The profile and importance of sport in higher education has accelerated rapidly over the last few years. KKP is the leading sports consultancy practice in the sector having worked on both national programmes and with a range of individual institutions.

Our experience stems back to surveys conducted to assess the importance of sports facilities and opportunities to students considering studying at the (then) three universities in Manchester to the feasibility study for the new facilities at the University of Lincoln.

• Strategic planning - Following the merger of UMIST and the Victoria University of Manchester to form the new University of Manchester, we reviewed the structure, management, funding and delivery of sport and developed a strategic plan for the organisation and development of sport services and facilities at the new ‘combined' University.
• Universities supporting talent - The DCMS commissioned "National TASS Evaluation" involved us assessing the capacity, quality and management of sports facilities and services at more than 90 universities and FE colleges in England to gain a genuine insight into the current ‘state of the sector'.
• Regional economic gems - As an extension to our work assessing the economic impact of sport in the East Midlands, we evaluated how sport needed to be positioned and managed at Loughborough University, its role in innovation and business and links to other key HE institutions to create a support network for elite international athletes.
• Major feasibility - We are working closely with Birmingham University to assess the feasibility, determine the right location and develop the right funding and partnership package to take forward its plans for a new £60million sports facility which will service a comprehensive programme of student, community and elite sports use.

... more case studies

KKP has an excellent understanding of university sport at every level. This was apparent during the strategic review of sports provision it conducted for the University of Manchester and UMIST prior to merger of the two institutions.  Consultants engaged effectively with senior managers from the Vice Chancellor downward, through to operational staff. From a strong knowledge base, they challenged current conventions and developed a range of ambitious but practical solutions. KKP's review has lead to major improvements to how the University values, manages and delivers sport both internally and in its outward relationship with the community… Alison Odell, Manchester University