In the wake of expanding its team and client portfolio earlier this year, Manchester-based research firm The Insights Family has officially set up a division called TIF Labs that will explore new partnerships, tech innovations and potential acquisitions. 

Company founder Nick Richardson (pictured) will head it up as CEO. Under his leadership, Insights has achieved triple-digit revenue growth over the last five years and is now earning in excess of US$5 million (£4 million) a year and operating across 22 countries. 

The firm has had a growth-fueled year so far, buoyed by a US$7.1-million (£5.6-million) investment round announced in January that was led by UK-based capital investor BGF. It also added Crunchyroll and The Roald Dahl Story Company to its client roster in August, and then hired Adam Woodgate (VP of research solutions) and Jack Day (global strategic account director) in the fall.