Jen Higgins led one of the Manchester’s biggest PR firms with her partner
16:02, 09 Sep 2025Updated 18:17, 09 Sep 2025
Jen Higgins(Image: Carousel PR)
A woman killed by a falling tree branch in south Manchester has been named as Jen Higgins. The 49-year-old was the founder and joint managing director of PR firm Carousel.
Officers attended Barlow Moor Road, at the junction with Stanton Avenue, in West Didsbury on Saturday, August 30. Greater Manchester Police said a woman tragically died at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services.
Manchester Coroners’ Court has now confirmed a file relating to Jennifer Higgins’ death has been received. She was known as Jen professionally and to friends and family.
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Jen launched Northern Quarter-based firm Carousel in 2011. The company has worked with major local, national and international clients. She ran the business alongside husband Gawen Higgins, leading a team of more than 20 staff.
In a statement, Jen’s family said: “The family of Jen Higgins are heartbroken to confirm she lost her life in a sudden and tragic accident.
“She was a beloved wife, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, and aunt – a vibrant and supportive friend to many; and a dynamic and widely respected member of the Manchester business community.
Jen Higgins, founder of Carousel PR(Image: Greater Manchester Business Week)
“You will no doubt empathise with the deep and profound shock we are feeling at this moment and ask for privacy while we grieve. A further statement will be issued when we feel able.”
Jen’s biography on the Carousel website reads: “Multi-tasker extraordinaire with an enviable contact list and a love of social media, Jen strives to stay on top of new trends and communication channels and is more passionate than ever about the industry.
“A fan of live music and travel, Jen loves discovering new music and is lucky enough to be able to bring some of that passion into Carousel.”
An inquest into Jen’s death is due to open at Manchester Coroners’ Court on September 23. Bouquets of flowers were left at the scene following the tragedy.
Flowers left for Jen at the scene(Image: Manchester Evening News)
They included a bunch from her colleagues, containing the message: “Thank you for always being our inspiration.
“We will miss you dearly. Love from, Your Team xxx”
Under Jen’s leadership, Carousel worked with a host of major firms – including retailers, fashion labels, venues and festivals.
Some of the brands to work with the firm include Selfridges, Printworks, Legoland, Everyman, Legal and General, Savills and People’s Postcode Lottery.
The firm has won multiple awards over the last 14 years, including at the UK Content Awards 2024 and last year’s Top 50 PR Agencies.
In an interview with the Manchester Evening News back in 2015, Jen said: “We have a fantastic client portfolio and are lucky enough to work with clients and brands that we genuinely love and have a real passion for.
“We have also been able to attract some great talent to the agency in recent years and have a brilliant team in place.”