Insight from a Manchester PR agency

Manchester has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most creative, ambitious and entrepreneurial cities. It is home to a thriving PR and communications industry, leading media organisations in MediaCityUK, and a fast-growing community of innovative brands and agencies.

Unhooked Communications began life as a Manchester PR agency, and although our team is across the UK and Europe, many of our senior PR consultants are still proudly based in Greater Manchester, from Stockport to Salford. With exceptional universities, national media connections, and a collaborative business culture, Manchester continues to be one of the best places in the UK to build a successful PR career.

Here, some members of our team share what they love most about working in PR in Manchester.

I started my PR career in Manchester, and it was the best foundation I could have asked for. The city is packed with brilliant agencies, ambitious brands, supportive networks and world-class media right on the doorstep.

When I launched Unhooked Communications, the Manchester ecosystem played a huge part in our growth. From the NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator in Spinningfields to support from organisations like the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub and Turing Innovation Centre, the city champions innovation and entrepreneurship.

I’m proud that I’ve been able to deliver training and workshops with local universities such as the University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as regional events such as BlogOn and Google Digital Garage. Some of our proudest achievements, including securing Innovate UK funding for our PR evaluation platform, are rooted in Manchester’s collaborative business community.

I have built lasting relationships, developed exciting projects and seen first-hand how supportive, energetic and forward-thinking this city is. Manchester will always feel like home for our agency.

I started my career in Manchester’s Northern Quarter during the festive season, when the city was buzzing. I quickly realised that momentum never stops here. Manchester is a year-round hub of networking, creativity and opportunity.

With so many PR professionals and media contacts close by, you build strong relationships fast. It is common to form genuine friendships with people from other agencies who are happy to share leads and advice. The media landscape in Salford Quays adds to the energy, and you are only ever a tram ride away from BBC and ITV journalists.

Manchester is a place where everyone knows everyone, especially in PR. I still collaborate with contacts I made in my first job over 15 years ago. People genuinely want each other to succeed and will happily make introductions and recommendations.

The region offers a rich mix of clients, from exciting start-ups to global organisations. Manchester has grown rapidly, and the surrounding towns are thriving too. I live in Stockport and it has the same buzz I felt when I first moved here.

There is a misconception that only London agencies land the biggest briefs. Manchester proves otherwise. The city attracts major brands and global companies looking for fresh thinking and strong communications expertise.

Its energy, international reputation and excellent transport links make Manchester a powerhouse for ambitious PR talent and progressive briefs.

Having worked as a journalist across North West papers, Manchester has always felt like the heart of the region’s media and communications scene. The creativity, pace and down-to-earth attitude make it an inspiring place to work.

Moving into PR here was a natural step, especially with so many strong media connections and innovative businesses based in the city.

Working in PR in Manchester was brilliant. The city is electric with big-brand opportunities, creative thinking and talented people.

With a thriving media scene, diverse clients and an incredibly supportive professional community, Manchester is one of the best places in the UK to build a PR career.