JWT Folk, the new agency which has been created out of the merger of DDFH&B and Target McConnells, has picked up the account for the Irish Universities Association (IUA) after a three-way competitive pitch.
The agency will develop a brand platform and public information campaign for the IUA as well as strategically directing its advertising and communications business for the next three years.
The IUA is the representative body for the country’s seven universities, responsible for raising their profile and highlighting their value to the country.
JWT Folk Joint Managing Director, Enda Kelly says: “Irish Universities are part of the fabric of our society, yet don’t get the same public attention as primary and secondary education. The Folk here are passionate about raising the profile of the Irish universities, to ensure they get the state focus and investment needed to produce graduates that can impact not just the exchequer, but our society and culture as a whole.”
The IUA’s Director General Jim Miley adds: “Our goal is to show the Irish public, and key decision-makers in government and across the political system just how crucial a healthy, well-resourced universities sector is. I don’t think most people are aware that there’s been a severe deficit in funding in the last 10 years. If this continues, there’s a real risk to the country and the economy as universities are the primary suppliers of the talent pool for the knowledge economy. From the off it was obvious that JWT Folk were very tuned in to these challenges. They showed a keen understanding of the issues and have come up with some great campaign ideas. We look forward to working with them.”
