The .UK registry remains the third largest country code – something we are proud of here at Nominet. But in common with many mature registries, we have experienced a slowing demand in recent years. As guardians of .UK, we want a growing and healthy domain. Key to that is ensuring .UK remains prominent and attracts the registrants of tomorrow.
We think there is potential to work with our members to grow together. We’re developing a programme that encourages new registrations while giving all Nominet registrars the opportunity to take part. We’ve heard from members that there’s interest in receiving support from Nominet to make this possible. Following our recent tests, we are now keen to get views and feedback from members ahead of a planned launch for our new .UK Growth Programme on Wednesday, 3rd June 2026.
The .UK Growth Programme is planned to be an annual scheme designed to provide commercial opportunities relevant to our diverse membership. The programme would be open to all registrars that are members, offering the choice to access either a .UK price promotion or marketing campaign funds. Members will be able to sign up for one initiative per year per Member group.
The marketing option would be competitive, with campaigns selected on their ROI potential, with caps to ensure a variety of members can take part. The promotions route would offer a discount on new registrations across the .UK family for the first year, during a specific month.
Mindful of trust in the .UK domain, and experience of registries elsewhere, we do not want to support unsustainable registrations that spike initially but then fall away or fuel domain abuse. However, to ensure wider participation and guaranteed opportunity for all, and to support member requests, we plan to include a price promotion option.
By bringing both elements together, our suggested framework encourages new registrations while providing a way for a wide variety of members to take part. By working with registrars to raise awareness of .UK we can help .UK grow in an increasingly competitive market.
Prior to us launching the programme, we would like to invite you to share your feedback on whether the programme is something you will aim to participate in. Use our form to submit your feedback.
Members will receive further information on signing up ahead of our proposed June launch.
Author: David Carroll, CCO at Nominet
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