Member Spotlight: Vicky Daly, Client Services Director, Start

Introduce yourself

I’m Vicky Daly, Client Services Director at Start. I’ve been working in PR and marketing for over 20 years now, starting out in London before returning to the North West about 15 years ago. Having worked in a number of agencies and a couple of in-house roles, I was really interested to join Start to launch a more flexible way of providing marcomms support. I’m half of the core senior team (alongside Rachel Chesters) that leads teams of curated creatives – our little black book of the very best specialist freelancers and agencies.

Start works with clients to develop and refine marketing strategies that deliver against business objectives, building marketing plans and creating comms content. We then handpick the perfect blend of specialists that supports tactical execution aligned to the client’s brief – the right people at the right time.

We’ve led many in-house teams in our previous roles too, and understand the importance of measurement and impact. We. work with our clients to supply the evidence and feedback they need to understand how Start’s support is contributing to the objectives and growth of their organisation.

Career highlight

I’ve been most proud of the campaigns where my work has led to a measurable improvement to people’s lives. A highly targeted campaign that increased patient referrals from a hard-to reach patient population in Wigan; getting Greater Manchester businesses to pull together to raise funds for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity; and taking Chris Packham around primary schools to build nature spaces for local children would be some of my favourites. I like a well-thought out campaign that helps to make the world that bit better.

Name three words that describe your personality

Curious, grounded, empathetic.

What’s the best thing about pro-manchester?

The events give people in the city region a brilliant platform to show off their expertise in and passion for their line of work – I love seeing and meeting smart, enthusiastic pros, always learning something new.

What are your priorities for 2026?

There’s only a few months of the year left so we’re already looking to 2027! Next year is going to be a huge year for the city region: The G20, Tour de France Femmes, construction of the Manchester Digital Campus… the list goes on. It feels like the spotlight is going to be firmly turned in our direction and I want to make sure that my clients can be a part of the narrative wherever possible.

What do you think are the most important things going on in Manchester at the moment?

I think seeing how our new Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig is settling in and providing her own direction is really important. We’re also in the unique situation of seeing our previous mayor now take charge of the whole country, which is an incredible opportunity for the city. For example, it’s been so heartwarming to see Andy Burnham reiterate his commitment to ending rough sleeping in his maiden speech as PM and later at party conference – that amazing work being done in Manchester is now being rolled out at a national level.

We’re already seeing that this closer scrutiny of what’s going on in Manchester is creating new demands, but the professional community here is more than equipped to meet them.

Favourite meeting place in Manchester

We’re completely spoiled for choice in this city, of course. If I want to have a quick catch-up with a client then Haunt is brilliantly located and does really great coffee – although our office in Department Campfield is a really cool, welcoming space too. For evening drinks, nothing beats a cocktail at Schofield’s.

Are there any particular types of businesses that you would like to meet?

Businesses who have a clear idea of where they want to get to, but don’t yet have a comms plan that can support them in getting there! I’ve planned and driven comms in most sectors, but I find it particularly rewarding working with businesses in the healthcare and education spaces.

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

LinkedIn: /vickydaly