We’re pleased to have been named among Prolific North’s Independent Agencies to Watch for 2026.
The annual list shines a light on 15 ambitious independent agencies across the North that are making an impact through their growth, creativity or approach as an employer.
For us, the recognition means a lot because it reflects what we’ve been building at Duo since launching in Manchester in 2022: a different kind of PR and communications agency.
We deliberately don’t operate with lots of layers or a large permanent headcount. Instead, clients work directly with experienced consultants – typically people who have previously been PR agency directors, heads of communications or senior corporate affairs professionals. Our core team is supported by a wider network of specialists who can be brought in depending on what each client needs or the sector in which they operate.
That model has allowed us to grow while staying true to the way we want to work. Our turnover grew in our last financial year with our client base now spanning ambitious UK businesses and international companies entering and expanding in the UK.
Prolific North highlighted our growth, but also something we’re equally proud of: creating more consistent work and security for our network of self-employed senior consultants, without taking away the flexibility the model was designed to provide.
Four years in, we’re still relatively early in Duo’s journey. Our aim as we grow is therefore pretty simple: keep hold of the things that have got us this far – senior expertise, close client relationships, flexibility and a straightforward focus on communications work that makes a commercial difference.
It’s great to see that approach recognised alongside a mixture of other brilliant independent agencies from across the North.
Read Prolific North’s full Independent Agencies to Watch 2026 list here.
Image credit: Prolific North
