The Royal Horticultural Society’s Licensing team is celebrating a record-breaking performance at this year’s Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards (B&LLAs), securing 12 nominations across nine categories and taking home three major awards – including the coveted Best Licensed Heritage or Institution Brand award for the second time.

Held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Thursday 24 April, the day got off to a flying start for the UK’s leading gardening charity as Jack Hendy, RHS licensing development executive, was named B&LLAs Rising Star. Recognising emerging talent across brand licensing, this award marked a fantastic milestone for Jack just two years into his licensing career.

The winning streak continued as West Design Products – specialists in arts, crafts, stationery, toys and educational supplies – scooped the award for Best Brand Licensed Gifting Product or Range with its RHS Adult Arts & Crafts Range. A first-of-its-kind collaboration for the RHS, this vibrant collection includes embroidery kits, cross-stitch sets, sketchbooks, scrapbooks and painting-by-numbers kits. Not only did the products impress on quality, but their bright, inspiring designs also paid homage to the RHS Lindley Collections, home to some of the world’s finest botanical art.

Adding to the celebrations, the RHS reclaimed the Best Licensed Heritage or Institution Brand award, a category packed with iconic names from the heritage, museum, charity and visitor attraction sectors. Having first won in 2017, this latest success underlines the RHS’s standing as a beloved and highly respected brand.

The RHS also made a statement at the B&LLAs lunch with stunning table centrepieces, created with support from its network of licensees. The displays featured orchids alongside a selection of RHS licensed products from brands such as Burgon & Ball, Willsow, and Freckleface Home Fragrance, with further contributions from Cottage Delight, Drew Brady & Co (SOCKSHOP), Mr Fothergill’s Seeds, The Somerset Toiletry Company and Woodlodge Products. Each table sent one lucky attendee home with a beautiful centrepiece as a keepsake.

This year’s awards are a testament to the growth and impact of the RHS Licensing programme. Despite being a relatively small team, RHS Licensing has consistently expanded its reach, opened new retail channels, built partnerships with both major brands and small businesses, and strengthened its focus on sustainable sourcing – all while supporting UK industry and extending its international footprint.

Cathy Snow, licensing manager at RHS, commented: “We’re always mindful that our work reflects and supports the values of the UK’s favourite gardening charity. The B&LLAs are a real highlight in our calendar and this year was particularly special. Seeing Jack recognised, celebrating West Design’s first win, and standing with the team to collect the Best Heritage Brand award again – these are career-defining moments for all of us.”

She added: “Securing 12 nominations across nine categories and coming away with three wins was beyond our expectations. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved alongside our incredible licensing partners.”