People: HandMade heroine

London-based film producer HandMade has snapped up the rights to certain children’s books and other assets of the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

If rumours about Ferguson’s finances are true, then HandMade, which was first formed by the late Beatle George Harrison to save the Monty Python film Life of Brian, may, along with many AIM-listed peers, be using current conditions to swoop on a bargain. The terms are not being disclosed but the Duchess, who is joining HandMade’s board as a non-executive director, has claimed it is a princely sum.

The assets changing hands include best-selling picture book Tea for Ruby, the tale of a little redheaded girl who tries to perfect her manners in time for tea with the Queen, and the Little Red series, also featuring the adventures of a ginger youth. The two parties have also agreed to develop a documentary series, presented by ‘Fergie’, retracing journeys of great women explorers, as well as for HandMade to license the Duchess’s ‘brand’ on goods and services in North America.

HandMade’s chief executive, David Ravden, says the two books are being made into a TV series by the company’s new HandMade Kids division. He voices high hopes for the exploitation of associated merchandise.

‘The launch of HandMade Kids brings together several extremely well-regarded brands and children’s programming,’ adds Ferguson. ‘I am pleased that Tea for Ruby and the Little Red series will be developed by what we firmly believe will become a leading children’s entertainment company.’

Ferguson’s 51 per cent-owned US business Hartmoor folded earlier this year. HandMade, whose shares had been suspended at 10.5p since June pending the release of last year’s results, will hope her luck improves.