Manchester-based communications and PR agency Duo Consulting has been named Micro Business of the Year at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence Awards 2025.
The award recognises Duo’s role in supporting businesses scaling from Manchester and its contribution to redefining the traditional agency model.
Founded in 2022, the consultancy partners with both fast-growing UK firms and international businesses expanding into the UK. Its flexible structure brings together a network of senior consultants — each with board or agency-director-level experience — to deliver strategic communications without the overheads or hierarchy of a conventional agency.
Managing Director Daniel Sheridan said: “This award means a lot because it reflects what Duo is about – showing that a small, Manchester-headquartered team can deliver world-class results for ambitious UK and international clients. We’re proud to champion businesses scaling from this city and contribute to its growth story.”
The agency’s model has helped it secure work from major brands including Defaqto, SafetyCulture, Vypr, and Manchester Building Society, often competing successfully against larger London-based firms. Duo also works closely with local organisations promoting inward investment and is a member of both the Greater Manchester Chamber and the Australia-UK Chamber of Commerce.
The judges praised Duo for its innovation, resilience, and community impact – particularly its commitment to supporting Manchester-based clients and creating a model that allows consultants to balance client work with volunteering and personal commitments.
“Our model is built on trust and collaboration – both with clients and within our team,” added Sheridan. “We’ve proven that you don’t need to be a big agency to make a big impact.”
The Chamber’s 2025 Excellence Awards attracted a record number of entries, open to all organisations across the region – including its 4,000-plus member businesses.
