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Media Companies in Manchester: 3,300+ Active Firms (2026)
Media companies in Manchester produce, publish and monetise editorial, audio-visual and digital content across the city-region.
Buying centres tend to sit in editorial commissioning, brand and agency budgets, rights and licensing teams, and in-house communications functions. Customers range from local SMEs needing campaign or production capacity to national publishers, broadcasters and corporate teams buying specialist content, audience access or rights support. Engagements often look like one-off production briefs, rolling retainers, advertising packages, subscription relationships or licensing deals, rather than the long enterprise procurement cycles seen in regulated software or infrastructure markets.
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Manchester has 3,382 actively trading media companies, giving the city-region a sizeable base of publishers, production businesses, content studios and commercial media services. Reported employment across the cohort totals 1,309 people, which points to a market with many owner-managed or small-team operators alongside a narrower band of employers with larger payrolls. The shape is consistent with a sector where project work, freelance-heavy delivery and audience monetisation sit alongside more conventional salaried media operations.
Regulatory exposure depends heavily on the activity being carried out. Editorial publishers face defamation, privacy and copyright risk; digital audience businesses need workable consent, retention and profiling controls under GDPR and the ICO’s privacy regime; and advertising-funded operators have to manage campaign substantiation, labelling and complaints risk. Broadcast and audio-visual work adds content standards, rights clearance and contributor-release obligations. For researchers, the main market-structure point is that compliance burdens are uneven: a specialist production studio and a subscription publisher may both sit in media, but their legal and operational risk profiles differ.
Manchester’s media base appears likely to remain fragmented, with specialist production teams, publishers and communications-led operators serving different buyer budgets. Scale-up scarcity is not unusual in this kind of market, because project revenue can be lumpy and many firms keep headcount deliberately lean. Subscription and rights-led models tend to offer more repeatable income than campaign production, while advertising-funded businesses remain more exposed to client spending cycles. Consolidation is plausible where buyers want bundled production, audience access and commercial support, but independents should continue to occupy defensible niches around format expertise, local knowledge and specialist vertical audiences.
3,382
Active firms
2026
8
Above £5M
revenue band
873
Newer firms
incorporated since 2022
Key facts
About 1% of the trading cohort reports turnover above £5M (8 of 3,382 firms) — the rest sits below that revenue band.
25% of the cohort was incorporated since 2022 (873 firms), so a sizeable share is in its first few filing cycles.
Manchester media firms span editorial publishing, audio-visual production and digital content monetisation across the city-region.
Buyer qualification tends to differ by model: content owners sell rights and audiences, while commissioned producers sell project delivery.
Digital publishers and production businesses often monetise through advertising, subscriptions, licensing or client-funded content.
Sales research usually needs to separate owner-managed publishers, project-based production businesses and larger content operators rather than treating media as one buyer type.
Top Manchester media companies
MCR Finest Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsOperates an online city guide and media platform publishing articles, guides and event listings about restaurants, bars, culture and activities in Manchester, and offering business listings,…
Sells primarily to consumers, including Manchester locals and visitors, seeking restaurants, bars, events and leisure activities in the city. Also serves local hospitality, entertainment and…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 24% CAGR over 3y
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsOperates a portfolio of digital media and publishing brands producing online content across entertainment, gaming, technology, automotive, sports, travel and lifestyle. Generates revenue through…
Serves a mix of B2B advertisers and brand partners targeting digital audiences, plus consumers who read and watch content across entertainment, gaming, technology, automotive, travel, sports and…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 81% CAGR over 2y
Location
Saffron Cherry Productions Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces television programmes, films and digital short‑form content across scripted and non‑scripted genres including drama, factual, comedy and children’s programming. Develops and adapts…
Serves broadcasters, streaming platforms, distributors and production partners in the UK and internationally, across scripted and non-scripted TV, film, children’s, factual, comedy and digital…
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 14% CAGR over 4y
Location
CARCANET PRESS LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsIndependent book publisher specialising in poetry, literary fiction and criticism. Publishes print and audiobooks, manages an author catalogue, sells titles online, and produces literary content…
Sells to poetry and literary readers, bookshops and trade buyers, libraries, academic institutions, and organisations seeking rights or permissions.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Mediapro Audiovisual UK Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides audiovisual production and broadcast media services, including creation of film and television content, management of sports and media rights, operation of TV channels and platforms, and…
Serves B2B customers in the audiovisual sector: broadcasters, streaming and digital platforms, content producers, rights holders and organisations commissioning audiovisual or multi-channel projects…
Financial Health
StableStable · -13% CAGR over 4y
Location
GAYDIO BRIGHTON LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2019–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates an LGBTQ+ focused radio station broadcasting music, talk shows and mix shows via FM, DAB and online streaming. Produces podcasts, presenter-led programmes and community content, and offers…
Serves LGBTQ+ listeners across the UK and advertisers or businesses seeking to reach LGBTQ+ audiences, with local station options for major UK cities.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 3% CAGR over 5y
Location
CRECY PUBLISHING LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsPublishes books and reference titles on aviation, railways, road transport and military history. Produces hardback and paperback works, guides, atlases and periodicals through multiple imprints and…
Sells to consumers and specialist readers interested in aviation, railways, road transport and military history, including enthusiasts seeking reference books, atlases, markings guides and historical…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
OPENSPAN LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsPublishes a technology news magazine and online information service for the social housing sector, producing market research reports, organising industry conferences and events, and operating a…
Serves the UK social housing sector, including housing associations, local authority housing teams, senior managers and IT/digital transformation professionals, plus technology suppliers targeting…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -68% CAGR over 4y
Location
KOMI HOLDINGS LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsOperates a digital media publishing business that owns and manages online content brands, producing and distributing digital media to large social and online audiences, and working with creators and…
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
THE JEWISH TELEGRAPH LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsPublishes a Jewish community newspaper providing news, commentary, features and community announcements, distributed in several regional editions and covering religious, cultural and local issues…
Serves Jewish readers, families and community organisations in Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow, alongside advertisers seeking to reach regional Jewish communities in the UK.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -5% CAGR over 4y
Location
CREATIVE TOURIST LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates an online arts and culture guide publishing articles, listings and recommendations for events, exhibitions, music, theatre, food and local attractions. Curates guides and “what’s on”…
Serves consumers, residents and visitors interested in arts, culture, food, drink, events and neighbourhood experiences in Manchester and the North.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 54% CAGR over 4y
Location
CROWD NETWORK LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops, produces and distributes original and branded audio content, primarily podcasts. Works with sports organisations and commercial brands to create podcast series and related audio, video and…
Serves B2B brand and marketing teams, especially sports-related brands and rights holders, seeking to reach engaged audiences through audio, video and social media content partnerships.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -60% CAGR over 4y
Location
Title Role Productions Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces television programmes and podcast content. Develops and produces TV series and branded media for broadcasters and commercial partners, and provides production facilities and related services…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 4% CAGR over 4y
Location
SHIGGLE BETWORK LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides an interactive media and audience engagement platform for broadcasters, sports organisations, publishers and creators. Enables real-time polls, user-generated content, social media…
Serves broadcasters, sports organisations, publishers, entertainment companies, creators, gaming businesses, and brands/agencies with fan-based digital audiences.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 45% CAGR over 4y
Location
PASSION LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDistributes television programmes and formats to international broadcasters and platforms. Catalogue includes factual, documentary, entertainment, and reality series, as well as crime and history…
Serves broadcasters, streaming platforms, and TV acquisition or commissioning teams buying factual, documentary, crime, entertainment and format programming for international markets.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
HIKOKI PUBLICATIONS LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsPublishes and distributes specialist non‑fiction books on aviation, railways, road transport and military history, including aircraft and railway reference guides, historical studies, atlases and…
Sells to consumers and specialist book buyers interested in aviation, railways, road transport and military history, including enthusiasts, collectors, researchers and readers seeking transport…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · -29% CAGR over 2y
Location
By Gamers For Gamers Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2019–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates online media publications covering PC gaming, technology, lifestyle, food and outdoor topics, producing reviews, guides and consumer buying advice. Also develops web tools such as…
Serves global consumer audiences interested in PC gaming, technology, photography, food, health and outdoor lifestyles, plus digital publishers and content/analytics teams using SaaS tools.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 52% CAGR over 5y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates an online media platform publishing celebrity and entertainment news, articles, photos, and video content. Produces and distributes digital news coverage and related media, including…
Serves consumers seeking celebrity, entertainment, sports and hip hop news, photos and videos, alongside advertisers targeting that entertainment-news audience.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
Doodledo Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces video and animation content for advertising, marketing and broadcast, including TV commercials, brand films and campaign media. Provides creative development, production and related services…
Serves brands, agencies and organisations, including consumer brands, property firms, sports bodies, charities and public-sector or regional initiatives.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
Video Ink Productions Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces video content for brands, agencies and artists, including brand films, social media videos, music videos and promotional campaigns. Provides videography, creative direction and full…
Serves B2B brands, creative agencies and creators, including fashion, tech, fitness and wellness marketers, plus music artists and labels, across Manchester, the UK and Europe.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Finest Media Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProduces video content for brands and organisations including product films, brand videos, documentaries, social media videos and advertising. Provides concept development, strategy, filming,…
Serves marketing and communications teams at brands and organisations, including restaurants, outdoor clothing and technology manufacturers, property developers, city/tourism bodies, retailers and…
Financial Health
DistressedDistressed · 0% CAGR over 3y
Location
NORTH BRIDGE MEDIA SERVICES LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsDevelops and produces content for television, audio, stage and live entertainment. Works with writers, producers and rights holders on idea development, scripting, pitching and production, and…
Serves writers, creators, IP holders, agents, producers and platforms developing screen, stage, audio and live projects, particularly in comedy, drama and entertainment.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Profitable, Growing, Hiring · 30% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides record label, music publishing and digital music distribution services. Works with artists to release and promote recordings, manage publishing rights, and distribute music to streaming…
Serves emerging and established recording artists, songwriters and music talent across genres worldwide, alongside music companies seeking partnerships.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 3% CAGR over 4y
Location
Versa Studios Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates TV and film studio facilities providing stages, broadcast studios, backlots and production support for scripted, unscripted and live productions. Offers production offices, dressing rooms,…
Serves TV and film production companies, broadcasters, commercial producers, live event teams, gaming studios and VFX/immersive media clients needing studio facilities for scripted, unscripted, live…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 48% CAGR over 4y
Location
VEGA CONTENT, DIGITAL & MEDIA LIMITED
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProvides digital content and multimedia production services, including video production, audio editing, graphic design, animation, and illustration. Also offers content localisation and on‑demand…
Targets businesses and brand teams that outsource creative content work, including marketing, media and product teams needing multilingual assets for international audiences.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 37% CAGR over 3y
Location
AZoNetwork UK Ltd
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides digital marketing services focused on scientific and technical sectors. Operates online publishing platforms and delivers content marketing, email campaigns, webinars, SEO, display…
Serves B2B marketing teams and commercial leaders at scientific, engineering, medical, life sciences, materials, technology, and industrial companies seeking to reach researchers, clinicians,…
Financial Health
StableStable · -5% CAGR over 2y
Location
Melodic Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates an independent record label that signs and promotes music artists, releases albums and singles, distributes physical and digital recordings, and sells records and related merchandise through…
Sells primarily to consumers: music fans and record collectors buying independent artist releases and merchandise online, with shipping information for UK and EU customers.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 6% CAGR over 4y
Location
Heist Or Hit Ltd
Trajectory
4y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsOperates an independent record label and artist management business. Signs and develops music artists, releases singles and EPs, distributes recordings, publishes music videos, and sells music and…
Targets indie/alternative music fans and record buyers following its artist roster, plus emerging bands seeking independent label or management support. Audience is framed as worldwide, with…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 44% CAGR over 3y
Location
Redbricks Media Ltd
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProduces digital media and video content for organisations, focusing on storytelling for online platforms, campaigns and branded communications, including concept development, filming, editing and…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · Hiring · 43% CAGR over 1y
Location
Trajectory
2y · 2024–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsDevelops an interactive media platform that enables broadcasters, sports organisations and content creators to integrate real‑time data, social media and user‑generated content into live streams and…
Serves B2B media and entertainment customers, including broadcasters, sports organisations, publishers, creators, gaming companies, brands and agencies seeking to engage and monetise fan audiences.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 64% CAGR over 1y
Location
MNMG LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsOperates an online personal finance information website providing articles, comparisons and listings of financial products including current accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, personal loans…
Serves UK consumers researching personal finance products, including current accounts, savings, loans, credit cards and mortgages; also addresses banks, building societies and credit card providers…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 2y
Location
AD DYNAMO UK LIMITED
Trajectory
2y · 2019–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 2 filingsProvides digital media sales representation for online platforms including Twitter, Spotify, Snapchat, TikTok and Pinterest, selling advertising inventory to brands and agencies and supporting…
Sells to brands and advertising teams targeting digitally connected consumers across Africa, with emphasis on markets such as South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 1y
Location
Sugar Free TV Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides production services for film, television and commercial shoots, including budgeting, research, location scouting, casting, scheduling and crew coordination. Also supports stills and video…
Serves production companies, advertising agencies and brand marketing teams commissioning TV, film, commercial, stills and content shoots across the UK, including global consumer brands and creative…
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
TheGallery.com Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates a music and creative production facility offering recording studios, audio production, video and podcast studios, and auditorium space. Provides office workspace for record labels, media…
Serves musicians, recording artists, record labels and creative businesses, including video production, social media, PR, marketing and software teams seeking studio, office or project space.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 20% CAGR over 5y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates talent management and entertainment services, representing music producers and artists. Provides music production, recording, mixing and studio services, and develops partnerships and studio…
Serves recording artists, rappers, pop acts, record labels and entertainment partners across the UK and worldwide, particularly in UK rap and pop music.
Financial Health
StableStable · -65% CAGR over 4y
Location
Material Source Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates an online platform and physical studios that showcase building materials, interior products and design projects for architects, interior designers and makers. Publishes editorial content and…
Serves architects, interior designers and makers working across workplace, hospitality, residential, healthcare, retail, public-sector and education projects.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 46% CAGR over 4y
Location
Gondwana Records Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates an independent record label releasing and promoting music from contemporary artists. Distributes albums and tracks digitally and on physical formats, and sells artist merchandise through an…
Sells to consumers on Bandcamp, including listeners, fans and collectors of independent multi-genre music, with interest in contemporary jazz, ambient, classical and eclectic releases, plus related…
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Growing, Hiring · 32% CAGR over 4y
Location
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowProduces and composes original music across genres, providing songwriting, studio production, and remixes for artists and media. Creates tracks used in film, television, advertising, and digital…
Serves brands, broadcasters, film/TV and game advertisers, music publishers, international artists and management companies seeking production music and commercial tracks for digital, radio and…
Financial Health
Insufficient historyInsufficient history
Location
Trajectory
3y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides digital media sales representation for online platforms including Twitter, Spotify, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest and Taboola, selling advertising inventory to brands and agencies and…
Serves B2B advertisers, brands and media buyers seeking access to digital audiences across Africa, with emphasis on markets such as South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Tanzania.
Financial Health
StrongStrong
Location
UNI4M MEDIA LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides social media and digital marketing services, including social media management, brand strategy, content creation, copywriting, and production of photo, video, and graphic design content for…
Serves businesses and brands of varying sizes that want support with their public identity, audience engagement, and social media presence, especially organisations with products or customer…
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Hiring · 38% CAGR over 5y
Location
Trajectory
4y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 4 filingsProduces and promotes live comedy shows, tours and festival performances. Represents a roster of comedians and performers, arranging ticketed events, festival appearances, and bookings for corporate…
Serves live comedy audiences buying tour tickets, festival organisers and venues, and corporate clients seeking keynote speakers, with UK tours and international festival appearances.
Financial Health
StableStable
Location
Airtight Productions Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsOperates music recording studios offering audio recording for bands, musicians and spoken word, voice‑over and podcast production, mixing and mastering, soundtrack and jingle production for film, TV…
Serves musicians, bands, singers, spoken-word artists, podcasters, voiceover clients and audio professionals, plus film, TV, advertising, interactive media and game producers.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
Genre Music Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides music consultancy and programming for brands, supplying DJs, live performers and curated playlists. Manages DJ residencies, guest bookings and music strategy for restaurants, bars, hotels,…
Serves international brands in the restaurant, bar, hotel, retail and wellness sectors, targeting operators and brand teams managing music-led venue and customer experiences.
Financial Health
StableStable · 0% CAGR over 5y
Location
Seventy7 Manchester Limited
Trajectory
3y · 2022–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsProvides commercial photography and video production, creative design, digital marketing, and web services. Produces branded visual content, advertising imagery, marketing campaigns, and digital…
Serves businesses and brands needing creative, photography, video, web and digital marketing support, including retail, fashion, logistics and consumer goods companies. Targets brand and marketing…
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -8% CAGR over 2y
Location
QUIETUS MANAGEMENT LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides music artist management services, representing and managing the careers of recording artists and musicians. Oversees professional activities such as touring, releases, and commercial…
Serves established music artists and performers with international careers, particularly high-profile acts seeking long-term management representation.
Financial Health
WeakWeak · -64% CAGR over 4y
Location
Key Music Management Limited
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides artist management services for musicians, bands, composers and producers. Represents a roster of recording artists and oversees career development, industry representation, and coordination…
Serves recording artists, bands, producers and music projects seeking management representation in the global music industry.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · Growing · 0% CAGR over 4y
Location
ROYALE GRAPHICS LTD
Trajectory
5y · 2020–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProvides commercial printing and mailing services including business stationery, membership and plastic cards, integrated forms, labels, mailers, cheques, leaflets, brochures and large-format…
Serves UK businesses across industry sectors, including charities, associations and trusts, plus organisations needing business print, membership card, direct mail and labelling support.
Financial Health
StrongStrong · Hiring · 20% CAGR over 5y
Location
VOX MEDIA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
Trajectory
3y · 2023–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 3 filingsOperates digital media brands producing news, culture, technology, food, sports and lifestyle journalism. Publishes articles, video and podcasts, and provides advertising, branded content production,…
Serves advertisers, agencies and brand marketing teams seeking digital, podcast, social, video, print and event audiences across news, culture, sports, food, tech and lifestyle media.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 29% CAGR over 2y
Location
Salamanda Media Ltd
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces non‑scripted television programmes, specialising in talent‑led factual and factual entertainment formats. Develops and delivers TV content and programme formats for broadcasters and…
Serves TV commissioners, broadcasters and media platforms seeking non-scripted factual and factual entertainment formats for UK and international audiences.
Financial Health
StableStable · Hiring · 79% CAGR over 4y
Location
MACKINNON & SAUNDERS LIMITED
Trajectory
5y · 2021–NowFinancial sub-scores
Computed from 5 filingsProduces animated television programmes, pilots and commercials, and designs and builds puppets and character models for TV, feature films and advertising. Also creates 2D digital animation through…
Serves broadcasters, film and TV producers, media companies, and advertising agencies or brands commissioning animation, character puppets, pilots, series, feature films, and commercials.
Financial Health
HealthyHealthy · -62% CAGR over 4y
Location
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How Manchester media companies work and how to sell to them
What they do
Manchester media companies usually earn through a blend of project fees, retainers, advertising inventory, sponsorship, subscriptions, syndication, rights licensing and production services. The commercial shape varies by format: publishers monetise audiences and intellectual property, production businesses sell commissioned work, and communications-led operators sell capacity, creative direction and distribution support. Pricing is often brief-based or monthly, with margin tied to utilisation, freelance costs, channel mix and rights ownership. Repeat revenue tends to come from retained content services, membership products, recurring ad packages or licensing libraries rather than from one standard contract model.
Who they sell to
Most media firms sell into marketing, communications, editorial, commercial partnerships and procurement teams rather than a single buyer function. Local and regional operators often work directly with founders, managing directors or heads of marketing, while larger clients may involve brand managers, agency planners, media buyers, legal teams and finance approvers. Sales cycles are usually shorter for campaign, content and production work, especially when budgets are already allocated. Subscription, licensing and rights deals tend to involve more review, because buyers need usage terms, audience quality, exclusivity and renewal risk to be clear before signing.
What they buy
Most media firms tend to spend on tools and services that help them win briefs, produce content, manage rights, sell inventory and measure audience or campaign performance. Common categories include CRM, proposal software, project management, accounting, payroll, HR, content workflow, digital asset management, audience analytics, consent management, cyber security, cloud storage and collaboration tools. Production-led businesses may also buy freelance management, equipment hire, studio space, insurance and post-production support. Publishers and advertising-funded operators tend to care more about subscription management, ad operations, paywall tooling, research panels, attribution, email marketing and legal support around copyright and privacy.
Why and how to sell to them
Media buyers tend to evaluate suppliers when workload rises faster than internal capacity, a new commercial director joins, a subscription or advertising model is being rebuilt, or rights and privacy obligations start creating operational drag. Manchester firms with lean teams are often receptive to offers that reduce manual production admin, improve sales conversion, protect margin on project work or make audience reporting easier for clients. Outbound works better when it is tied to a visible trigger, such as hiring for commercial roles, launching a new format, expanding retained services or moving from founder-led selling to a more repeatable revenue process.
How this list is built
Data sources
This list is built from UK Companies House filings, XBRL accounts data, and semantic analysis of each company's public website. Revenue and headcount figures come from the most recent filed accounts; where the company has not filed, values are estimated using a model trained on filed history and peer benchmarks and are labelled as estimates.
Classification
Rather than relying solely on SIC codes, Firmbase classifies each company semantically: the company's website is crawled, an AI model reads what the company actually sells, and the company is placed into the relevant industry and subsectors. SIC codes are used as one signal but not the only one. This means a company that registered under a generic SIC code but pivoted into (for example) fintech is correctly identified as fintech, not as its original SIC category.
Freshness
The underlying company data is refreshed from Companies House continuously; filings appear in the list within days of submission. The curated list ordering is regenerated when the underlying data moves meaningfully (company count changes by more than 5%, a new company enters the top-ranked segment, or the filed-revenue numbers for the top firms change). You can see the last-updated timestamp near the top of the page.
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