Discover the dynamic and expansive world of THG Studios, a creative giant nestled near Manchester Airport, driving innovation both for in-house and global brands.
- THG Studios is at the heart of a £2 billion enterprise and spans a 1 million square foot campus.
- For nearly two decades, THG Studios has been instrumental in building the brand identities of Myprotein, ESPA, and LOOKFANTASTIC.
- The studios have embraced opportunities beyond their brands, offering creative services to international giants like Disney and Sky Bet.
- The team of 350 creative professionals has earned THG Studios a spot as the fifth largest integrated agency in the North.
THG Studios, part of a sprawling campus near Manchester Airport, stands as a cornerstone of creativity. This 1 million square foot campus is home to THG’s colossal operations, with THG Studios at its core. At 160,000 square feet, THG Studios is one of the largest creative spaces in Europe, fulfilling THG’s need for both in-house and global brand development.
For almost 17 years, THG Studios has been key to the growth of THG’s brands, including Myprotein and LOOKFANTASTIC. Jo Jeffers, Head of Strategy, highlights the strategic shift where THG transformed its cost centers into profit engines. This shift was accelerated by acquiring Hangar Seven and leveraging its capabilities to expand its clientele to include Disney and Asda.
Walking through THG Studios reveals a setup designed for ambition, from high-end TV commercials to quick content production. Its unique position near Manchester Airport attracts high-profile visitors; Gary Neville’s podcast, The Overlap, even films here. Notably, Annie Leibowitz once photographed Cristiano Ronaldo for Louis Vuitton’s famous chess campaign on-site.
THG Studios celebrated major projects in 2024 with the Disney Store and Myprotein rebrands. These projects showcased THG’s ability to handle complex, global initiatives. Jo Jeffers explains that the Myprotein rebrand aimed to transition from a traditional gym aesthetic to a holistic wellness brand, appealing to a broader audience while maintaining its original base.
A focus on internal growth and talent development is intrinsic to THG Studios’ culture. Jeffers notes that many team members have progressed from junior roles to senior positions, underscoring a commitment to career advancement. Partnerships with local educational institutions further strengthen the talent pipeline, evidenced by recent promotions, including a barista moving to a Studio Assistant role.
The interplay of AI and traditional creativity is a topic of interest at THG Studios. Jeffers acknowledges AI as an adjunct to human creativity, assisting in lower-level tasks but emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of human insight for higher-end projects. ‘AI will help, but creativity and ideas remain central,’ Jeffers says.
The THG mentality drives a proactive approach to growth, permeating every department’s ethos. This mindset is evident in their strategic ambitions, from winning major advertising accounts to exploring original content creation, positioning them alongside industry heavyweights.
As THG Studios continues to garner recognition, their vision remains focused on delivering high-quality creative projects and capturing more significant market opportunities. Jeffers sees the potential as limitless, aspiring for more awards and industry acknowledgment.
THG Studios stands as a beacon of innovative creativity, consistently advancing its capabilities and influence on a global stage.
