Warwick’s approach to communicating economic impact

Trevor SeeleyHead of Stakeholder Relations

Warwick’s Regional Impact Study 2013

• Produced by external consultants; final report delivered April 2013

• Communications Plan and materials developed Summer 2013; communications campaign to promote the study results implemented September 2013

• Message: UoW is a major contributor to the regional & local economy, and a key driver of economic growth

• Our approach – communications tailored to different communities of interest, using consistent style and language & attractive infographics, across a range of platforms

How does the University have an impact on our region and local areas?

Communications platforms

• Leaflets – for 4 different geographical areas• Emails to council Leaders/CEOs, C&W LEP,

MPs/MEPs + senior University managers• Letters to 300 opinion formers, with relevant

leaflets• Presentations to local strategic partnerships and

other regional networks• Website pages + news item on intranet• Traditional & social media• Speeches!

Presentations to LSPs and regional networks

• It all started with the Coventry Partnership Board meeting on 3rd September

• Midlands Alumni Network• Coventry & Warwickshire First = professional firms• Coventry & Warwickshire Champions• Coventry Development Partnership• Coventry & Warwickshire Business Forum• Leamington Rotary Club• Warwick Business School’s Bank of England Breakfast

Briefing

Outcomes – press coverage

• Coventry Telegraph – “Warwick Uni worth £222Mn a year to City”

• Leamington Courier – “Study shows positive impact of Warwick University on town”

• Kenilworth Weekly News – “Students inject millions into Kenilworth town”

• Article in Citivision – sent to every home in Coventry• The Boar – “Warwick contributes over £520Mn to

local economy”• Blog on Guardian HE Network website