12:45 31 January 2012
The 59th annual Toy Fair came to LondonÂ’s Olympia this January, with the three-day event bringing exhibitors from every major toy manufacturer together to showcase the latest developments in the industry; featuring the hottest tipped toys for Christmas 2012, as well as the announcement of awards for the top toy creations.
The Olympics may not arrive in the UK until August, but they are already making an impact on the UK toy industry, with three official Olympics toys winning Best New Toy Awards.
UK toy companies fared well, with hobby specialist Hornby leading the way with three awards and Character Options, Flair and Vivid Toy Group taking two medals apiece.
The 33 winning toys from 24 different suppliers were unveiled by the British Toy & Hobby Association Chairman Christine Nicholls on the first morning of Toy Fair – the UK’s only dedicated toy trade exhibition.
Majen Immink from the British Toy & Hobby Association said:
"This year’s Best New Toy Award winners show just how innovative and ‘on the pulse’ the UK toy industry is, with exciting new product launches across traditional and cutting edge categories, as well as, of course, the Olympics, which is such a massive focal point for the UK in 2012.
For more information on what went on at this yearÂ’s Toy Fair, visit www.btha.co.uk