Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Rick Guttridge is the Owner and CEO of Smoking Gun Agency, a leading public relations and communications firm based in Manchester, United Kingdom. He brings over two decades of industry experience, with a proven track record of driving strategic growth and delivering impactful campaigns for clients across a range of sectors.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Owner and CEO of Smoking Gun Agency since 2010, Rick is responsible for setting the overall vision and strategic direction of the firm. Under his leadership, the agency has established itself as a prominent player in the UK PR and communications landscape, attracting a diverse portfolio of high-profile clients and consistently delivering award-winning campaigns. Rick's hands-on approach and collaborative management style have fostered a dynamic, innovative team culture, enabling the agency to stay at the forefront of industry trends and evolving client needs.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Smoking Gun Agency, Rick held several key positions in the public relations and communications industry. He served as the Managing Director at Brazen from 2004 to 2009, where he led the agency's expansion and diversification into new service offerings. Earlier in his career, Rick gained valuable experience as an Account Manager at Connectpoint PR (Kin + Carta) and as a PR Assistant at Wigan Athletic FC.
Academic Background
Rick holds a Master's degree in Business Administration from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, as well as a Master's degree in Leadership from the School of Computing and Communications at Lancaster University. He also possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from The Manchester Metropolitan University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Writing from Sheffield Hallam University.
Areas of Expertise
Throughout his career, Rick has developed a deep understanding of the public relations and communications industry, with particular expertise in the following areas:
- Integrated communications strategy development
- Brand positioning and reputation management
- Crisis communications and issue management
- Digital and social media marketing
- Content creation and storytelling
- Influencer engagement and partnership activations
Professional Impact
Under Rick's leadership, Smoking Gun Agency has consistently been recognized for its outstanding work, earning numerous industry awards and accolades. The agency has been instrumental in driving impactful campaigns for a diverse range of clients, from local startups to global corporations, resulting in increased brand visibility, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and measurable business outcomes.
Conclusion
With his extensive industry experience, strong strategic vision, and proven leadership skills, Rick Guttridge is positioned to continue guiding Smoking Gun Agency's growth and solidifying its position as a leading PR and communications partner in the UK market. His commitment to delivering innovative, data-driven solutions and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture make him a valuable asset to both the agency and its clients.
