UK branding and licensing industry veteran Tim Collins has announced the establishment of his own consulting firm, The Brand Director.

Seeking to fill the void created by recent changes to retail patterns and the growth of increasingly dominant licensors, the London-based company will advise smaller IP owners on how best to extend their brands and generate new revenue streams through merchandising, TV, film, live events, digital and retail.

The Brand Director is focusing on serving clients that are contemplating their first steps into brand extension, as well as existing players looking to undertake a strategic review. It will also take on interim management assignments.

Previously, Collins was the director of licensing at Universal’s first UK office, before moving on to set up HIT Entertainment’s in-house consumer products division. He has also worked with DreamWorks, Endemol and DC Thomson.