Opportunities for School Suppliers in 2025
The UK education sector continues to evolve, presenting exciting opportunities for suppliers who are prepared to adapt and align with the needs of schools. By understanding current trends, challenges, and priorities, suppliers can position themselves as essential partners to schools and grow their businesses. As we step into 2025, Incensu highlights the key areas where suppliers can make a positive impact and thrive in the education market.
27 December 2024Energy Efficiency: A Growing Market
With sustainability high on the agenda for schools, energy efficiency initiatives provide a golden opportunity for suppliers. Schools are actively investing in solutions like solar panels, insulation, LED lighting, and smart thermostatic controls to reduce their energy consumption and costs. By offering innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solutions, suppliers can become invaluable partners in helping schools achieve their sustainability goals.
Peter Melville, Chief Operating Officer at SWECET Multi-Academy Trust, notes, “Schools are keen to work with suppliers who provide long-term solutions to energy challenges, helping them not only save money but also contribute to a greener future.”
This creates opportunities for suppliers to market products that deliver measurable savings and align with the broader goals of environmental responsibility.
Empowering Teacher Recruitment and Retention
As schools focus on attracting and retaining top teaching talent, suppliers can offer solutions that make a tangible difference in the workplace. Enhanced facilities, innovative education technologies, and robust professional development programs can help create environments where staff feel valued and supported.
With the government’s ongoing investment in teacher recruitment and training, there is a growing demand for products and services that reduce workload, enhance wellbeing, and boost efficiency. Suppliers offering tools like CPD platforms, employee benefits packages, and workload-reducing technologies are well-positioned to assist schools in meeting these goals.
Driving Innovation with EdTech
The appetite for education technology continues to grow, with schools embedding digital tools into teaching, management, and collaboration processes. For suppliers, this trend opens doors to introducing new technologies that streamline operations, improve learning outcomes, and foster engagement.
Suppliers can focus on delivering solutions that enhance mobile accessibility, simplify administrative tasks, and support classroom learning. Ensuring products are easy to integrate and backed by excellent after-sales service will help build long-term partnerships with schools.
Subscription-Based Models: Building Stability
Subscription licenses have become a preferred model for schools, providing flexibility and predictable costs. Suppliers can leverage this trend by offering tailored subscription packages that cater to schools’ specific needs, such as access to digital resources, software, or ongoing training. These models not only provide schools with manageable financial commitments but also enable suppliers to secure steady, recurring revenue.
Blended Learning: Expanding Horizons
The rise of blended learning presents a fantastic opportunity for suppliers to innovate. By developing resources that combine traditional teaching methods with online tools, suppliers can support schools in creating more dynamic and personalised learning experiences. Mobile apps and adaptive learning platforms are particularly popular, enabling students to take control of their education while ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
Supporting Compliance and Safety
Schools’ compliance responsibilities around safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection have grown significantly. This offers suppliers the chance to provide essential training programs, safety solutions, and privacy-focused tools. By helping schools meet statutory requirements, suppliers can become trusted advisors and build lasting relationships.
Promoting Wellbeing and Mental Health
With student and staff wellbeing becoming a cornerstone of school management, suppliers have opportunities to offer innovative solutions that foster a positive environment. From outdoor learning resources to mental health workshops and teacher wellbeing programs, there is a growing demand for products and services that prioritise mental health and resilience.
Face-to-Face Engagement: Maximising Exhibitions
Education exhibitions in 2025 are more targeted and dynamic, offering suppliers valuable opportunities to connect with decision-makers. Events like Education Business Live (19 March 2025) and the Schools and Academies Show (15 May 2025) provide platforms to showcase innovations, build brand recognition, and engage directly with school leaders. Suppliers should also explore niche events, such as those hosted by Multi Academy Trust Partnership Network (MATPN), to connect with specific audiences.
Unlocking Funding Opportunities
Despite budget pressures, schools have access to numerous funding streams for specific projects. Suppliers can play a proactive role by guiding schools toward grants, Condition Improvement Funding (CIF), and other resources. Partnering with schools to unlock funding not only facilitates sales but also strengthens trust and collaboration.
School Resource Management and Frameworks
Efficient procurement processes remain a priority for schools, creating opportunities for suppliers familiar with frameworks and buying hubs like Crescent Purchasing Consortium and Education Buying. By demonstrating value for money and offering solutions that meet procurement criteria, suppliers can streamline the buying process and increase their appeal to schools.
The Path Ahead: Partnering for Success
In 2025, the UK education sector is rich with opportunities for suppliers who align with schools’ goals and challenges. By delivering innovative, practical, and budget-conscious solutions, suppliers can become indispensable partners, contributing to the growth and resilience of the education system while achieving their business objectives.
ADD YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF EDUCATION SUPPLIERS TODAY TO WORK WITH MORE SCHOOLS
Source: Incensu Education Marketing Resource
Incensu says: With great opportunities to work with schools in 2025 all suppliers should add their business profile to the National Register of Education Suppliers