Smoking Gun has won the national PR brief for Arriva Buses.
The Manchester agency secured the account having worked for Arriva in the North West and Southern Counties last year.
It will handle media relations, leading national campaigns to be executed across UK regions, as well as supporting stakeholder relations, crisis management and internal communications strategies.
Arriva is one of the largest bus and train transport services organisations in Europe, employing some 34,000 people.
Rick Guttridge, managing director of Smoking Gun, said: “The win is testament to the wealth of travel comms expertise in the agency, and the team’s dedication to drive forward impactful results which build business momentum for client organisations.
“2018 has started in bumper fashion with retainer fees up by 20% year on year and ambitious growth plans in place.”
Julie Linforth, marketing director for Arriva Bus UK, said: “Smoking Gun’s energy and vision for our work has resulted in outstanding results in the North West and Southern Counties. We have been pushed out of our comfort zone, and seen a positive shift in brand sentiment thanks to a creative, brave and highly strategic approach.”
The agency has recently picked up other accounts including Willerby holiday homes, Panda liquorice and Nutrabolt.
