Articles for Unicom

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, time is the most valuable currency. For small business owners across the United Kingdom, managing multiple suppliers for telecommunications, energy, and water can be a fragmented and exhausting process. Enter Unicom, a trading name of Verastar Limited. Since its inception in 1998, Unicom has established itself as a cornerstone of the UK’s small business infrastructure, providing a "one-stop-shop" designed to streamline operations and reduce overhead costs. Headquartered in Greater Manchester, Unicom supports over 100,000 customers by consolidating essential services into a single, transparent monthly bill. Under the leadership of Verastar Group CEO Lee Hull, the company continues to champion the values of simplicity, reliability, and value. The Genesis of Unicom and the Verastar Group Unicom was founded on May 1, 1998, at a time when the UK telecommunications market was beginning to de-regulate, opening doors for independent providers to challenge established giants. Originally operating as Universal Utilities, the company rebranded its parent entity to Verastar in 2015 to better reflect its multi-service capabilities. Today, Unicom is part of a larger family of brands, including Clear Business and Switchingon, all operating under the Verastar umbrella. With a workforce of over 800 employees and a national reach, the company remains deeply rooted in its Manchester hub at Universal House, Longley Lane. Core Services: A Unified Approach to Business Utilities Unicom’s specialization lies in Small Business Utility Management. By leveraging its scale as one of the UK’s largest independent providers, it offers professional-grade services that allow SMEs to compete on a level playing field with larger corporations. 1. Business Telecommunications & Digital Transformation As the UK prepares for the PSTN Switch-off (the retirement of traditional analogue phone lines by 2025), Unicom has become a vital partner for businesses navigating digital transformation. Digital Phone Systems (VoIP): Unicom provides scalable, cloud-based voice solutions that offer more flexibility than traditional landlines. Business Broadband: From essential ADSL to ultra-fast Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Unicom ensures businesses stay connected with reliable uptime. Business Mobile: Competitive SIM-only deals and mobile packages tailored for professional use. 2. Commercial Energy (Electricity & Gas) Energy costs are often the second-largest overhead for small businesses. Unicom simplifies Energy Procurement by offering competitive tariffs and transparent pricing. Their expertise helps business owners avoid the "rollover trap" of expensive out-of-contract rates. 3. Business Water Services Since the de-regulation of the English water market in 2017, businesses can choose their water supplier. Unicom was among the first to offer consolidated water billing, helping companies manage their commercial water rates more effectively through their sister brand, Clear Business. The Unicom Value Proposition: Value, Simplicity, and Reliability What sets Unicom apart is not just the services they provide, but how they provide them. Consolidated Billing: Instead of managing five different invoices on five different dates, Unicom customers receive one bill. This reduces administrative hours and simplifies book-keeping. UK-Based Customer Support: Operating from their Manchester headquarters, Unicom’s award-winning helpdesk (reached at 0161 946 4444) ensures that business owners speak to experts who understand the UK market. Localized Service with National Scale: While they serve over 100,000 businesses nationwide, their service model remains focused on the individual needs of local high-street shops, cafes, and independent contractors. Strategic Leadership and Accreditations Under CEO Lee Hull, Unicom has modernized its digital interface, offering a robust Online Customer Portal for real-time account management. The company’s commitment to quality is backed by several key certifications: ISO 9001 Quality Management: Ensuring consistent service delivery. Ofcom Registered: Adhering to strict telecommunications regulations. Ombudsman Services Member: Providing peace of mind through independent dispute resolution. Why Small Businesses Choose Unicom Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, but they often lack the "buying power" of major corporations. Unicom bridges this gap. By pooling the requirements of thousands of SMEs, they secure rates and infrastructure—such as secure fiber connections and green energy options—that would otherwise be out of reach. Whether a business is a new start-up looking for its first digital phone line or an established firm looking to slash energy bills, Unicom’s 25+ years of experience makes them a dependable partner for growth. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Who owns Unicom? Unicom is a trading name of Verastar Limited, a major business service provider based in Manchester, UK. 2. What is the relationship between Unicom and Clear Business? Both are brands under the Verastar Group. They often work in tandem to provide telecommunications, energy, and water services to the UK small business community. 3. How can I contact Unicom customer service? You can reach the Unicom helpdesk at 0161 946 4444 or via email at info@switchingon.com. Their working hours are Monday–Friday, 09:00 – 18:00. 4. What does the "one-bill" solution mean? Unicom allows you to combine your business broadband, mobile, energy, and water services into a single monthly invoice, simplifying your financial management. 5. Is Unicom ready for the 2025 PSTN switch-off? Yes. Unicom specializes in digital transformation and offers VoIP (Digital Phone Lines) to replace traditional analogue systems before the 2025 deadline. 6. Does Unicom provide services to residential customers? No, Unicom is specifically dedicated to the small business community and commercial enterprises. 7. Where is Unicom’s headquarters located? They are located at Universal House, Longley Lane, Manchester, M22 4SY, United Kingdom, near the Sharston Industrial Estate. 8. What payment methods does Unicom accept? Unicom accepts Direct Debit (preferred), Credit/Debit Cards, and Bank Transfers (BACS). 9. Is Unicom an accredited provider? Yes, they are an Ofcom Registered Provider, a member of Ombudsman Services, and hold ISO 9001 certification. 10. Can Unicom help me switch my business water supplier? Absolutely. As part of the Verastar Group, Unicom can facilitate the switch to more competitive commercial water rates through their managed switching service. For more information, visit the official website at www.switchingon.com or follow their updates on LinkedIn.