Licensing Awards 2006

Character Group PLC 20 September 2006 Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Limited, Birmingham Date: 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 has been recognised at this year's Licensing Industry Awards 2006 and takes its place alongside other prestigious high street brand names. Character not only won the category of Best Licensed Toys or Games Range but it was also presented with 'The Innovation Award', which was given in recognition of the high standards of technical achievement attained in its Doctor Who Radio Controlled Dalek. The award was presented by comedian and TV impressionist Alistair McGowan. Character is the master toy licensee for Dr Who related merchandise. The Group's design team has created and developed in-house a range of innovative products, from the Radio-controlled Dalek to action figures and playsets relating to the BBC Dr Who series all of which complement the Dr Who heritage. The Licensing Awards were created by The Licensing Source Book to celebrate the industry's achievements on all levels and reward the 'best in class' across the full retail spectrum. They recognise both retailers and products along with a selection of special awards - The Innovation Award, The Icon Award and The Honorary Achievement Award. The product categories were judged by an extensive panel comprising of well respected retail buyers. Other winners at the Industry Awards included Kelly Brook Swimwear Range for New Look for 'Best Licensed Adult Apparel Range', Jamie Oliver Cheeky Mugs from Royal Worcester for 'Best Licensed Housewares or Tableware Range'. Full list attached. Enquiries: The Character Group plc Charles Stanley Securities Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd Richard King, Executive Chairman Rick Thompson Kiran Shah, Group Finance Director Philip Davies Fiona Tooley Tel: +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.com www.characteronline.com CCT.L Sector: Media, AIM Notes to Editors: About The Character Group plc The Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games and giftware, principally to the UK although it has an ever increasing exposure to international markets. Revenues are generated from a mix of product with over 50% designed and developed in-house either under the Group's own brand or under licence with the balance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product lines are Dr 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 by The Licensing Source Book which is owned by Max Publishing. The awards are supported 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, Granada Ventures, Coolabi, Copyrights Group, Popworld Promotes and Brand Licensing 2006. The Licensing Source Book category winners for 2006 are: The Innovation Award Doctor Who Radio Controlled Dalek from Character Options Best Licensed Toys or Games Range Doctor Who Radio Control Range from Character Options Best Baby Retailer of Licensed Products Mothercare Best Pre-School Retailer of Licensed Products Early Learning Centre Best Schoolers Retailer of Licensed Products Woolworths Best Tweens or Teens Retailer of Licensed Products New Look Best Adult Retailer of Licensed Products Clinton Cards Best Direct Selling Retailer of Licensed Products Amazon.co.uk Best Overall Retailer of Licensed Products Marks & Spencer Best Licensed Interactive Range Dora The Explorer Laptop from V-Tech Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range Barbie Laptop Range from Oregon Scientific UK Best Licensed Children's Apparel Range Humphrey's Corner Range (for Mothercare) from A&J Carter Best Licensed Adult Apparel Range Kelly Brook Swimwear Range (for New Look) from JOI Best Licensed Home Decor or Bedding Range Barbie Fairytopia Bedroom Accessories from World's Apart Best Licensed Housewares or Tableware Range Jamie Oliver Cheeky Mugs from Royal Worcester Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range Little Britain Greeting Card and Calendar Range from Danilo Best Licensed Giftware Range Wallace & Gromit Range from Wesco Best Licensed Food or Drink Range Wallace & Gromit Cheese Range from Wensleydale Dairy Products Sponsored by Spring Fair The Icon Award Winnie the Pooh Honorary Achievement Award Richard Culley This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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