THE University of Central Lancashire has appointed central Manchester-based BJL to handle its marketing services and Mediacom North to handle its media planning and buying.

The agencies will create advertising, digital media and direct marketing for the university, which is one of the largest in the country with more than 32,000 students, 500 undergraduate courses and 180 postgraduate courses. The contract is for three years. Initial assignments will include an undergraduate recruitment drive.

Phil Chapman, the university's head of marketing and communications, said: "We were impressed with the new team's understanding of our consumers and marketplace which they transferred effectively into compelling, creative work. As the higher education market becomes more competitive, we also need agencies with strong credentials across the channels students engage with - from cinema to social networking.

"The breadth and depth of BJL and Mediacom's skills make them a great fit."

Charlotte Thompson, director at BJL, which is based on Quay Street, said: "We are delighted. UCLan is an amazing place, their facilities and teaching are second to none and they have an impressive record on both access and graduate employment. Winning this contract gives us great opportunities across channels and the team can't wait to get started."

John Marshall, marketing director at MediaCom, said: "We're obviously really pleased to be appointed to help develop UCLan's advertising plans - it's an exciting brand and we've got some great ideas to support it."

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