In 2015, the UK government lifted caps on university admissions in England, increasing competition between universities. While universities have always aimed to attract more students and reinvest profits, some may now struggle. Universities use various strategies to stay competitive, such as leveraging alumni networks to promote the university, giving alumni high-quality branded gifts, and developing innovative branded products that reflect the university's values and raise awareness.

1. Staying ahead of the
competition for Universities…
In 2015, the higher education sector took a new turn, when the government lifted
the previous “cap” for university admissions in England. Whilst many Universities
have always strived to maintain or increase their student admissions and invest
profits back into facilities, marketing, events and alumni, will it become difficult for
some universities to compete?
www.formkraft.co.uk
0114 2754646
In 2015, the higher education sector took
a new turn, when the government lifted
the previous “cap” for university admis-
sions in England. Whilst many Universi-
ties have always strived to maintain or
increase their student admissions and
invest profits back into facilities, market-
ing, events and alumni, will it become dif-
ficult for some universities to compete?
It is now common place to see university
recruitment drives around the country,
as each organisation sees opportunity in
this. The university sector also contrib-
utes to the UK economy significantly, as
UK businesses benefit from the influx of
students every year in September.
What can Universities do to stay ahead
of the competition?
Formkraft work closely with many public
sector organisations to find the best
possible solutions to streamline pro-
curement.
Our University brand specialist, Andy
Peters has given us a few of his own
tips…
“Many organisations utilise their
own alumni to actively promote
the university to new prospective
students. Whilst this isn’t a brand
new idea, if it is done well, it can
be a great tool to maintain inter-
est in your university.
My own clients’ take a lot of pride
in providing gifts and merchan-
dise to their alumni which is use-
ful, of good quality and reflects
the values that the university
holds.
Innovative product choices make
your brand really stand out, and
that is no different in the public
sector. Over the years, I have
helped many universities with
creating a visionary approach to
gaining new supporters, students
and even staff. Useful products
like pens, USB sticks, power bank
chargers and of course traditional
graduation clothing are all simple
solutions to raise awareness of
the values of your university.”