Endemol Shine North is to rebrand to become ‘Workerbee’ as the Manchester-based indie moves into larger premises and launches a Leeds based office, following the news of Channel 4’s HQ move to the city.
Speaking of the new identity Rick Murray, Workerbee Managing Director said: “It’s an exciting time for the business. We are growing, we are opening a new office in Leeds, we are expanding creatively, so now seems like the perfect time to launch our new identity.
Our new identity reflects the fact that we are incredibly proud to be from Manchester, the worker bee being a long held emblem of the city. However, we are increasingly a global business, making shows for platforms and broadcasters around the world, where the ‘North’ in our identity is less relevant”.
The new Leeds office, opening in the new year, will be headed by Executive Producer Darrell Brown and will focus on true crime and documentary output. In addition, the 70+ Manchester based team have moved into larger premises within Allied London’s new development Tower 12, located directly next to the growing media cluster at Enterprise City.
Kim Shillinglaw, Director of Factual at Endemol Shine UK said: “Endemol Shine North has gone from strength to strength. In the last year they’ve massively expanded the range of channels and platforms they work with, executing great ideas at competitive price points all with values and commitment customers really appreciate. With Michelle Chappell joining from Channel 4 as Creative Director, a new office opening in Leeds and an Emmy nomination, it feels like a great time to launch their new identity”.
Endemol Shine North, now Workerbee, has seen a +105% growth in commissioned hours over the past 12 months with 2019 set to be their biggest year to date. The past 12 months has seen the company launch 7 new titles across 6 different channels. Murdertown for C&I was the channel’s highest rated show for 5 years, Goblin Works Garage for Quest was the broadcaster’s highest rating new series in over three years and Big NHS Singalong Live was the company’s first, live, primetime commission. In addition, Ali A’s Superchargers for CBBC has recently been nominated for an International Emmy Kids Awards.
Jon Creamer
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