Leaders from across the North’s PR, marketing and media community have paid tribute to ‘inspirational’ Carousel PR co-founder Jen Higgins who has died in an ‘unthinkable tragedy’ in Manchester.
The 49-year-old was killed by a falling tree branch in Barlow Moor Road, West Didsbury, on August 30.
Dozens of messages have poured in on LinkedIn led by prominent voices from Brazen PR, The Hoffman Agency and Reach plc with friends, clients and peers remembering a “powerhouse” leader known for her kindness, warmth and drive.
Former Lad Bible managing editor Simon Binns, who is now head of content development at GOV.UK, wrote: “Jen was amazing. Lucky to count her and Gawen as friends. Generous, kind, funny, smart, feisty. Jen was just great to be around and she’ll be so missed. Jen and Gawen built an amazing business with a team just as lovely. Thoughts with them all x.”
Emily Heward, Head of What’s On at Manchester Evening News publisher Reach plc, wrote: “Absolutely awful news, thoughts with the whole Carousel team and especially Gawen. An unthinkable tragedy.”
Jane Hector-Jones, Brand Partnerships & Sponsorship Director at Manchester’s Factory International, wrote: “Jen was a powerhouse, and a lovely lovely person.”
Caroline Eardley, Managing Partner at Full Volume PR, described the death as ‘truly shocking.’ “This is just tragic and so sad,” she posted. “Jen was an absolute grafter and a really nice person. She’s left a fantastic legacy with Carousel, my thoughts are with the team there and of course with Gawen and her family. Truly shocking and awful news.”
Sasha Makel, MD at Brazen PR, said: “Such tragic news 💔 my thoughts go out to Gawen, her family and team 🙏🏼”
Chris Owen, Executive Vice President, UK, The Hoffman Agency: “What devastating news – thoughts with the family and everyone at Carousel.”
Guy Keeble, Business Development Director at Reach plc, described Jen as a ‘constant ray of positivity’ and an ‘inspiration in business and a pleasure to be around socially. He added: “Impossible to comprehend the heartbreak. 💔”
Katie Allen, Vice President of Strategy & Communications at LBMG, wrote: “Such shocking and awful news. Jen was one of the best. Talented, supportive, funny, and a truly brilliant leader. Jen’s will be so so missed. My love and thoughts go out to Gawen, Jen’s family and friends, and all the brilliant people at Carousel 💔.”
Dan Södergren, TEDx keynote speaker and author, said he was ‘sending my love to her friends, family and work colleagues.’ He added: “We forget how fragile life can be.”
Andrew Laughton, former senior executive at MGA Entertainment, said: “So shocking Jen was such a fantastic and enthusiastic human being. Remember working with her while I was running MGA Entertainment. Thoughts go out to Gawen the family and everyone at Carousel.”
Will Orchard, Marketing Project Manager, ASM Global (UK & Europe), described Jen as a ‘pleasure to work with’ and BusinessCloud executive editor Chris Maguire posted a broken heart emoji.
Additional messages echoed the shock and admiration for Higgins’ leadership and the culture she built at Carousel.
Nina Sawetz, Founder & MD, Future said: “I’ve only ever heard good things about carousel and that would only be because of Jen’s leadership and kindness. Such awful news.”
Michelle Mullany said ‘Jen was kind, thoughtful and down to earth’ and Lindsay Jones said the news was ‘utterly heartbreaking’.
Higgins co-founded Carousel with her husband Gawen Higgins in 2011, growing it to more than 20 staff and working with brands including The Entertainer, Legoland, Accurist, Manchester’s Printworks and The Lowry Outlet Mall. Earlier this year, Carousel won the Watches of Switzerland account.
Flowers have been left at the scene. A note from Carousel colleagues was also left at the scene saying: “Thank you for always being our inspiration. We will miss you dearly. Love from, Your Team xxx”
An inquest into Jen’s death is due to open at Manchester Coroners’ Court on September 23.
