A Black Country business has marked its 16th anniversary after starting out with just £80 in the bank.

Eighty3Creative, a full-service marketing and design agency, was founded by best friends Amie Whale and Craig Slater in 2008.

They started the business after being rejected for a bank loan.

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The duo invested £80 of their own money and by the end of the first year, had generated £80,000 in revenue.

Ms Whale, co-founder of Eighty3Creative, said: "We knew we had something special.

"The rejection from the bank just fuelled our determination.

"It wasn’t just about proving them wrong; it was about showing ourselves what we could achieve."

Over the years, the company has grown into a full-service creative agency, offering branding, graphic design, digital marketing, and web development.

They have worked with clients in various sectors across the Midlands, including manufacturing, medical, renewable energy, and construction.

Mr Slater said: "One of our strengths has always been understanding our clients’ needs.

"We’re local people working with local businesses of all sizes, from startups to established brands, and our approach has always been the same: listen, collaborate, and deliver results."

The agency has adapted to the evolving industry, embracing new tools and approaches to stay relevant.

Ms Whale said: "When we started, print media was still a big deal.

"Now, everything is digital.

"We’ve had to evolve with the times, learning new tools and approaches along the way."

The company is now looking forward to a bright future, expanding its services and taking on new clients.

They plan on partnering with businesses that need a full-service solution but lack confidence in marketing their own brand.

Ms Whale said: "Our aim is to get Black Country businesses working with other Black Country businesses.

"We believe in the strength of our community, and we know that when local businesses collaborate, everyone benefits."