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Futureworks
Brand strategy, website design and ongoing marketing support shaped by student and staff insights.
Futureworks is a Manchester-based higher education provider specialising in creative industries including film, games, audio, animation and visual effects. Its focus is on preparing students for professional careers through practical, industry-relevant learning, while also supporting the wider network of schools, colleges, lecturers and parents who influence higher education choices. We helped Futureworks bring its brand, website and ongoing marketing activity into closer alignment, creating a clearer and more consistent platform for communication.
Why did Futureworks need more than a new website?
Futureworks approached us for a new website, but we identified that its dated brand also needed attention. The existing site had a complex structure, unclear routes to relevant actions and a content management system that was difficult to maintain. Rebuilding it around the old brand risked having to revisit the work later. We recommended addressing the brand and website together, creating a consistent foundation for future marketing while making better use of its budget.
How do we connect Futureworks’ branding, website and marketing?
We used workshops and research with employees and students to inform the brand development and Futureworks playbook, including messaging and audience personas. Students wanted a simpler route from choosing a course to applying, so we used that insight to shape the website’s structure and calls to action. We designed and built an editable WordPress website, providing instructions during development so the team could populate pages themselves. Our support continues through individual ad-hoc projects, including social media content creation and scheduling, email templates within its sending platform, prospectuses and event materials. We also revised the degree apprenticeship strategy to include Professional Learners as a target audience, then created a flyer and roller banner for showcases and open evenings. Each activity builds on our understanding of Futureworks and the audiences it needs to reach.
What has our partnership provided for Futureworks?
In January 2026, we reported a 21.75% higher engagement rate on the new website than on the old site, rising from 39.77% to 48.42% in a 90-day comparison against the previous year. Launched on 2 October 2025, our WordPress website also gives the team control of day-to-day content updates, helping manage ongoing costs. Futureworks described our earlier branding and marketing work as having “transformed our brand presence”. We continue to provide strategic advice and creative support through individually commissioned projects, building on a shared direction for the brand, website and marketing.