A BUSINESS which licenses and distributes Lego and Star Wars merchandise has expanded into premises more than three times the size of its previous home, with support from a regional law firm.

ClicTime is the exclusive global licensee for Lego watches and clocks, and also has a dual Lego licence with Warner Bros and Lucas Film, which allows the manufacture and distribution of Lego Star Wars and Lego DC Superhero clocks and watches worldwide.

The business has expanded into 3,369sq ft premises in Blaydon, South Tyneside – more than treble the floor space of its previous base in Ponteland, in Northumberland – to give its 11-strong design team three storeys of modern open-plan office and design space, along with a large stockroom and marketing department.

ClicTime has also taken on two more people.

The site is the UK headquarters of ClicTime, which also has offices in the US and Hong Kong.

It was established in the North-East in 1999 by Jim Richardson, and has been a Lego licensee for more than 12 years.

ClicTime has been supported in its office move by Sintons, with Helen Warren, an associate in the firm’s commercial property team, carrying out all the property work.

Donna Hunwick, a solicitor in Sintons’ employment team, also works with ClicTime, supporting the business with its employment work.

ClicTime also donated hundreds of its watches and clocks to Sintons’ charity of the year for last year, Down’s Syndrome North-East, as well as for the law firm to give to local children in a local hospital.

Ms Hunwick, employment solicitor at Sintons, said: “While a relatively small and locally-based operation, Clic- Time works with huge brands on a global scale, establishing a strong reputation in the process.

“From their very discreet new premises, they design iconic products which are sold and loved around the world.

“The team at ClicTime is hugely creative and so passionate about their designs, and their enthusiasm is infectious.

“We are very pleased to work with them and help support them as they continue to grow and develop in the region and beyond.

“Furthermore, we are sincerely grateful to Jim and the team for their generous donations to our charity of the year.

“These watches and clocks have been raffled to raise money, others gifted to children who are helped by Down’s Syndrome North- East, and have also made lots of children smile at the Great North Children’s Hospital at Newcastle’s RVI.”