Unique Client Solutions on Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson might not be everyone’s cup of tea but there is one thing that you cannot doubt, his incredible passion for both business and life. Unique Client Solutions studies the success of an icon.

If there is one thing that we’re proud of at customer acquisitions company, Unique Client Solutions, it’s our ability to motivate ourselves. If you’re looking for role-models then we don't think there's much better than Sir Richard Branson. By way of a short biography Richard Branson was born in 1950 and set up Student magazine when he was 16. In 1970 at 20 years old he founded Virgin as a mail order record retailer but quickly opened a shop in Oxford Street. It began as a record company in 1972 and they ended up signing the Sex Pistols, Culture Club and the Rolling Stones to make it one of the biggest record companies in the world. Virgin Group now has over 200 companies in over 30 countries which work in the leisure, travel, tourism, TV and finance industries amongst others.

Unique Client Solutions believes that as a business leader Branson epitomises the true meaning of an entrepreneur. A spokesperson for the company said, “Branson never tires of trying something new and pushing the boundaries. The money he makes is immaterial now. With a $4.2 billion worth there is no need to work anymore, he does it because he loves it. Passion is key to success in our eyes.”

Branson has also set up Virgin Unite which is a non-profit entrepreneurial foundation which looks for entrepreneurial approaches to social and environmental issues. Quite aside from his business ventures Branson also is a keen explorer and has made many world record attempts. He held a fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing record, the fastest crossing from Japan to Arctic Canada in a balloon. He crossed the English Channel in the fastest ever time in an amphibious vehicle. Last year he broke a record for the oldest person to kite-surf across the English Channel.

So why does Unique Client Solutions think Sir Richard Branson is so successful? “Quite aside from pushing business boundaries Branson is always on the look out to push physical, mental and environmental barriers. He has actually failed in many of his attempts first, second and even third time around. The fact that he tries again and again until he succeeds is the very reason he is so successful in life, that steely determination is something that we really value at Unique Client Solutions. He is a real inspiration who we’re quite sure won’t stop until he’s forced to.”

Branson writes regularly on LinkedIn, to follow him visit http://linkd.in/ZpeVWZ

Unique Client Solutions on How to Close a Sale

Nottingham-based customer acquisitions company Unique Client Solutions shares their secrets on how to close a sale.

In the competitive world of customer acquisitions and direct marketing that Unique Client Solutions operates in, closing a sale is the deciding factor. You might have a great pitch, you might build great relationships with your customers, but unless you can close it’s all been a bit pointless.  Here are our top 5 tips to ensure a successful close.

Communicate clearly

Every pitch and every customer is going to be slightly different but you must get all your key details in there every time. Unless the customer can remember all the details you’re not going to have much success. Unique Client Solutions recommends that you practice changing up your pitch as much as possible but make sure that the main features remain the same. Try using a voice recorder to check up on yourself and to make sure that you’re coming across as you hoped.

Make eye contact

Eye contact shows confidence in your product and confidence in yourself. Don’t look down at your feet or stare off into the distance, it makes people think that you’re not telling the truth. At the same time don’t stare, that will definitely put them off!

Use humour

Being relaxed and funny is definitely no bad thing, no matter how serious the product you're selling. People feel better when they’re laughing as it puts them at ease. You’re far more likely to close a sale when you and your customer are happy and relaxed. Unique Client Solutions suggests making your ice-breakers funny or sharing amusing (short!) anecdotes.

Remain positive

No matter how difficult a customer, or how badly you think the sale is going, you must remain positive. Keep the atmosphere light and maintain a can-do attitude at all times. They might simply be testing you. Also Unique Client Solutions is certain that the moment you become negative about the sale and think that it’s not going to go through, is the moment you’ll lose the sale. Negativity always falls to positivity in our experience!

Always ask one more time

At Unique Client Solutions we don’t think it’s rude to persist, we think it shows success and confidence in what we do. Asking for the all important ‘yes’ one more time simply shows the customer that you’re more sold on your view than you are on theirs. Go on, ask one more time, you never know...

Unique Client Solutions' December Film Guide

If you’ve got a few days off over Christmas, chances are that you’ll be looking for something to do when you’re taking a break from eating. At Unique Client Solutions, a Sheffield-based customer acquisitions company, we’re confident that there’s something for everyone at the cinema this December. Here’s a run-down of the best that the big screen has to offer this month.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Part one of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, An Unexpected Journey follows Bilbo Baggins in the 60 years before The Lord of the Rings. It still features all of your favourite characters including Gandalf the Grey, Gollum and all the Goblins and Orcs you could ever want. The first film charts the journey of Bilbo, Gandalf and thirteen dwarfs to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Starring Ian McKellen, Martin Freedman, Cate Blanchet and Christopher Lee, An Unexpected Journey is just as visually delightful at The Lord of the Rings films. At Unique Client Solutions we thought the first half hour was a little slow moving but keep at it, it’s worth the wait.

Rise of the Guardians

For younger film fans you can’t do much better than The Rise of the Guardians. Santa, The Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Jack Frost take on the evil spirit Pitch who’s turning children’s dreams into nightmares and wants to take over the world. From the same studio that created How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar this is a real animated crowd-pleaser. Unique Client Solutions is happy to reassure all the parents dreading sitting through a children’s film, it’s a lot of fun for all ages. With the voices of Hugh Jackman, Chris Pine, Isla Fisher, Alec Baldwin and Jude Law see if you can work out who’s who!

The Life of Pi

Released tomorrow The Life of Pi has been getting great reviews from critics already. On our various trips to the cinema this month the team at Unique Client Solutions thought that the trailer looked great and the visuals were stunning. This magical adventure involving a young castaway and a Bengal tiger is based on Yann Martel’s novel which sold over seven million copies and won the Man Booker Prize in 2001. Directed by visionary director Ang Lee, Unique Client Solutions is confident that this tale of survival will be a huge success. If you get to it before we do, send us your reviews!

Unique Client Solutions on Mastering Public Speaking

Unique Client Solutions shares their tips for leaders on how to perfect your public speaking.

As an up-and-coming leader, public speaking is going to be required of you at one time or another. Whether it’s to your team of salespeople or to a large meeting, the basic skills are the same. Unique Client Solutions offers four tips that will help you overcome any nerves.

Rehearse.

At Unique Client Solutions we recommend that you ignore people who say that they can just step on stage and deliver a speech without practice, they’re almost certainly not telling the truth. Practicing is the easiest way to get rid of nerves because the more comfortable you are with what you’ve got to say, the less likely you are to get tripped up by it and the better you’ll deliver it.

Redefine fear

When someone says that their adrenaline is pumping, we view it as a positive thing. When someone says they’re nervous, it’s a negative. Actually the physical effect is much the same. When your heart starts pounding before a speech stop thinking of it as nerves, instead think of it as adrenaline racing around your body to prepare it for the task in hand. It’s not going to hinder you, it’s going to give you an edge. 

Breathing

The way you breathe can have a huge effect on your public speaking. Unique Client Solutions has looked at the advice from experts and they recommend to breath slowly, frequently and deeply by drawing your breath from your stomach. This will immediately relax your body and the nerves will wash away. You need to do this just before you’re about to speak, perhaps when you’re being announced.

Forget about yourself

Public speaking isn't about you, it’s about your audience. At Unique Client Solutions we like to put on a great show and we believe public speaking is about delivering something to others. The separation that comes with changing the focus of your attention from yourself to your audience will give you the detachment that you need to reduce some of your nerves.

Whatever industry you work in, and whatever the reason you’re delivering a speech, these skills will help you to relax and enjoy public speaking. Within our team at Unique Client Solutions we have some fantastic public speakers and we ensure that they share their skills as much as possible. Find someone at your company with experience of public speaking and ask them how they prepare. They’re bound to have some helpful ideas that you can use.

Unique Client Solutions Will Mix Business With Pleasure in Jobs Biopic

Unique Client Solutions are thrilled to mix business with film pleasure in the form of the Steve Jobs biopic which has been confirmed to close the Sundance Film Festival 2013.

As a customer acquisitions company to the entertainment industry the team at Unique Client Solutions have their finger on the button when it comes to film industry news. We're thankful that we've got plenty of fingers because we've got another one firmly in a business development pie as well! It's not very often that we get to mix the two together but when we heard that Joshua Michael Stern was directing a biopic on the Apple founder Steve Jobs, starring Aston Kutcher in the title role, we got pretty excited!

At Unique Client Solutions we've always been admirers of Steve Jobs, for us he is the epitome of an entrepreneur and his unique management style has been commented on over and over in the period following his death. Very little has been released about the film so far, apart from some stills of Kutcher as the Apple mastermind which show an uncanny resemblance between him and the younger Steve Jobs. So what can we expect from the film?

Simon Tomlinson, managing director of Unique Client Solutions, thinks that we are in for a treat. "The fact that it's been chosen to close Sundance is testament to how eagerly anticipated this film is. I read the book on Steve Jobs and it was a fascinating read so I'm exited to see how the film turns out and whether it will shed any new light on this complex man. Jobs was one of the greatest innovators of our time and I think as business leaders we can learn from him. It's such a treat to be able to mix business with pleasure!"

This isn't the only film about Steve Jobs that we can expect to see on the big screen. Aaron Sorkin is also set to release an authorised biography of Jobs, the rights to which are owned by Sony Pictures. He recently revealed that he plans to take an unusual "real-time" approach to the script and said that he intended to write three scenes only for the film, each set backstage immediately before a product launch. No details of cast or release date have been revealed yet. Unique Client Solutions will be interested to compare the two films when they are released.

The Sundance Film Festival 2013 will run from 17-27th January.  At Unique Client Solutions we'll be watching out for the reviews eagerly.

Unique Client Solutions Disappointed at Back-to-Work Scheme Failures

Unique Client Solutions understands that the government's back-to-work scheme has failed to meet its main target.

A year ago Unique Client Solutions expressed their approval at a back-to-work scheme which would see companies and charities paid to help find jobs for the long-term unemployed. The Sheffield-based customer acquisitions company reported on the new scheme, which had an ambitious target of getting 5.5% of the people on the programme into jobs of six months or more.  It now seems that this target has been missed after only 3.53% of people were matched with long-term employment.

The figures were measured from June 2011 to July 2012  and showed that despite the popularity of the scheme, some 878,000 people signed up, only 31,000 had found a job for 6 months or more to date. The scheme has become a political battleground with employment minister Mark Hoban saying, “It’s still early days, but already thousands of lives are being transformed.” However shadow work and pensions secretary Liam Byrne has believes that the scheme has “comprehensively failed to get in place a back-to-work programme that actually works.”

Unique Client Solutions however were surprised to learn that as the scheme has missed its target, it means that as many unemployed people are finding long-term jobs as if the scheme had never been introduced in the first place.

Simon Tomlinson, managing director of Unique Client Solutions believes that more needs to be done to ensure the success of the scheme. “We’ve discussed a lot at Unique Client Solutions the problems faced by people trying to find employment. Consequently, we were initially encouraged by the direction of this scheme. I still believe that a scheme like this can work but there needs to be much stricter controls on the companies taking part, to ensure that they are doing their bit. Underperforming businesses must be removed from the scheme.”

Mr Tomlinson continued, “This scheme is working with some of the most difficult people to employ in the UK and it’s vital that they are offered support that helps them stay in their placements, not just to get them into jobs in the first place. We believe this is where the scheme is failing. It’s easy to get someone into a short-term job, it’s much harder to keep them there long-term.”

Unique Client Solutions is hopeful that this scheme will improve over the coming months. With the economy starting to move in the right direction the customer acquisitions company predicts that the job market will begin to move in the same direction. 

Unique Client Solutions Confident Growth 100 Will Make a Difference

Unique Client Solutions, a customer acquisitions company with offices in Nottingham, is confident that the city’s new Growth 100 plan will be a huge help to new businesses.

The managing director of Unique Client Solutions, Simon Tomlinson, knows only too well how difficult starting a new business can be. Therefore he was delighted when he learnt that Nottingham was leading the way in helping new business owners to develop their skills. The new scheme, called Growth 100, has been set up by the city council to allow experienced business leaders to give management coaching and share practical skills with newcomers.

The council is currently inviting businesses, both new and established, to sign up to the scheme and the programme is set to start in early 2013. Along with local business leaders, academic experts will also be on hand to give out advice.  What does Mr Tomlinson of Unique Client Solutions think of the scheme? “Quite frankly I’m very impressed. This is exactly the sort of thing that helps businesses to survive and grow in an uncertain economic climate. Within our own company we have a strong business development programme and we find that guidance from those with more experience gives newcomers much more confidence and the practical skills to succeed.”

Nick McDonald from Nottingham City Councils Jobs, Skills and Business office has big plans for the scheme. He said, “We believe our Growth Plan has the potential to completely restructure this city’s economy.” The plan for the scheme is to equip business owners and leaders with the skills to help create more jobs in the city and Mr Tomlinson agrees that this must be a priority.

“At Unique Client Solutions we’ve seen the difficulties that people face in finding a job, particularly young graduates or school leavers. New businesses are far more likely to have entry-level positions available so I think that this scheme will help this group particularly.”

Businesses who are interested in applying to the scheme should email businessgrowth@nottinghamcity.gov.uk, or visit www.mynottingham.gov.uk/growth100 the scheme is free and open to businesses of any size.

Unique Client Solutions and Mr Tomlinson in particular, will be following the scheme carefully, “We’re delighted to have such a forward-thinking scheme going on in our city, at Unique Client Solutions we’re confident it’s going to be a success.”

Unique Client Solutions Reviews Skyfall

We’ve been waiting long enough to write it so here it is, Unique Client Solutions’ review of Skyfall!

Normally before the release of big films with a lot of hype we’re a little apprehensive. Will it live up to our expectations? With Skyfall we had no such worry. The reviews were spectacular and a small group from Unique Client Solutions headed to the cinema this weekend with confidence and anticipation. We’re pretty good on our films, coming from a background of customer acquisitions for the entertainment industry, and the news coming out of the industry was that this film was good, very very good.

The opening sequence of Skyfall was as action packed as we’ve come to expect from Bond films, but the dying moments before the opening credits shocked us, and if it hadn’t been for the fact that there was still another 2 hours of film to go, we might have been worried! New bond girl Naomie Harris was slightly less slick and aloof than some of her predecessors but at Unique Client Solutions we warmed to her immediately. Adele’s fantastic new theme song rounded off a blistering opening sequence.

At Unique Client Solutions we’d read the rumours about the villains but nothing could have prepared us for the creepy wickedness of Javier Bardem, he almost stole the show from Mr. Bond himself. The film was beautifully shot  in fantastic locations and flowed well. The only hiccup was the storyline of Berenice Marlohe which at times felt a little incomplete and superfluous. The role that Ralph Fiennes was to play became clearer as the film went on and after the epic final sequence, beautiful in its simplicity, we’d already guessed what future he would have in the Bond franchise.

We said a sad goodbye to one of the best loved actors in the franchise, and welcomed back old friends to the reception desk of MI5, cough cough, we predicted that one! All of us at Unique Client Solutions enjoyed the return of the famous Bond one-liner. This was a special film, to mark the 50^th anniversary, and it felt so. Do we think that we’ll see a return to the Bond of Casino Royale or Quantum of Solace? Perhaps but we loved Casino Royale so much we wouldn’t be disappointed. It’s been a long wait, with the dud of Quantum of Solace in between making the wait seem even longer. Was it worth it? You bet it was, Bond is back, in style. 

Unique Client Solutions Chooses Books for Young Leaders

Unique Client Solutions picks out 4 books that every young leader should read.

At Unique Client Solutions we pride ourselves on being excellent students. We’ve picked out the best books to develop your leadership style and keep you ahead of the game. In our competitive field of direct sales, young leaders are always looking for a way develop their skills and stand out from the crowd. These experts have done the hard work for you. No matter what stage you’re at in your career there’s something to be learnt from these guys.

Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t

By Jim Collins

The book addresses what it takes to make a good company really great and the skills that young businesspeople need to lead them. Jim Collins reinvented the evaluation of business leadership with this book and his findings changed the face of modern business.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion

By Robert Cialdini

Persuasion is the heart of the customer acquisitions industry that Unique Client Solutions works in. So this is a book that is a must for anyone in the sales industry. It teaches you how to reach your clients, customers, suppliers and your own team. This book is based on Cialdini’s own experiences and he interviews a whole host of people in the sales industry and beyond.

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

By Stephen R. Covey

At Unique Client Solutions we think everyone should read this, no matter what industry you’re in. This insightful book offers advice on prioritisation and empathy amongst other topics. Easy to read and incredibly practical this is useful for personal and professional development.

True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership

By Bill George

Ever feel that you’re fed up of being told how to lead and simply want to develop your own style? We hear you! Bill George interviews senior leaders who offer their advice on how to understand yourself better and use your strengths to their best possible advantage.

Unique Client Solutions Delighted by Skyfall Reviews

Unique Client Solutions are even more excited by the prospect of the new James Bond film after Skyfall gets rave reviews from critics.

Customer acquisitions company Unique Client Solutions have been preparing for Skyfall to hit the big screen for several months. If early critic reviews are to be trusted we could be in for a treat. The vast majority of judges have given the film 4 or 5 stars with some hailing it the best Bond film ever. Take a look at some of the comments so far...

Neil Smith Total Film

“Skyfall [boasts] all the glamour, excitement and exoticism we have come to expect and then some.”

“The Daniel Craig era comes of age with a ballsy Bond that takes brave chances and bold risks. Guess what? Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks”

Kim Newman Empire

“Skyfall is pretty much all you could want from a 21^st Century Bond: cool but not camp, respectful of tradition but up to the moment, serious in its thrills and relatively complex in its characters but with the sense of fun that hasn’t always be evident lately. One thing’s certain: James Bond will return…”

Todd McCarthy Hollywood Reporter

“Dramatically gripping while still brandishing a droll undercurrent of humour, this beautifully made film will certainly be embraced as one of the best Bonds by loyal fans worldwide and leaves you wanting the next one to turn up sooner than four years from now.”

Kate Muir The Times

“A return to classic form and a great British bulldog of a movie

Robbie Collin The Telegraph

“Mendes is unafraid to let the quieter dramatic moments breathe…and ace cinematographer Roger Deakins makes the wildly ambitious action sequences the most beautiful in Bond’s 50-year career.”

Unique Client Solutions couldn’t be more excited. Keep an eye out for our review after the film goes on general release. Send us your views and reviews as well, we’ll share our favourite comments on our Facebook page.

Unique Client Solutions Impressed at Nottingham Business School

Unique Client Solutions were delighted to learn that The University of Nottingham Business School is climbing the latest world rankings.

Customer acquisitions company Unique Client Solutions places a heavy interest on business development programmes and consequently they were impressed to learn that an educational institution in their city is providing world-class qualifications to business students. The Economist top 100 includes institutes from around the world and The University of Nottingham’s MBA is ranked 86^th in the world.

The University of Nottingham should be proud of their achievements as the rankings focus on whether programmes are able to offer their students opportunities like personal development, career opportunities and the potential to network. The school has risen up the ranks from last year and will be looking to do the same in the years to come through their forward thinking approach.

Dr John Colley, director of MBA programmes said, “We believe that creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can be taught. Our students benefit from our worldwide reputation for research in this area and our close links with entrepreneurs who contribute extensively to our teaching.”

The director of Unique Client Solutions Nottingham, Simon Tomlinson, thinks that this approach to business education is important. “Since the recession started we’ve seen more and more people starting their own businesses. It’s been an effective way for many people to take their careers into their own hands. We try and foster an entrepreneurial mindset in our team at Unique Client Solutions and we believe that education institutions must do the same.”

Mr. Tomlinson continued, “Nottingham has proven time and time again that it is able to thrive as a city and there are exciting business prospects for entrepreneurs. There is a fantastic support network for businesses as well and with The University of Nottingham providing a world-class business education, at Unique Client Solutions we’re confident of the future of this wonderful city.”

Unique Client Solutions Gears Up for Skyfall

At Unique Client Solutions we couldn’t be more excited for the release of the new Bond film Skyfall. As we specialise in direct marketing for the entertainment industry this one has been on our radar for some time now. Our in-house film fanatics having been hunting down the best facts and rumours surrounding the film, make of them what you will...

The Facts:

The film is to be released on 26^th October at cinemas nationwide and the world premier will be on October 23^rd at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The film will see Bond travel to China, Istanbul and Scotland

There are some serious bad guys in this film, both Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes on-board and from the look of the latest trailer, Bardem is at his evil best.

Bernice Marlohe plays bond girl ‘Severine’ and Naomie Harris is playing ‘Eve’

The film is directed by Sam Mendes who joined the project shortly after the Quantum of Solace was released. He has promised that there would be plenty of action despite rumours of huge budget cuts.

The Rumours:

It has been reported for some weeks that Adele will be singing the Skyfall theme song but Sony are keeping quiet at the moment, their spokesperson said, “nothing confirmed, no comment.”

Some have claimed that Skyfall will see the end of Judy Dench’s reign as M. The general consensus at Unique Client Solutions is that we’d be sad to see her go.

Ralph Feinnes character has been a closely guarded secret with rumours circulating that he might be playing iconic bond villain Blofeld or otherwise someone from M’s past. From the look of the trailer we think that the latter seems more likely.

There has been speculation that Miss Moneypenny will return in Skyfall and some have suggested that the character played by Harris could in fact be Moneypenny. Harris seemed to dismiss the rumours by saying that her character Eve was “Not remotely office-bound.”

With just over a month to go Unique Client Solutions have enjoyed discussing the latest rumours with their clients' customers as they carry out their face-to-face marketing campaigns. Do you have any snippets to share with us? Heard anything we’ve missed? We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/uniqueclientsolutions

Unique Client Solutions’ Top Tips for Taking Your Company International

With their move to The Netherlands just a few months away Unique Client Solutions share their tips on preparing for an international move. We love our home towns of Nottingham and Sheffield but we're excited for our first city abroad!

1. Choose your country wisely.

At Unique Client Solutions we though long and hard about which country would be the best business move for us. Important questions to ask are:

Where is there a gap in the market for our product or service?

What kind of individual are we looking to add to our team? Are we going to be able to find them?

Is the time difference going to be a problem when communicating between teams in two countries?

2. Learn from experience.

Look carefully at companies that have had international success. Study where they have gone, are there any patterns? Do they bring a team from their home country with them or do they find great people once they arrive? Do they offer exactly the same service in each country?

3. Prepare well.

At Unique Client Solutions we have been travelling back and forwards to The Netherlands for some months now to prepare ourselves well for the expansion. We’ve studied Amsterdam and found an area where we would like to be based. We’ve spent plenty of time with new and old clients based there to learn exactly what they want for their direct sales campaigns. We believe that this dedication and preparation will allow us to be on our game from day one.

4. Expect the unexpected

Every day in the business world you have to prepare for the unexpected. Flexibility and adaptability are key skills of great leaders. This skill is going to be put to the test when you start doing business in a new country. No matter how prepared we are at Unique Client Solutions we know that we’re going to come across things that we wouldn’t in the UK. Being mentally prepared for challenges will help you to work with them and around them.

5. Have fun

One of the best things about the modern business world is that international travel and expansion is so much easier. At Unique Client Solutions we believe that it is an incredible opportunity to be able to experience new cities and countries. We approach every day in our industry of customer acquisitions with a positive attitude and try to be great students. We get the best results for our clients but we like to have fun along the way. With this winning mentality we love what we do and are excited for the future of our company!

Unique Client Solutions Approves of Businesses in Schools Plan

The Confederation of British Industry argues that businesses must spend more time in schools. Unique Client Solutions wholeheartedly agrees.

With unemployment figures so high, and school leavers and graduates struggling to enter the job marketing Unique Client Solutions is very aware of the fact that the gap between education and businesses is wide. Ask any business what their biggest problem is with finding people to fill positions and they’ll answer, skills. Customer acquisitions company, Unique Client Solutions looks at new plans being suggested by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and discusses why they think they will help to bridge the gap.

Neil Carberry is director of employment and skills at the CBI, he says “The short-term challenge is the advice and support we give to young people who work hard at school… a lot of young people are deeply impressive. We need to make sure they get the advice and support they need.” Unique Client Solutions has previously reported on the Government Youth Contract, £1 billion being invested to help young unemployed people to get a job, through paid work experience. Employers can get financial support from the Government for taking on such people.

A spokesperson for Unique Client Solutions Nottingham believes that the first step has been taken now businesses must do more. “We totally agree with the CBI that businesses have a duty as part of society to invest time and money into the people who will work for them. However that doesn’t just mean at the highest level, it means right down to the bottom.”

The CBI wants to take this one step further and take businesses into primary schools, Mr Carberry continued, "The first thing is an inspirational strategy, linking up what we do at school with what we do in later life." He says that interest is not lacking, “There is a massive upsurge in businesses prepared to get involved in schools. The challenge is how to make it happen everywhere. The Nottingham area is lucky in that it has  number of very strong private-sector employers.”

Unique Client Solutions believes that businesses can, and will do more. “Businesses around the country and particularly in Nottingham where we are based are very aware that more needs to be done. The problem is linking businesses with schools and universities. Once this is achieved the UK will be able to set itself apart from the rest of the world because of the strength of its innovation thought the strength and education of its people.”

Unique Client Solutions Unconcerned By GSCE Grade Fall

Unique Client Solutions was surprised but unconcerned to learn of the first drop in GCSE grades in history.

Surprising results published this morning showed a fall in A*-C GCSE grades, the first fall since they were introduced 24 years ago.  Unique Client Solutions, a customer acquisitions company with offices in Sheffield and Nottingham explain why this might not be a bad thing.

Both GCSE and A-Level results have been steadily improving year on year since the exams were created however in an unexpected turn of events this grades have fallen for GCSE's. The overall drop in grades C or higher means fewer students passed the core subjects science, maths and English that are needed to progress in most professions. Unique Client Solutions believe that this will have a knock on effect on A level and university results if students are forced to re-sit the GCSE exams or simply settle with the lower grades.

In an attempt to address concerns of "dumbing down" and to ensure results were comparable, England's exams regulator Ofqual told exam boards they would have to justify any results notably different to those of previous years. A spokesperson for Unique Client Solutions said, “Although it’s a shame top GCSE  grades have fallen, it’s great to see that there are still overachievers who are working hard and reaching their goals. We’re sure the results are well deserved. Perhaps these figures might worry people at first but we think it will help to single out the real high achievers.”

Unique Client Solutions recognise academic achievements and feel that exam results are important. “Achieving well at school is a way to show potential employers that you are motivated and committed to the task at hand. That said success can be reflected in other forms through sporting and extra-curricular activities. Also those who have the time management to have a job while continuing their studies are also well regarded. Experience and versatility is everything in this difficult job market and it’s important to have many strings to your bow.”

Unique Client Solutions Reviews The Bourne Legacy

Unique Client Solutions reviews The Bourne Legacy.

After all the fuss surrounding the latest Batman film it is easy to see why the latest film in the Bourne franchise hasn’t had the build-up of its predecessors. The Sheffield and Nottingham based company offers outsourcing solutions to the entertainment industry so films are their passion. On Saturday some of the film buffs at Unique Client Solutions took it upon themselves to head down to the cinema and see what the latest installment had to offer. The first three films were firm favourites at the customer acquisitions company, would the fourth live up to expectations?

The film is written to run concurrently with The Bourne Ultimatum and look at the fallout from the Treadstone programme, this time looking at one called Outcome. Jeremy Renner plays Aaron Cross, one of six agents who are medicated to make them ultra-efficient. Of course when the programme shuts down, like with Treadstone, the agents must be eliminated. 

The film misses Paul Greengrass who directed the first three films. Tony Gilroy in the directors chair is left with the difficult task of trying to piece together a sequel but without its star actor and without a fantastic plot. The film still has the grit of its predecessors, Renner is actually very good but along with Rachel Weisz and Ed Norton they’re struggling to create something incredible out of a mediocre plotline. There are tantalizing moments when snippets of newsreel suggest that Jason Bourne is still out there and at Unique Client Solutions we wish he was.

Don’t get us wrong, this is still a perfectly enjoyable film to watch but unlike the last two films, this feels like a sequel a la Scream 2, 3 and 4. They’re trying to re-create the same ideas of the previous films but with a new group of people. So what is the verdict of the team at Unique Client Solutions? There is plenty to keep you interested but don’t go in with the misconception that this is a continuation of a fantastic story, it isn’t. This is a spin-off through and through. If they intend to do another we hope that they put a little more effort into creating a truly great plotline that will do the first three films justice. We give it 7/10.

 For more reviews and film news keep an eye out for updates on Unique Client Solutions blog and website!

Unique Client Solutions Wonders What the Future Holds for Jessica Ennis

After her emphatic victory to win the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics, Jessica Ennis has a bright future ahead of her. Unique Client Solutions looks at what she can expect.

If there is one thing that Unique Client Solutions is exceptionally proud of, it’s home grown talent. So when Jessica Ennis crossed the finish line in the 800m, the final event in her heptathlon, people around Sheffield and the country celebrated. The customer acquisitions company has its headquarters in the city and you could honestly hear the cheers from peoples houses on Saturday evening! Quite aside from the glory that Ennis can expect to bask in over the next few weeks Unique Client Solutions has investigated what her future will look like.

Ennis was well and truly the poster girl of the London 2012 campaign. That position often comes with a price and many have faltered under its pressure. Thankfully for Jessica she was simply too well prepared, too focussed and too talented. Well before the games Ennis has enjoyed attention from sponsors which have brought her lucrative endorsement deals from big names like Jaguar, Powerade, British Airways, and Aviva. Her earnings leading up to the Olympics were estimated to have topped £1m.

The managing director of Unique Client Solutions, Simon Tomlinson, said “Sports is big business, we only have to look at footballers in the Premiership to realise that. However Ennis has everything going for her. She performed to all expectations, she has the looks and she’s an eloquent ambassador for UK sport. Sponsors will be lapping her up.” Coventry University Business School expect her earnings to double over the next year to at least £2m and they believe she can expect to earn around £5m over the next three years.

Mr Tomlinson says that there are big incentives out there for sportsmen and women outside of sponsorship. “Many athletes have performance bonuses built into their contracts. So they’ll get a certain amount for qualifying for their event, another amount if they reach the final and then much more if they win a gold medal or title.”

Where does Unique Client Solutions think Jessica will be in the next few years? “Putting aside her good looks and her sponsorship deals, Jessica is simply a world-class athlete. The hours that go into that means that these people have an exceptional level of drive, something that we really admire at Unique Client Solutions. Jessica will without a doubt go on to be a very wealthy lady but her intelligence and talent will also mean that she will do a huge amount for the UK promoting sport. Finally we’re confident that we’re going to continue to see her winning medals and titles around the world. First and foremost she’s an athlete and we think that will top all her priorities.”

Unique Client Solutions Wades into the Debate About Broadband

Customer acquisitions company Unique Client Solutions gives their take on the broadband debate taking place in the government.

Unique Client Solutions were delighted when they announced several weeks ago that super-fast broadband would be making its way around the country and to both Sheffield and Nottingham where they have offices. The customer acquisitions company specialises in direct sales for the telecommunications industry and their clients are at the forefront of bringing this new technology to the masses. However there has today been some criticism from a Lords committee which has warned that the government’s broadband strategy is too focused on speed and isn’t paying enough attention to bringing broadband to a wider audience.

The committee recommended that the focus of the strategy should be on improving the digital divide around the UK. Digital minister Ed Vaizey disagreed with the report saying that a “lot of public money" was already committed to extending broadband in rural areas.  Though the report wasn’t entirely critical, and praised the government for making broadband a priority, they suggested in the report that, “The delivery of certain speeds should not be the guiding principle; what is important is the long term assurance that new internet applications emerge, everyone will be able to benefit, from inhabitants of inner cities to the remotest areas of the UK.”

What does Unique Client Solutions feel about the situation? “We are incredibly excited about ultra-fast broadband in the UK. It is going to bring us on par with the likes of Hong Kong which offers 1000Mb speeds. However we also completely agree with the Lords committee. Speed should not be at the cost of reaching as wide an audience as possible. There are still people in many parts of the UK who simply cannot access broadband, primarily because they are in rural areas. As more and more of daily life goes online it is essential that the whole of the UK is able to access those services in a secure and speedy way.”

Unique Client Solutions suggest a balanced approach to the problem. “More research needs to be done by both the government and telecommunications companies like our clients to find out where these exceptional speeds are absolutely essential to businesses and the public. Money should be committed here to ensure that we can still compete on a worldwide level. There should also be a great deal of work done to find the areas which have absolutely no access to broadband, and these should be a priority also.”

One thing Unique Client Solutions is certain of is that it will be an exciting couple of years for them and their clients. “We know that huge leap forwards in terms of technology is going to mean that our clients are going to be able to offer incredible services to their customers. We will have the fantastic job of engaging with their customers and bringing these improvements into their homes and businesses. We know they’re going to be delighted.”

Leaders Who Come From the Bottom Up Make Better Managers

Unique Client Solutions recently read research that bosses who have been through the system of an industry themselves, make better leaders.

Unique Client Solutions was interested to read the research conducted by London’s Cass Business School and the University of Sheffield which analysed every Formula One race that has taken place over the last 60 years. The results showed that teams led by bosses who had started out as drivers or mechanics themselves won twice as many races as their competitors.

The figures showed that success was dramatically improved in businesses led by ‘expert leaders’, those who have a deep knowledge and experience of the firm’s core business, rather than general managers who are trained with a broad range of skills. One of the authors of the study, Dr Amanda Goodall said “Should the BMW boss be an engineer? Are doctors better at running NHS hospitals? We would argue, yes.”

Unique Client Solutions, a customer acquisitions company with offices in Sheffield and Nottingham, was not in the least bit surprised by the research. A spokesperson for the company said, “There has been a general swing over the last few decades to train people up to be ‘managers’ who can go out and work with any kind of business. Whilst we’re sure some of them are very successful surely it is common sense to have someone with a detailed knowledge of the sector and who have also learnt to be great leaders?"

The research concluded that ‘expert leaders’ made better managers because their technical knowledge allowed them to put together better tactics and their strategies were more intuitive. They were more adaptable and had more credibility and better relationships with their teams who respected the fact that they had done it themselves.

A representative for Unique Client Solutions concluded, “This is a fantastic news and we think that this is going to really promote the importance of having a detailed knowledge of your industry and having respect amongst your team. We work in the direct sales industry and our managers have detailed sales knowledge which we think is fundamental to our results. They have the respect of our associates, they have first hand skills that are required day in and day out, and they’re also fantastic motivators. We think that it is a winning combination that makes Unique Client Solutions a top choice in our industry.”

Unique Client Solutions Champions an Active Lifestyle

Unique Client Solutions was fascinated to learn that a sedentary lifestyle can dramatically shorten our lives.

In a paper published by The Lancet yesterday researchers from 16 countries have worked out the drastic health dangers of an inactive lifestyle. With the Olympics just days away Unique Client Solutions takes a look at the research and explains why they believe an active job is important.

The research shows that worldwide one in three adults doesn’t achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week and this rises to one in two in the UK. The Lancet researchers have estimated that a lack of exercise is responsible for roughly 5.3m deaths a year, approximately the same number as smoking. This is caused through diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes and breast and bowel cancer which have been linked to lack of exercise. A representative from Unique Client Solutions said, “These are really shocking statistics, we’re sure that most people have no idea how great a part lack of exercise plays in their lifespan.”

The researchers are hoping not only to get people into the gym, but to change their lives in such a way that they build physical activity into the their day as much as possible. “At Unique Client Solutions we totally agree, being fit and healthy is not simply about going to the gym once a week. It’s about choosing the stairs instead of the lift, it’s about walking short journeys instead of driving and engaging in fun physical activities with your family and friends.”

Unique Client Solutions is a customer acquisitions and direct sales company with offices in Sheffield and Nottingham. “The nature of our business is thankfully very active. We interact with our clients’ customers in a variety of ways but all of them have us up on our feet chatting with customers on a daily basis. What we notice in our sales associates are that there are healthy, proactive, fun and determined people. We’re sure that their active lifestyles have a lot to do with that.” A healthy lifestyle doesn’t just keep your heart healthy, it can help with insomnia and help manage stress, anxiety and even depression.

With the Olympics just over a week away Unique Client Solutions encourages you to get involved in the huge number of sports events that are taking place around the country celebrating London 2012. By all means watch Usain Bolt in the 100m but don’t spend your whole summer in front of the TV. Get out there and get active!