Agency consultancy Two Engines has entered into a strategic partnership with Manchester-based commercial intelligence startup Keeve as part of plans to introduce technology to its operational advisory services.
Under the agreement, Two Engines will deploy Keeve’s commercial intelligence software across its agency client base. The software platform is designed to identify operational gaps and improve profit margins within independent creative and marketing agencies. The deal represents Keeve’s first strategic partnership in the agency sector.
Two Engines was established earlier this year by industry figures Nick Hussey and Martin Corcoran. The consultancy provides advice across agency positioning, commercial strategy, operations, business development, and leadership.
Founded by Ralph Hardwick, Keeve provides real-time operational data covering scoping, pricing, budgeting, and financial reporting. The platform integrates with existing enterprise software, internal record systems, automated agents, and large language models without requiring clients to replace their current digital infrastructure.
Nick Hussey, co-founder of Two Engines, said: “I’ve spent decades looking at how agencies operate and where the gaps are. Keeve is something I’ve not seen before. It puts commercial intelligence into the hands of the people making decisions every day rather than leaving it buried in reports or dependent on the one person who happens to know how everything works. That is why I’m making Keeve part of the core infrastructure I recommend to my clients. I think it has the ability to change how agencies think about their commercial operations and protect their bottom line.”
The agreement comes as the broader agency sector assesses the impact of artificial intelligence tools on profit margins, client pricing structures, and traditional fee models.
Ralph Hardwick, founder of Keeve, said: “Nick has seen almost every version of the agency model there is and his reputation in the industry precedes him. Combining Keeve’s commercial intelligence brain with Nick’s operational experience gives us even more strength as we scale in the agency market. We’re bringing together technology that understands the commercial reality of a business with someone who has spent decades understanding how agencies actually operate.”
Keeve has also been named on the shortlist for Tech Startup of the Year (under five employees) at the 2026 Prolific North Tech Awards.
Regional commercial activity across Greater Manchester has seen an increase in funding and advisory frameworks tailored for technology and digital service firms. In recent developments across the regional ecosystem, North West early-stage ventures have secured capital allocations through regional funds to address operational scaling, reflecting a broader trend of digital services in Manchester building strategic links with specialist business consultancies.
Image source: LinkedIn
