Smoking Gun has appointed Lee Simpson as B2B senior account director. Lee is the latest strategic hire for the globally-renowned, multi-award winning marcomms agency as it looks set to close the year seeing record growth.  Formerly of Skout PR, where he headed up the agency’s tech practice, Lee is joining the agency to work with … Continued

Media, marketing and tech website Prolific North asked the leading lights of northern agencies for their thoughts and predictions for 2025. They sought out Caroline Aspinall, Smoking Gun’s commercial director and head of B2B, to get her expert take on the exciting times ahead in the PR industry in 2025. See the full article below: … Continued

Social media platforms remain at the forefront of communicating and reaching out to customers in 2025. They provide B2C brands unparalleled opportunities to engage with their audience, foster customer loyalty, and drive meaningful conversations. In 2025, a coherent, well-planned social strategy should not be seen as a competitive advantage—they’re now a necessity. But what sets … Continued

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how financial institutions and fintech companies manage their public relations. By harnessing data analytics, AI empowers organisations to produce more personalised messaging, streamline media outreach, and respond to evolving market conditions. Rather than relying on traditional tactics, brands that leverage AI can create precise, high-impact campaigns tailored to audience preferences. As … Continued

Smoking Gun has been appointed as the retained agency for University Academy 92 (UA92), a pioneering Manchester-based higher education institution. The strategic partnership marks a significant milestone for both the innovative educational brand and the award-winning PR agency. Co-founded by the legendary Class of ’92 and Lancaster University, UA92 has engaged Smoking Gun’s specialised B2B … Continued

Smoking Gun has been selected as the retained B2B PR partner for BWH Hotels, Great Britain’s largest group of independent hotels. The strategic partnership follows a highly competitive pitch process that showcased the agency’s exceptional media expertise in the travel and hospitality sectors. After a rigorous selection process, Smoking Gun distinguished itself through its unparalleled … Continued

In the fast-paced world of social media, TikTok has established itself as a formidable platform, immensely popular among Gen Z and millennials. This revolution has prompted B2C brands to shift focus towards influencer-driven strategies. Traditional advertising methods are waning, giving rise to an era where creativity and authentic engagement are paramount. TikTok’s short, engaging videos … Continued

TikTok has rapidly become a powerhouse platform for small businesses, particularly in the B2C space. Its unique algorithm and emphasis on video marketing make it a cornerstone for any successful B2C social media campaign. With over 1 billion active users globally as of 2024, it offers unparalleled opportunities for small businesses to connect with highly … Continued

Influencer marketing isn’t just for B2C brands. It’s a powerful way for B2B companies to build trust, increase brand awareness, and connect with niche audiences. B2B campaigns are different from B2C ones. B2C often uses celebrities, while B2B focuses on industry experts. These experts provide credibility and valuable insights. In this article, we’ll explore how … Continued

In today’s financial landscape, trust is both a fundamental requirement and a significant challenge. Financial institutions face growing scrutiny from the public, regulators, and stakeholders, making strategic public relations (PR) an essential tool to rebuild and maintain credibility. Financial PR strategies, rooted in transparency, consistency, and thought leadership, play a critical role in fostering trust … Continued

Media training has become indispensable for legal professionals in a world where perception can shape reality. Beyond legal expertise, lawyers must confidently and precisely navigate the scrutiny of press inquiries, courtroom coverage, and public statements. A well-prepared legal team can effectively manage media interactions, safeguarding reputations while reinforcing public trust. From solicitors to administrative staff, … Continued

You might think of digital PR and SEO as distant cousins – but they’re actually an important power couple. Two disciplines that complement each other to capture customer attention amongst the competitive algorithms of the digital world.  People live online, spending an average of 6.5 hours a day glued to their screens. So, to stay … Continued

If you’ve ever wondered how PR shifted from long, stuffy press releases to influencer product hauls on Instagram, then you’re already familiar with the dramatic changes in modern digital public relations. There’s been a seismic shift in the marketing world since the rise of the internet, evolving from traditional media comprising of print, radio and … Continued