Smoking Gun

Smoking Gun is a PR and social media agency based in Manchester. The agency was founded by Rick Guttridge, who is its CEO and has more than 25 years' experience in PR. Hayley Peters is Strategy Director, Sarah Twyman is Head of Consumer and Client Services Director, and Carly Chell is Social Media and Influencer Director. Smoking Gun operates a strategic planning division called The Intention Unit and uses a '6i Process' for communications strategy.

It has won nine AMEC Awards for effectiveness. The agency donates 1% of annual profits to a chosen charity each year and offers pro bono work and discounted rates for charities. Its clients include Philips, Alton Towers, Best Western Hotels, easyHotel, Blue Light Card, American Golf, Original Source, Swizzels, Marston's, Scenic Delamere, Sixteen Real Estate, Harley Haddow, Fergus brother, UA92, Panda, NWAS, Profitroom, Game, Jigsaw Finance, and KeyPlus.

Charity campaigns and fast-growing startups are among the projects that clients bring to this Manchester advertising and PR agency, and the feedback gathered from such engagements is consistently positive. Teams describe the specialists as an extension of their own staff, singling out two named individuals for their hands-on contribution and forward planning. A proactive and supportive manner comes up often, alongside a genuine interest in the success of the businesses being represented, whether through consumer PR, corporate communications, digital marketing or brand identity work.

Clients point to concrete outcomes including national press coverage, industry recognition and millions of impressions, and describe the effort as delivering clear commercial value. Accounts highlight how thoroughly the team gets to know a business and how carefully briefs are aligned with wider objectives before execution begins. A disciplined yet imaginative approach is another recurring theme, producing a steady flow of strong content and durable media relationships. A straightforward, no-nonsense style is also appreciated, as is a readiness to challenge assumptions and rethink established brands. Long-term partnerships feature often, with one charity noting that those involved became friends as well as professionals.