**Manchester-based Creative Agency Eight Engines Finalist for GMCC Small Business of the Year Award**

Manchester-based creative agency Eight Engines has earned a place among the finalists for the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) Small Business of the Year Award. This prestigious award celebrates small businesses throughout the region that excel in growth, originality, and community involvement.

Reflecting on the nomination, Jack Leigh, Managing Director of Eight Engines, said:
“To see the team recognised with this nomination makes me incredibly proud. It shows what can happen when you stick together, trust each other and keep moving forward. Our crew have faced challenges head-on and turned them into opportunities, and this recognition is proof of that.”

The nomination stands as a testament to Eight Engines’ resilience following years of volatility within the commercial video industry. Rather than relying on freelance contractors, the agency refocused its efforts on a full-time creative team. This approach has helped build deeper relationships with clients and ensured consistency across every project.

By adopting a human-focused model, Eight Engines has delivered creative stability and job assurance for its staff. These efforts culminated in the agency’s strongest financial year to date in 2024, with sustained growth continuing into this year.

Today, the agency’s portfolio spans global marketing campaigns shot in destinations such as Las Vegas, Italy, Poland, Texas, and Mexico. Alongside attracting a host of new high-profile clients, Eight Engines supports its local community by producing free films for charities and providing younger employees with opportunities to lead projects.

At the heart of the company’s journey is founder Jack Leigh’s own story. Beginning his career as a runner in film and television, Jack witnessed the uncertainty and long hours that often define the sector. These experiences motivated him to build a business rooted in stability, cooperation, and empathy.

Jack’s partnership with his lifelong friend and creative collaborator, Rupert Grimshaw, adds another layer to Eight Engines’ distinctive culture. Friends since the age of two, their shared history continues to shape the agency’s creative voice. Jack humorously notes that working alongside Rupert still gives him the right to “fire” him—for giving him the nickname ‘Hobnob’ back in school—a light-hearted reminder of the camaraderie that defines the business.

As AI reshapes the creative industry and freelance work becomes increasingly uncertain, Eight Engines has chosen a different path—one grounded in people and purpose.
“AI is improving but often lacks soul,” Jack said. “We blend innovation with real human storytelling that connects and endures.”

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*For more information about Eight Engines and their work, visit their website or follow them on social media.*
https://www.businessmole.com/eight-engines-reaches-finals-in-gmcc-small-business-of-the-year-awards/