MEMBER FEEDBACK

The strength of CMN has always been its community. Hear from members across the UK about how the network supports, inspires and connects FE marketing professionals every day.

What our members say

At the College Marketing Network, collaboration sits at the heart of everything we do. From sharing challenges and ideas to accessing peer support, training and sector insight, CMN helps FE marketing professionals feel connected within a unique and fast-moving sector.

But the real value of the network is best described by the people who are part of it. Read what our members have to say about their experiences with CMN and the impact the network has had on their teams, careers and colleges.

Voices from the Network

I’ve worked with CMN for over 13 years, and I can’t recommend it enough. The network creates a collaborative UK-wide community where marketers can share ideas, test concepts, and solve challenges together. Their workshops, specialist groups, and annual conference always leave us with fresh inspiration and practical strategies that make a real difference to our work. It gives our team a space to think creatively and connect with peers who truly understand FE marketing. If you want to drive real improvement in your college marketing, CMN is essential.”

Kathy McCormack

Director of Marketing and Student Recruitment, South Bank Colleges.

Imagine facing a work problem so specific that you don’t even bother sharing it with friends — they simply wouldn’t understand. Now imagine bringing that same problem to a room full of people who not only understand it, but have already solved it. That’s what the CMN network offer.”

Gemma Whalley

Director of Marketing and Communications, Stoke on Trent College

What I love about CMN is the sense of community it fosters. The sub-groups for Heads of Marketing have allowed me to connect with peers across the country, share experiences, and get support on strategic issues. It’s reassuring to have a network where you can discuss challenges openly without worrying about competitors.”

Sean Howitt

Head of Marketing, Solihull College & University Centre

I can’t imagine doing my job without being able to reach out to people in the way that I can through the College Marketing Network. The online workshop, sub-groups, group email, and events like the annual conference, are such an invaluable resource. My whole team benefits from the CMN, and we wouldn’t be without it!”

Michelle Blake

Head of Marketing, College of West Anglia

I can’t overstate the value that being part of the CMN has brought to me, my team, and the colleges I’ve worked with. This network unites marketing professionals from every corner of the marketing mix — and the best part is, we’re all promoting the same product: Further Education.”

Jane Golds

Director of Marketing and Admissions, HSDC

I joined Bath College from an agency side background. I’ve found Emma to be an invaluable source of information and advice as I’ve got used to the specifics of marketing in an FE environment. I’ve also been really impressed by the open, sharing attitude of network members – everyone is so willing to share information from their own experiences. I would recommend CMN to anyone – whether you are new to FE or already experienced. I’ve found it to be a really vital resource for me and my team.”

Matt Basham

Head of Marketing, Student Recruitment and External Relations Marketing, Bath College

It’s great to be part of CMN and connect with like-minded professionals across the sector. The network creates a real sense of community, where we can share ideas and tackle common challenges together. The focused webinars are always insightful, covering important and relevant topics for every part of the marketing team – from digital and design to strategy and communications. Attending the Awards was a real highlight; it was fantastic to celebrate our collective achievements and for IEG to receive sector recognition for work that often goes unnoticed in education.

Amaan Joondan

Corporate Marketing Coordinator, Inspire Education Group

CMN has been a brilliant support for the team. It’s a space where you can share ideas, ask questions, and learn from others who really get the challenges and opportunities we face in FE marketing. The workshops are always spot-on; practical, relevant, and full of ideas we’ve taken straight back to the office. Whether it’s campaign inspiration, strategic thinking, or just knowing you’re not alone, CMN has helped us grow and deliver some of our best work.”

Katy Eyles

Head of Marketing & Communications, MK College Group

Being part of CMN since 2018 has been invaluable for our team’s support, inspiration, and growth. The community is so generous in sharing ideas, and the events and resources have directly strengthened our marketing strategy. Winning two awards at the 2025 FE First Awards was a major highlight that reflected how much we’ve grown through the network.

The Marketing Team

Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College

CMN has made a massive difference to our team. Having access to peers facing the same daily pressures is invaluable, and having Emma lead with real-world sector experience means we’re always guided by someone who gets it. The webinars and deep dives are packed with actionable ideas that our staff bring straight back into our work.

Steve Hyland

Director of Comms and Marketing, MidKent College

CMN is an invaluable resource where you can easily call upon the expertise of fellow college marketers. Through local events, the annual conference, and an open, supportive community, it gives you direct access to peer insights and trusted sector partners.”

Philip Morrison

Head of Marketing, City of Bristol College

CMN has been incredibly valuable for our team. It offers a genuine community where we can join sector discussions and share ideas. The annual conference and FE First Awards are always a highlight, giving us a chance to celebrate FE marketing talent, and enjoy the excitement of the awards!”

Peter Reynolds

Chief Marketing Officer, Activate Learning

CMN is full of incredible professionals who willingly share their knowledge and insights throughout the year. The collaborative spirit within the network is something truly special, fostering a community where ideas flow freely, and best practices are shared generously.”

Carolyn Kirby

Head of Marketing, Queen Mary’s College

What I love about CMN is the sense of community. The Heads of Marketing sub-groups let me connect with peers across the country to share experiences and get advice on strategic issues. It’s reassuring having a network where you can discuss challenges openly without worrying about competition.”

Sean Howitt

Head of Marketing, Solihull College & University Centre

Jane Golds

Director of Marketing and Admissions, HSDC

Why should you become a member?

Benefit from discounted access to conferences, roadshows and trusted FE suppliers, alongside exclusive member-only opportunities.

Why join our Network?

Hear firsthand from marketing leaders in further education about how CMN membership transforms their work.

Why attend the CMN Conference?

From expert-led masterclasses to the annual CMN Conference, find out why education marketers return year after year to sharpen their skills and inspire their next big campaign.

Join the Network

CMN Conference 2027

FE Marketing Apprenticeship

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MEMBER FEEDBACK

What our members say

Voices from the Network

Kathy McCormack

Gemma Whalley

Sean Howitt

Michelle Blake

Jane Golds

Matt Basham

Amaan Joondan

Katy Eyles

The Marketing Team

Steve Hyland

Philip Morrison

Peter Reynolds

Carolyn Kirby

Sean Howitt

Jane Golds

Why should you become a member?

Why join our Network?

Why attend the CMN Conference?