Character Regulatory News (CCT)

20 Sep 2006 07:00

Character Group PLC20 September 2006 Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Limited, BirminghamDate: Wednesday 20th September 2006 Embargoed: 7.00am THE CHARACTER GROUP PLC ('Character' or 'the Group') Licensing Awards 2006 Winners of Best Licensed Toys or Games Category and The Innovation Award Character Options, the principal trading subsidiary of The Character Group hasbeen recognised at this year's Licensing Industry Awards 2006 and takes itsplace alongside other prestigious high street brand names. Character not only won the category of Best Licensed Toys or Games Range but itwas also presented with 'The Innovation Award', which was given in recognition of thehigh standards of technical achievement attained in its Doctor Who RadioControlled Dalek. The award was presented by comedian and TV impressionistAlistair McGowan. Character is the master toy licensee for Dr Who related merchandise. The Group'sdesign team has created and developed in-house a range of innovative products,from the Radio-controlled Dalek to action figures and playsets relating to theBBC Dr Who series all of which complement the Dr Who heritage. The Licensing Awards were created by The Licensing Source Book to celebrate theindustry's achievements on all levels and reward the 'best in class' across thefull retail spectrum. They recognise both retailers and products along with aselection of special awards - The Innovation Award, The Icon Award and TheHonorary Achievement Award. The product categories were judged by an extensivepanel comprising of well respected retail buyers. Other winners at the Industry Awards included Kelly Brook Swimwear Range for NewLook for 'Best Licensed Adult Apparel Range', Jamie Oliver Cheeky Mugs fromRoyal Worcester for 'Best Licensed Housewares or Tableware Range'. Full listattached. Enquiries: The Character Group plc Charles Stanley Securities Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd Richard King, Executive Chairman Rick ThompsonKiran Shah, Group Finance Director Philip Davies Fiona TooleyTel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 20 7149 6457 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile:+44 (0) 7785 703523 +44 (0) 7956 278522 (KS)www.thecharacter.comwww.characteronline.comCCT.LSector: Media, AIM Notes to Editors: About The Character Group plcThe Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games andgiftware, principally to the UK although it has an ever increasing exposure tointernational markets. Revenues are generated from a mix of product with over 50% designed anddeveloped in-house either under the Group's own brand or under licence with thebalance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product lines areDr Who, Scooby Doo, Biker Mice from Mars, Peppa Pig, GR8 Gear, Robosapien,Roboraptor and Robopet. For a more comprehensive view of the product portfolio,please refer to www.characteronline.com. About The Licensing Industry Awards: The Licensing Industry Awards, www.thelicensingawards.co.uk, are organised byThe Licensing Source Book which is owned by Max Publishing. The awards aresupported by: BBC Worldwide, Red C, Spring and Autumn Fair, Fremantlemedia,Jetix, Target Entertainment, LBD, Smiffy's, Nickelodeon Viacom, 4kids, Mattel,Hallmark, Cartoon Network, Entara, Hit Entertainment, The Light Fund, GranadaVentures, Coolabi, Copyrights Group, Popworld Promotes and Brand Licensing 2006. The Licensing Source Book category winners for 2006 are: The Innovation AwardDoctor Who Radio Controlled Dalek from Character Options Best Licensed Toys or Games RangeDoctor Who Radio Control Range from Character Options Best Baby Retailer of Licensed ProductsMothercare Best Pre-School Retailer of Licensed ProductsEarly Learning Centre Best Schoolers Retailer of Licensed ProductsWoolworths Best Tweens or Teens Retailer of Licensed ProductsNew Look Best Adult Retailer of Licensed ProductsClinton Cards Best Direct Selling Retailer of Licensed ProductsAmazon.co.uk Best Overall Retailer of Licensed ProductsMarks & Spencer Best Licensed Interactive RangeDora The Explorer Laptop from V-Tech Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning RangeBarbie Laptop Range from Oregon Scientific UK Best Licensed Children's Apparel RangeHumphrey's Corner Range (for Mothercare) from A&J Carter Best Licensed Adult Apparel RangeKelly Brook Swimwear Range (for New Look) from JOI Best Licensed Home Decor or Bedding RangeBarbie Fairytopia Bedroom Accessories from World's Apart Best Licensed Housewares or Tableware RangeJamie Oliver Cheeky Mugs from Royal Worcester Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery RangeLittle Britain Greeting Card and Calendar Range from Danilo Best Licensed Giftware RangeWallace & Gromit Range from Wesco Best Licensed Food or Drink RangeWallace & Gromit Cheese Range from Wensleydale Dairy Products Sponsored bySpring Fair The Icon AwardWinnie the Pooh Honorary Achievement AwardRichard Culley This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange