Rivals battle over student starter packs

Rival companies marketing to students have clashed over claims that student unions have refused to take one firm’s starter packs.

The marketing company of the National Union of Students, NUSSL, is launching the Student Union Bag (SUB). It contains product samples and brand information, in direct competition with the Student Welcome Pack (SWP) from Reaction UK.

Both are aimed at creating brand loyalty among students. The NUSSL previously distributed the SWP for five years.

The NUSSL claims some student unions have refused to take the SWP because of poor quality. It claims its own product will be more upmarket.

Reaction UK, which has been distributing SWPs for six years, says no union has refused its product on the grounds of quality. “They are not behaving in a very ethical manner,” says Reaction UK managing director Donna Spriggs.

The NUSSL claims to have signed agreements with 140 student unions across the country. Meanwhile, Reaction UK says that its product is being distributed by about 270 colleges.

The NUSSL claims to have signed agreements with 140 student unions across the country. Meanwhile, Reaction UK says that its product is being distributed by about 270 colleges.