Award winning Manchester PR agency
As well as our big thinking which leads to ingenious and effective ideas, our clients continually comment on the benefit of working directly with highly experienced senior professionals every day on their account.
Our core team of award winning PRs is supplemented by a virtual consultancy of experts in their field which allows us to flex the team to suit our workload and keep our costs competitive whilst still delivering a top-level service.
The network of our trusted associates at your disposal are highly experienced and bring complementary skills, ensuring all clients are only ever serviced by a team of the most highly trained experts with detailed knowledge of the industry.
With the latest technology all our clients and partners have access to shared information and databases from wherever they are in Europe. By making the most efficient use of time with the highest standard of collaboration we deliver the best results to your business.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to join the team, email a standout approach to jobs(at)smokinggunpr.co.uk
Meet the people
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Rick’s Story
Rick previously enjoyed spells in full-service agencies, was MD at major consumer specialist PR outfit and has led accounts on many major international brands. He is committed to continuous professional development and enjoys helping staff grow as much as seeing clients in the media.
Rick grew up with the media in his blood thanks to his Uncle Peter, an acclaimed writer. The obsession was confirmed whilst a paperboy, reading the sports section of every national between deliveries each weekend. This was the same time he showed his first entrepreneurial spark, taking on paper rounds for the Wigan Reporter, Leader and Observer papers covering his entire village, before sub-contracting school friends to work for him.
Later, Rick’s customer centric approach and business understanding was formed when working for major companies Whitbread, Georgia Pacific and Royal Mail.
After breaking into media by launching and editing JJ’s magazine for Wigan Athletic Rick faced a career crossroads when he was offered an agency PR role and a position as a football correspondent with the Wigan Evening Post. He chose PR and has never looked back.
His all time favourite story is Lord Of The Rings which he feels remains as captivating for him now as it was when he was a child.
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Vanessa’s Story
It was clear from a very early age that a vivid imagination and a love of people and company were central to Vanessa’s personality. Over the years these skills became turned into a flair for story telling, becoming the obvious basis for a future in communication.
Vanessa has worked at a variety of PR, event and integrated marketing agencies in addition to in-house marketing and PR roles after studying media production.
Whether dressing Coronation Street stars on the catwalk, running private parties at the homes of England’s international footballers or securing full-page features in national press, Vanessa’s friendly demeanor always comes to the fore.
Vanessa showed glimpses of her future career choice when taking on the task of organising her university leavers ball with her friend, in the process booking up and coming comic Peter Kay to headline the event for the princely sum of £250 with a rider consisting of several hotel mini bars worth of booze!
Vanessa’s chosen story is Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol (it does not pay to be mean, however everyone deserves a second chance)
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Jane’s Story
A fresh face on Manchester’s PR scene, with a refreshingly fearless approach to match, Jane’s experience speaks volumes. After eight years working alongside some of London’s brightest creative agencies, and dealing with brands ranging from Winalot to Mumm Champagne, she leaves an impressive trail of campaigns in her wake.
Jane’s interest in the media developed while studying the subject with Psychology at university. A month after her move to the Capital she played a part in organising Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit party, years of brand building roles across major FMCG clients soon followed. As did a journalist in a pumpkin, a pub for dogs and a Bond girl dressed in carrier bags.
More recently Jane has adopted an epicurean attitude towards her career. Her job- promoting Green & Black’s, Kettle Chips and several alcoholic drinks- was almost as enviable as the Alpine ski trips and Cornish surfing holidays that now punctuate her freelance work.
Jane’s favourite story is The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. With incredibly beautiful language befitting the most vivid of poems, you can feel Kerala spring up around you.
Jane Alcock
Associate
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Ben’s Story
Ben’s work in public relations is defined by variety. From commercial agencies to Liverpool University’s press office, the passion with which he approaches creative communication has never faltered.
Moving on from a BA in History Ben soon found himself in a work experience role at an integrated ad agency, and on a career path set to combine his love of writing, creativity and keen inter-personal skills. After working as an assistant on the Manchester Science Festival, a role that saw him perform ‘science busks’ on the street, this drive towards PR was firmly set on the road to Smoking Gun.
Ben’s book of choice is Casino Royale, but not simply because of the guns, girls and exotic locales. Ian Fleming’s mixologist approach to blending exciting stories with product placement is worthy of the drinks in the plot, and cocktail recipe at the end.
Ben Ormsby
Senior Account Executive
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Martin’s Story
An NCTJ, PTC and MA qualified writer with a strong national network of contacts, Martin brings to the team perfectly punctuated web and print copy, leading to efficient press penetration and increased brand recognition.
Prior to his accreditations Martin worked with Marks & Spencer handling supplier accounts. This early corporate experience honed his skill for dealing with clients on a one-to-one basis in environments where strong relationships are key to impressive results.
As well as writing for a host of national and international media titles, Martin has edited various websites and specialises in writing SEO rich copy- from press releases to web content.
Besides perfect prose, Martin has a passion for music and film and can regularly be found backstage at Britain’s biggest industry festivals.
Martin’s most captivating story is The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4. As precious to him today as when he was 14, it features all the things you think about at high school, but are too scared to tell anyone. Hilariously tragic and honest.
Martin Hewitt
Associate
