Influencer marketing agency opens following private investment

Bee Influence, which claims to be Manchester’s first dedicated influencer marketing agency, has opened.

The Robert Street-based venture has been backed by private investment.

Co-founders Mark Dandy and Viv Yau said: “We are so excited to be based in Manchester.

“Both being true Northerners, we realised there was an opportunity in the North West to offer clients the first dedicated influencer marketing agency up here.

“Hence why we wanted to name the company after the city’s most iconic symbol.”

They added: “With more brands now turning to online social influencers to support their marketing campaigns, influencer specialist agencies can really support brands in maximising their budgets and marketing impact.”

Mark Dandy has come from Manchester-based social media agency, Social Chain, after being an integral part of their influencer marketing team.

He has worked with global clients such as SkyBet, Amazon, Superdry, Pretty Little Thing and Boohoo.

Viv Yau brings a multi-disciplinary background in advertising from TBWA\Manchester, before moving to London to manage top influencers at Gleam Futures – part of the Dentsu Aegis network, and the agency that manages the likes of beauty vlogger Zoella; make-up duo Sam & Nic Chapman aka Pixiwoo sisters; and family influencers The Saccone Jolys.

She has worked with clients such as Estee Lauder, Nike,Deliveroo, Boots and LG.

In the short time that Bee Influence have been running, they have already worked with clients such as fashion brand I Saw It First, male fashion label Societe Noir, as well as boxing company, Ultimate Boxxer.

“There’s already been such a positive response from North West brands about our offering,” the pair said.