Hasbro licensing vet Richard Bickersteth is setting up his own UK-based consultancy firm, Looking Forward Productions, which will offer professional services and consultation to the kids TV and licensing industry, as well as TV game show format and music rights.

‘The transition and movement of the market made me want to look closely at entertainment,’ says Bickersteth, who was immersed in the entertainment licensing industry during his 15-year tenure at Hasbro. Since joining the company in 1995, Bickersteth moved from international licensing manager to European marketing manager to his latest posting as VP of international entertainment and licensing.

Bickersteth will serve as MD of the new privately funded startup, which he says will particularly specialize in the convergence of the TV industry and digital world. The company’s co-director is in the record industry, which complements Bickersteth’s previous experience managing pop bands and the company’s focus on music rights.