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.

Nick Griffiths, Managing Director and Owner of Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd (ICE), has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the distinguished Halton Business Awards 2025.

This accolade celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial drive, creativity, and sustained growth within the Halton area – and Nick’s journey with ICE over the past 15 years stands as a powerful testament to these qualities.

ICE, a family-run business based in Runcorn, has built a strong reputation across the refrigeration sector as a trusted and respected name.

Since taking over leadership in 2011, Nick has overseen an impressive 500% increase in revenue, developing ICE from a small outfit with just three engineers into a thriving enterprise.

Reflecting on his achievement, Nick commented:

“It’s nice to get some recognition for the past 15 years of work I’ve put into ICE. When I took over in 2011, we had £5,000 in the bank, a looming £12k tax bill, and just a few engineers – myself included. I had no business experience at all. What I did have was grit, determination, and a vision.”

Born in Liverpool and educated at New Heys Comprehensive, Nick’s path was far from conventional. He was excluded from school shortly before completing his final year but returned to sit his GCSEs. At 16, he worked part-time in a butcher’s shop before joining ICE in 2001 as an apprentice – the company where his father had been a director.

Gaining practical knowledge from seasoned professionals, Nick rapidly progressed through the business, eventually becoming a senior engineer overseeing pharmaceutical accounts during a time of increased regulatory pressure.

In 2011, following the heartbreaking loss of his father to Motor Neurone Disease, 26-year-old Nick stepped in as the sole director – despite lacking formal business education.

Relying solely on hands-on experience and a relentless work ethic, he navigated the business through tough times and learnt how to lead while under intense pressure.

“That time was unbelievably hard – personally and professionally,” Nick recalled. “I had to make ICE a success, not just for myself, but for my family and everyone who depended on the business. There were countless sleepless nights, months I couldn’t pay myself, and moments when I questioned everything. But I kept going.”

Today, ICE is set to expand its team to over 20 employees, runs a thriving apprenticeship scheme, and is known for both technical expertise and excellent customer care.

The company was named BID Business of the Year in 2015 and secured Family Business of the Year titles at the Halton Business Awards in both 2019 and 2023. In 2025, Nick’s individual contribution has now been formally recognised with the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

“It’s easy to look at the numbers today and miss what it took to get here,” said Nick. “The callouts at 3 am to save money, missing family events, turning up to work after losing both parents – this is what being an entrepreneur looks like behind the scenes. It’s not glamorous, it’s just hard work, sacrifice, and believing in your team and your mission.”

Looking ahead, Nick is ambitious about the future of ICE:

“We’re aiming to become a £10 million turnover company. That will come through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic development. The foundation is there – now it’s time to build on it.”

Once considered a niche solution for property transactions, bridging finance has now entered the financial mainstream. According to new analysis by West One Loans, the UK’s bridging loan market is projected to soar to £12.2 billion in 2025—a new milestone for the short-term lending sector.

This growth reflects a broader shift in how individuals and businesses access capital in a market marked by high interest rates and increasingly cautious high-street banks. So, what’s behind this surge—and why is bridging finance becoming a go-to choice for a growing number of borrowers?

Here’s what’s driving the trend.

New figures confirm record activity

The closing quarter of 2024 saw bridging loan completions hit a remarkable £2.3 billion, the highest quarterly total on record. This brought the annual figure to £7.34 billion—an increase from £5.76 billion the previous year. For the first time ever, the total outstanding loan book in the sector has surpassed £10 billion, with strong indications that growth will continue through 2025.

It’s not just a one-off surge. The appetite for quick, flexible financing is becoming entrenched.

Why bridging is on the rise – seven key reasons

1. Speed is essential
Traditional lending processes often can’t meet the pace of today’s property market. Bridging loans, which typically complete within five to six weeks, enable buyers to act swiftly and avoid losing out on key opportunities.

2. More flexible underwriting
Bridging lenders tend to assess loans based on the asset’s value and the planned method of repayment—rather than relying solely on credit scores. That makes this type of funding more accessible for those with unconventional financial backgrounds.

3. Use cases are expanding
Beyond property purchases, bridging loans are now widely used for covering tax liabilities, funding refurbishments, consolidating debts, and managing short-term business costs. They’ve even become an option for those working in London property management, especially when dealing with urgent repairs, big renovations or improving rentals quickly between tenancies.

4. Greater access to capital
With some providers offering loan-to-value ratios as high as 75 percent, borrowers are able to fund larger projects and unlock more value from their assets than through traditional loans.

5. Tailored loan structures
Bridging finance offers bespoke solutions. Options such as interest roll-up, flexible repayments, and short-term arrangements make them ideal for plugging funding gaps with precision.

6. A broader customer base
It’s no longer just seasoned developers and landlords using bridging loans. Homeowners, entrepreneurs, and SME owners are all recognising how this type of finance can help them move quickly when timing is critical.

7. Clear exits make borrowing safer
The presence of a defined repayment strategy—often refinancing or selling the property—makes bridging loans less risky than they may seem at first glance. Lenders and borrowers both benefit from having a clear exit in place.

Why now?

This sharp rise in demand is being fuelled in part by tighter lending policies from mainstream banks and persistently high borrowing costs. In this environment, bridging lenders are stepping in with faster decisions, more creative lending models, and fewer bureaucratic hurdles.

For borrowers who need to move fast—whether it’s securing a deal or stabilising cash flow—bridging finance presents a compelling option.

Proceed with caution

Despite the benefits, bridging loans aren’t suitable for everyone. They are intended for short-term use and typically carry higher costs than standard lending. Anyone considering one should carefully evaluate the numbers and seek financial advice before proceeding.

In summary

Bridging finance is no longer the preserve of a small corner of the property sector. With the market on track for a record-breaking 2025, it’s clear that this type of funding is becoming a cornerstone of modern UK finance—valued for its speed, versatility, and accessibility.

For those with the right exit plan and a need to move quickly, it may be the ideal solution.

Dalian Talent Group has secured a major licensing agreement with Sanrio, covering one of the most extensive Hello Kitty and Friends product ranges to date across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The partnership introduces a playful and design-forward product line across home fragrance, personal care, perfume, and gifting.

Building on the viral success of a special 50th Anniversary capsule collection launched in 2024, Dalian Talent Group has unveiled a broad-scale product range under its new three-year licensing agreement with Sanrio. As a global leader in branded and private label lifestyle products, Dalian will bring Hello Kitty and Friends into homes with a series of thoughtfully designed and sensorial collections.

This exclusive agreement represents one of the largest Hello Kitty licensing deals ever signed with a single partner. The collaboration spans an imaginative collection of products—from sculpted candles and bath fizzers to body mists and collector-style gift items—designed to appeal to nostalgic fans and new audiences alike.

The range will debut in July 2025, launching across major retail outlets including Miniso, HMV, Next, Action, and Forbidden Planet.

Dalian’s creative approach goes far beyond traditional licensing models, with a strong emphasis on reusable packaging, multi-material vessels, and scents that embody the whimsical charm of the Hello Kitty and Friends universe.

The product line includes:

• Personal care: Hand wash and lotion duos, alongside quirky bath fizzers

• Home fragrance: LED and 3D sculpted candles, plus stylish reed diffusers

• Perfume: Body fragrance mists and eau de toilette

• Gifting: Fragrance advent calendars, multipacks, and character-inspired candles

Innovative features include 3D character candle lids and silicone toppers shaped like frosted trees or decorative plant pots. Each item is designed for extended use—whether as trinket storage or a keepsake. Scent choices range from Vanilla Crème Brulee to Raspberry Donut and Pina Colada.

Hamish Morjaria, CEO of Dalian Talent Group, said:

“For us, this isn’t just a brand for us to work with. It’s a true partnership built on trust and creativity. The values of kindness, friendship, and fun align perfectly with our vision for inclusive, joyful products that live beyond the packaging.
Our collections really break with convention, featuring a playful design language across glass, ceramic, and silicone materials. Each product is collectible and display-worthy.”

Sanrio selected Dalian based on its commitment to ethical production and industry leadership in scalable lifestyle design.

Silvia Figini, Chief Operating Officer Sanrio (EMEA, India and Oceania), added:

“The collaboration with Dalian Talent Group started in 2024 with a strategic eye on our Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary. What began as a celebratory capsule collection has naturally evolved into a three-year global licensing agreement rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and brand integrity. These exciting collections are a true celebration of Hello Kitty and Friends’ spirit, reimagined for a global audience.”

Product Collections:
Launching from July 2025 both in-store and online, the four main collections include:

• The Original Collection – Featuring nostalgic colours and fruity scents like tutti frutti and cherry rose

• The Bakery Collection – Designed around baked treats, with croissant- and cupcake-shaped fizzers and toppers

• The Seasons Collection – Celebrating the year’s changing moods with themed toppers and reusable vessels

• Hello Kitty and Friends Collection – A bold, character-led series with scents such as warm cashmere and passionfruit & kiwi

Retail prices will range from £4.99 for smaller gifts to £19.99 for premium collectibles. The full catalogue and pricing details are available upon request.