Hurrah For Gin: Riverside announces representation

Ambitious agency adds humorous online parenting series to its fast growing roster.

Riverside Brands continues to strengthen its portfolio, welcoming the humorous online parenting series, Hurrah for Gin. Created by Katie Kirby, the brand is based on her own trials and tribulations of parenting. The blog and social media channels give an amusing account of parenting young children through a series of relatable ‘real life’ scenarios depicted by stick figures with accompanying speech bubbles. With a large social following and Katie’s third book Reluctant Adult launching this week, Riverside Brands is aiming to build on the brand’s success by implementing a dedicated consumer products programme, spanning multiple categories. “We’re delighted to add Hurrah for Gin to the Riverside Brands’ collection and see huge potential for the brand,” said Ashley Holman, md of Riverside Brands. “We’ve kickstarted our outreach to licensees in relevant categories including greeting cards, stationery, gift, nightwear and outerwear and the brand is being really well received so far. “We’re looking forward to solidifying these deals by the end of the year.”

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Ashley Holman launches Riverside Brands

Former Nickelodeon senior director unveils own venture; secures new IP from ZURU.

Ashley Holman has opened the doors of his own agency, Riverside Brands. Ashley – formerly senior director, category sales and business development at Nickelodeon – is aiming to offer a ‘dynamic approach’ to bringing brands to the UK and EMEA marketplace via three distinct divisions covering licensing, distribution and media. To kick start his new venture, Ashley – who spent 12 years in the consumer products team at Nickelodeon – has secured the UK and EMEA outbound licensing representation rights for ZURU Rainbocorns, the new IP from toy and CP company, ZURU. The brand combines a number of hot toy trends including surprise unboxing, unicorns and sequins into plush pets. “After over a decade working with some of the best brands in the world, with some of the best people in the industry, the time was right for me to use this experience to set up a flexible agency which aims to provide a host of bespoke solutions for those looking to take their brands and products to market in the UK and beyond,” Ashley explained. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to kick start the agency with ZURU Rainbocorns and will be announcing a number of exciting partnerships shortly, as well as looking forward to welcoming many more to the Riverside Brands collection as we grow.” Ashley continued: “ZURU Rainbocorns is a global hit at retail already and is supported by an animated webisode series on YouTube and a huge international marketing campaign. There is wide scope to extend the brand into complementary categories at retail, playing on its core strengths with a fashion forward style – it will be a sure hit for girls all over EMEA.”

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