While most of the country was glued to the royal wedding wondering why we didn’t get an extra day off for Meghan and Harry’s nuptials, and relishing in May’s burst of good weather, here at Smoking Gun’s Manchester HQ we have been kept busy with our own diary dates, an expanding team and graduate recruitment scheme interviews..

One example would be the ABTA Advanced Travel Marketing Seminar which we sponsored, making for our second time working with the UK travel industry’s governing body. Held at The Hive in Manchester, the goal was to arm attendees with the latest insights into new digital channels, tools and techniques available to them, and by all accounts it was a huge success.

Deep diving into what makes different types of traveller audiences tick with @Kantar_Media #ABTAmarketing @ABTAevents pic.twitter.com/N36a8dmR24

— Smoking Gun Comms (@SmokingGunPR) May 24, 2018

Looking forward to hearing from all the speakers this morning at the @ABTAevents Advanced Travel Marketing Seminar at @studiovenues @Mariob515 @Kantar_Media @OtherLevels @Farina_Travlaw moderated by our own @RickGuttridge pic.twitter.com/a4wZjYzAQk — Smoking Gun Comms (@SmokingGunPR) May 24, 2018

This wasn’t the only returning favourite, either. Rhia Tudor has now joined Smoking Gun on a full-time basis after completing her internship at our wonderful agency, and graduating from university. A clear sign of commitment to staff, those looking for further evidence should check our graduate scheme. Candidates have now been shortlisted, meaning we’re onto the creative selection process. Good luck to all those in the running.

Whoever comes out on top will be joining a team bursting with talent, and one that has just expanded by way of two completely fresh arrivals. Victoria Gill and Carly Chell are our latest signings, and both bring several years of experience to further bolster this agency’s already well-established credentials.

Excellent news, not least as these new contracts mean the pair can look forward to enjoying BBQs on our roof terrace, indulging in flame-cooked meats and veg while overlooking the ever-changing skyline of our hometown. That’s when they’re not locked-into campaign work and coming up with headline-grabbing concepts on behalf of our beloved clients, of course. Speaking of which, it’s about time we did the same, so we’ll see you in June for the next update from here on Bridge Street.