The BBC (TopGear)
BBC Studios brought us in to run the entire merchandise operation for Top Gear, from strategy and design through to sourcing and omnichannel delivery. We streamlined a complex supplier network, improved speed and visibility, and created a unified process that cut costs by £182k and reduced lead times by 84%.
Consultation
Portfolio
Services
Strategy, Design, Sourcing, Logistics
Category
Done-for-you
Client
The BBC (TopGear)
Introduction
When BBC Studios approached us to manage the merchandise operations for Top Gear, the goal was to create a streamlined, commercially robust system that could keep pace with one of the world’s most recognisable entertainment brands.
The existing merchandise process was fragmented and slow, with multiple suppliers, inconsistent quality, and limited visibility across channels. Our task was to bring structure, strategy, and speed to the entire operation.
Our approach
We began by auditing the full merchandise supply chain, from design and supplier management to fulfilment and retail integration. Working alongside BBC Studios’ internal teams, we built a clear operational roadmap that aligned creative direction with commercial targets.
Our design and strategy teams developed a cohesive merchandise range that captured the Top Gear identity while meeting the commercial and logistical demands of a large-scale, global audience. Every design decision was made with both brand integrity and operational efficiency in mind.
Sourcing and operations
We consolidated multiple suppliers into a single managed ecosystem, introducing clear standards for production, quality control, and delivery. By leveraging our global manufacturing network, we reduced lead times, improved consistency, and created a unified process that connected design, production, and fulfilment.
We also oversaw omnichannel delivery, ensuring seamless distribution across retail, e-commerce, and event channels. Our end-to-end management meant that every product reached the market faster and with tighter cost control.
The result
Our partnership delivered measurable improvements across every key metric.
Top Gear achieved £182,000 in savings and an 84% faster lead time, giving the BBC team the agility to launch products more frequently and respond to demand in real time.
With an optimised production and delivery framework in place, the merchandise division now operates with greater efficiency, clarity, and control, setting a new internal benchmark for future BBC projects.
