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Welcome 1.0

At ID Compass, we specialize in helping organisations navigate the complex challenge of enhancing student experience on campus and creating go-to-market strategies for the HE space in the UK.
With over 30 years of expertise, we have been trusted partners to Students’ Unions, Careers Services and Accommodation teams.
Whether you're looking to connect with University audiences, enhance student engagement, or refine your approach we can guide you every step of the way.
Meet the team 1.0
Meet the Team.
At ID Compass we combine decades of experience in higher education, developing brands in this space and creating experiences for students.
Ian Pain
Co-Founder
With his strategic vision and unparalleled experience Ian has become a highly trusted voice for anyone interested in the H.E sector.
With his 20+ years experience in the university space there isn’t much he hasn’t seen in this vibrant and wonderful market. Having spent time as a Chief Executive of a Students’ Union, managing partnerships for UCAS and helping hundreds of brands plan and execute their student marketing strategy you’re unlikely to meet anyone with a more holistic view of the industry. Most recently In collaboration with David, Ian co-founded The Crowd Agency, achieving four years of remarkable growth.

David Cook
Co-Founder
With a focus on driving creativity and effective engagement strategies, David brings a unique perspective to connecting companies with the student audience.
Starting his career helping graduate recruiters promote their schemes on UK campuses gained a detailed understanding of what it is that makes students tick. He has since gone on to design and implement industry leading campaigns for some of the UK's most recognisable brands, supporting them in becoming leaders in the student space. Most recently alongside Ian he launched and grew an industry leading agency over a four year period.

Together, Ian and David are committed to helping organizations navigate the complexities of the higher education landscape, empowering their clients to create lasting impact.
tHE SOLUTION 1.0
The Solution.
With tailored strategies and insights, we ensure that our clients can make a meaningful impact with the tools that we provide.
01
Student Experience Consultancy
We partner with Students’ Unions, universities, and other bodies to enhance student engagement, improve the overall experience, and address key challenges such as increasing drop-out rates. Our experience and know how are prime for helping institutions create environments where students can truly thrive.
02
University Go-to-Market Strategies
Whether you’re offering direct services to students or targeting universities and educational bodies, we specialize in crafting effective entry strategies for the UK and Ireland higher education sector. From B2C campaigns to B2B initiatives, we’ll find the right approach to meet your goals.
03
Student Insights
Through our exclusive channels, we provide deep insights into today’s student population. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, we help organizations understand the needs, behaviors, and preferences of their target audience, enabling smarter decision-making.
04
Workshop and Strategy Sessions
We offer tailored training and workshops designed to equip teams with the knowledge to ensure that they’re strategically ready to enter the university & student space. From navigating university structures and processes to creating impactful student-focused campaigns, this approach can help organizations build internal capacity and drive sustained success.



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