, calendars, diaries, giftwrap, magazines, non-children’s books, partworks and sticker albums.
The second is for Best Brand Licensed Retail Marketing Initiative, honoring creative retail marketing campaigns supporting non-entertainment licensed brands or product ranges.
The deadline for nominations and entries is February 27, 2026. Entry is free and submitted online through the B&LLAs website.
Informa Markets is continuing its support for the UK awards event as Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) returns as headline sponsor.
“What a milestone; 10 years of the B&LLAs!” said Anna Knight, SVP licensing at Informa Markets. “Congratulations and happy anniversary to the entire Max Publishing team from everyone at BLE, and a huge thank you for all the work you’ve done to champion and recognise the incredible brands, retailers and individuals responsible for making brands and lifestyle licensing the creative powerhouse it is today.
BLE has been honoured to partner with Max to sponsor the B&LLAs over the years and 2026 will be no exception. We can’t wait.”
Licensing International will also be continuing its support of the event.
“Licensing International is proud to support the B&LLAs and sponsor the UK Rising Star category once again,” said Steve Manners, VP of global marketing and UK managing director. “The B&LLAs have become a standout moment in the UK licensing calendar, a celebration of the creativity, innovation and collaboration that drive the brand and lifestyle sector forward.
“The Rising Star award shines a spotlight on emerging talent who are redefining what’s possible in licensing,” he added. “These are the future leaders, creative thinkers and dealmakers whose fresh ideas and passion elevate the entire industry. We’re honoured to celebrate their achievements and to help nurture the next generation of talent powering this dynamic and flourishing industry.”
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Additional sponsors include CAA Brand Management, Blues Group, Brandgenuity, Cosmopolitan (Hearst UK), Difuzed, Golden Goose, Laura Ashley, Lisle Licensing, Metrostar, Natural History Museum, Octane5, Pink Key Licensing, Poetic Brands, Products of Change, Rainbow Productions, RHS, Sanderson Design Group, Sara Miller London, Science Museum Group, SLG Brands and Start Licensing.
The B&LLAs accept entries only from brands in museum and heritage, food and beverage, FMCG non-food, automotive, media, design-led IP, and fashion categories. Entertainment brands—including TV, film, celebrity, gaming, music and sports—are recognized separately by The Licensing Awards.
Information on tickets, tables, sponsorship and entry procedures is available through the B&LLAs website.