UEL named 'Marketing Team of the Year' at HEIST Awards

The University of East London has been declared ‘Marketing Team of the Year’ at the 2020 HEIST Awards – the top prize of the night.

The University’s marketing team won the award, one of the most prestigious in higher education marketing, as well as a ‘highly commended’ nod for ‘Best Undergraduate Student Recruitment Campaign’ for its #BeTheNext recruitment campaign.

Hosted by Havas Education, one of the world’s largest communications networks, the HEIST Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in education marketing.

Vanessa Varvas, chief marketing officer, said, “The key to the University of East London’s marketing approach is closely linked to our mission and vision. This approach was facilitated by team integration and collaboration across the University. To win the marketing team of the year award so well-deserved not only for team but the University as it showcases who we are and what we stand for.”

The #BeTheNext campaign was built around authentic story-telling of our current student and alumni network. It was critical to display this in our digital visibility on key student research channels and physical dominance in the local communities and transport links.

Ms Varvas said, “Our students and alumni were at the heart of the University of East London’s undergraduate marketing campaign. It profiled not only the success of our students of those, who were also involved, but also linked to the wider University brand and mission that leads to the impact we make as an institution, as students and as alumni in our communities and so I am pleased to see that the marketing team has been recognised for this.”

Professor Amanda Broderick, vice-chancellor and president of the University of East London, said, “I am delighted to see that the University has been recognised at the 2020 HEIST Awards. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and our marketing team does important work to engage them. It was amazing how much our diverse student talent was involved’

“We believe in facilitating the successful progression of students and ensuring they receive life-changing, life-long education and training which will prepare them for the world of work. Winning these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff living and working in our community at the University of East London to ensure our students receive excellent education.”

David Smith, head of marketing, added, “We have come a long way and achieved a lot in a relatively short amount of time, so it is great to be recognised. The award is very much a reflection of the hard work and dedication of everyone across the External Relations Directorate and gives us a platform to continue to lead the way as a forward thinking, innovative team.”

Photo: #NeverNot our winning community. (Photo taken pre Covid-19 pandemic)