MAM
BBC Worldwide prepares for Brand Licensing Europe
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide is heading to Brand Licensing Europe next month with a portfolio of brands launching to the licensing community for the first time and returning shows.
BBC Worldwide will also showcase products hitting the high street this Christmas.
BBC Worldwide head of UK Licensing Richard Hollis says, “We’ve been a key part of BLE since its inception and this year we’re raring to go with a raft of new properties set for success. Some of the licensing programmes we’re looking to kick-start are well-established brands calling out for licensing treatment, others are fresh on the scene and we think have huge potential. And no BBC Worldwide stand would be complete without the return of the jewels in our portfolio – from Doctor Who through to In the Night Garden and Top Gear.”
64 Zoo Lane is about a seven year-old girl named Lucy who lives at 64 Zoo Lane, next door to a Zoo. Each night she is told a story by the animals present there. Characters include Georgina the Giraffe, Nelson the Elephant, Tickles and Giggles the Monkeys, Boris the Bear and Molly the Hippopotamus.
The Adventures of Abney & Teal is an animation show with a literary feel made entirely from hand-drawn and painted elements, with a contemporary yet handcrafted feel.
Abney and Teal are two friends who live on an island in the middle of a lake, in the middle of a park, in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the big city. They share their island home with a group of friendly and hilarious characters. And together they are always ready for adventure.
The Adventures of Abney & Teal debuts on the children’s channel CBeebies on 26 September. BBC Worldwide will shortly be making announcements about the licensing plans for this new property.
Baby Jake, meanwhile, is a cuddly and curious baby boy of 11 months who loves nothing more than being the centre of attention with his siblings. That’s when he’s not travelling to incredible lands, playing with amazing creatures and gurgling and goo-ing with his big brother Isaac. Heroic Jake has a life full of adventure and surprise in this pre-school series for two to five-year-olds.
Baby Jake debuted on CBeebies earlier this year. Vivid is confirmed as the master toy licence for the property, Egmont will publish books and 2|entertain will release DVDs.
Deadly 60 is a factual programme featuring wildlife presenter Steve Backshall’s quest to track down the world’s deadliest animals. In each series, he discovers 60 of the world’s deadliest species out in the wild.
Deadly 60 brings the audience into the heart of the action, and brings a real sense of adventure and discovery to each sequence as Steve brings us close encounters with killers including tarantulas, sharks and vipers. Some use their weapons for defence, and some for attack, but whatever their size, these animals are truly deadly.
BBC Worldwide has a full licensing programme under way for Deadly 60 and will make further announcements at the show.
Doctor Who returns with the Doctor alongside newlyweds Amy and Rory, in a new season. Over 80 licensees have been appointed with new ranges for this year including construction toys, science toys, a powered ride-in Dalek, collector sculptures and wide ranges of new clothing designs for both adult fans and children. Over 3 million DVDs and 8 million action figures have sold to date and in November 2013 Doctor Who will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
When you plan to buy medical insurance for your family, the first question is often about savings. You may assume that buying online automatically means paying less, but that is only part of the picture. The real issue is not just whether the premium looks lower, but whether the policy gives you suitable family health insurance without adding avoidable costs later.
Buying online can sometimes appear more budget-friendly because you can compare plans, review features, and complete the process without depending entirely on offline assistance.
Still, a lower visible price does not always mean better value. To understand whether you can truly save more, you need to look at the full buying experience and the policy terms together.
Why Online Purchase Can Look More Economical
When you explore family health insurance online, you usually get access to plan details in a more direct and organised way. This can make the buying journey feel simpler and more transparent.
A few reasons online purchases may seem cost-effective include:
● Easier comparison of policy features
● Direct access to premium details
● The ability to review inclusions and exclusions at your own pace
● Fewer chances of making a rushed decision
● More control over the plan selection process
This does not mean every online option is automatically cheaper. It simply means the online route may help you assess choices more carefully, and that itself can influence how much value you get from the policy you choose.
Saving Money is Not Only About a Lower Premium
A lower premium often catches your attention first, but that should not be the only measure of savings. If you buy medical insurance based only on what looks affordable at the start, you may overlook conditions that matter later.
A family health insurance policy should be judged on overall value, including:
● The scope of cover
● Waiting period terms
● Exclusions
● Room eligibility conditions
● Sub-limits, if any
● Claim-related terms
● Renewal conditions
If the premium is lower but the policy has stricter internal conditions, the apparent saving may not feel meaningful when you actually need hospitalisation support.
So, the better question is not only whether online purchase costs less, but whether it helps you select a plan that remains financially sensible over time.
Comparing Plans Online Can Prevent Overspending
One clear advantage of the online route is that it allows you to compare different options without pressure. This can help you avoid paying for features you may not need or missing features that matter for your family.
Before you buy medical insurance online, look closely at:
● Who can be covered under the plan
● How the sum insured works for the family
● Whether day care procedures are included
● How pre-existing illness rules are explained
● Whether add-ons are optional or built in
● How clearly the policy wording is presented
This level of comparison can support better decision-making. In many cases, savings come not only from the premium itself but from choosing a policy with fewer surprises.
Online Discounts Should be Viewed Carefully
Online discounts can make a plan look attractive, but they should always be read alongside the policy details. A discount may reduce the upfront cost, yet the true worth of the policy depends on what it covers and how it responds during a claim.
When reviewing discounted online plans, check whether the policy has:
● Treatment-specific limits
● Room rent restrictions
● Co-payment clauses
● Disease-wise waiting periods
● Claim deductions linked to the hospital category
● Limited cover for selected benefits
These points are important because a policy that looks cheaper at purchase may involve more out-of-pocket spending later. That is why discount-led buying should be replaced with detail-led buying.
Final Thoughts
Yes, buying online can sometimes help you save more when choosing family health insurance, but only if you look beyond the headline price. The online route may give you better visibility, easier comparison, and more time to review the policy terms.
That can support smarter choices and may reduce the chances of paying for a plan that does not suit your family well.
If you want to buy medical insurance online, treat savings as more than a discount. The real advantage lies in choosing family health insurance that balances affordability, clarity, and meaningful coverage for your household.
