Smoking Gun to amplify UA92’s “trailblazing” work

A Manchester higher education institution has appointed PR and social media agency Smoking Gun to drive its communications strategy.

University Academy 92 (UA92), co-founded by the Class of ’92 and Lancaster University, selected Smoking Gun following a competitive pitch to boost awareness of its “trailblazing” education model among businesses and communities.

The agency’s B2B team will focus on building UA92’s reputation with a “exciting disruptive campaign” of authentic storytelling, helping “create a buzz” about the students, staff, courses and campus, as well as bold thought leadership pieces to raise the profile and “amplify the voice” of its senior leadership team, aiming to enhance corporate engagement and attract new partners.

The collaboration will also spotlight UA92’s “deliberately different approach” to higher education, emphasising its mission to provide accessible education and create a diverse pipeline of future talent.

Sara Prowse, chief executive of UA92, said: “We are a challenger higher education brand, bold and disruptive. Passionate about delivering exceptional education rooted in real life industry experiences.

“Developing learners to be equipped not only with the skill set but the mindset for the ever-changing world of work. Mindful that today's learners are tomorrow's leaders.  

“We were looking for a PR partner who could help us to amplify our voice and our deliberately different approach, which is changing lives through access to Education for All, regardless of background or postcode, and as a result creating a very diverse pipeline of talent for business. 

“Smoking Gun took part in a highly competitive pitch process. We loved their drive, passion and ambition for us.

“We have shared values and we are excited to activate some of the exciting disruptive campaign ideas they shared.” 

Bosses say Smoking Gun’s track record of delivering award-winning campaigns for bold and disruptive brands, including Best Western, American Golf and Variety, the children’s charity, aligns with UA92’s vision to reshape the higher education landscape.

Caroline Aspinall, commercial director and head of B2B at Smoking Gun, added: “Working with brands that are bold, brave and different defines Smoking Gun.

“UA92 exemplifies these values completely - through its commitment to making higher education more accessible for underrepresented communities across Manchester and beyond.

“We can’t wait to see what this powerful partnership will deliver and the impact that we can create together.”

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