Wolverhampton takes lead on university advert battle
A cheeky billboard promoting a rival has gone up right next to the University of Wolverhampton.
The huge poster advertising Coventry University has gone up where thousands of people travel into the city each and every day along Stafford Street. It is in the shadow of Wolverhampton's main university campuses.
But bosses said competition was fierce in higher education marketing and they had plans for a poster campaign of their own at the city's train station.
Spokesman James Allen said: "Advertising plays a big part in the development of universities and it is a very competitive market place.
"The University of Wolverhampton has and continues to advertise in Birmingham, Staffordshire and other areas across the West Midlands - it is par for the course.
"It is the decision of whoever owns the space as to what is put up there. Different companies advertise in different places at different times, most billboard placements are short term.
"We are pleased to say that the University of Wolverhampton will be taking up prominent space at Wolverhampton train station with our branding being featured on the Wolverhampton station signage plates on the platforms.
"In such a competitive market place, to secure such a strategic location is really important and for many people it's the first thing they see when they arrive into the city.
"The new signage will be going up in the next few weeks and are looking forward to seeing it in place."
A statement from Coventry University echoed that it was a fierce market.
It read: "The higher education landscape is a competitive space, and with prospective students at various stages of applying to university the whole year round we're keen to communicate our institution's successes and the benefits of studying here to as many people as possible."
The competitive world of university advertising has caused a stir in the city previously.
In November last year, critics said there were too many adverts for other universities on major routes in and out of the city after Birmingham University placed an advertising sign directly outside Wolverhampton train station.
