Manchester-based video agency Eight Engines has been named one of Business Insider’s Most Exciting Companies in the North West, solidifying its position as a standout name in the region’s creative landscape.
Originally launched as a TV drama production company creating programmes for the BBC, Eight Engines transitioned into a full-service video agency in 2017.
Since then, the business has built a strong reputation for producing cinematic video content for clients ranging from international corporations and well-known consumer brands, to major public bodies and grassroots organisations.
“This recognition is a huge honour and a real boost for our entire team,” said Jack Leigh. “We’ve grown organically from a passion for storytelling into a company that’s trusted by some of the biggest brands in the world to bring their vision to life. We’ve always believed that great storytelling is about having the right idea and team to tell it – and our strength lies in making every budget, big or small, work harder to deliver exceptional results.”
Recent projects by Eight Engines have seen them partner with major names like Google, Sony, the BBC, IHG, and Help for Heroes, alongside regional organisations such as Transport for Greater Manchester and Bam UK, as well as a range of independent local agencies.
Recognised for their inventive, engaging content, the team has earned a strong reputation in both the North West and the wider international video production community for their storytelling-led approach.
“What excites me most,” Leigh added, “is taking a tricky, niche topic and turning it into something your audience can’t scroll past. Even if the initial brief is something that could on the surface be a bit dry, we love breathing colour, clarity and adding a touch of mischief into our content. When marketing feels like binge-watching, everybody wins: your message sticks and viewers come back for more.”
Leigh brings years of experience in high-end production, having worked on major titles like Peaky Blinders and Fast and Furious. It’s this depth of industry expertise that has helped shape the agency’s signature style and quality of output.
That said, Leigh insists the team deserves full credit for their recent recognition.
“Honestly, I get to work with the best group of people I could ask for,” Leigh said. “We’re a close-knit team, and every project is a shared creative journey. That passion and drive is reflective in every single member of our team – and that is what has driven us to this point in our business.”
The agency has weathered significant challenges in recent years, including the impact of Covid, economic uncertainty, and the evolving influence of AI on creative industries — making this accolade all the more meaningful.
As they look ahead, Eight Engines is focused on continuing to push boundaries in storytelling and content creation – both across the North West and on a broader global stage.
