First Rate Marketing

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of fs talent

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

FS Talent is a specialist recruitment firm placing professionals across the financial services sector in the UK.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

We hired First Rate Marketing to design and launch a new website and develop a brand identity that properly reflected the quality of clients and candidates we work with. We also wanted the website to integrate with our recruitment CRM so job listings could automatically appear on the site.

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

outreach

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

best pitch

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

First Rate Marketing designed and developed our new company website and created our brand identity.
The website includes sector pages, team profiles, testimonials, insights articles and a fully integrated job board connected to our CRM system (Vincere). This allows jobs posted internally to automatically appear on the website without any manual work.
They also developed our branding, including the logo, colour palette, typography and supporting brand assets for digital use.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The biggest outcome has been the credibility the website gives us when speaking with both clients and candidates. It presents the business in a far more professional way and clearly communicates the sectors we specialise in.

The job board integration has also streamlined our internal workflow, as roles posted in our CRM now automatically update on the website.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Project management was excellent. Everything was delivered on schedule and communication was clear throughout the process. Sam and the team were very responsive and often suggested improvements we hadn’t initially considered.

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What stood out most was how well they understood the recruitment industry and translated that into a website that actually works for the business. The balance between design, usability and functionality was excellent.

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

No. First Rate Marketing delivered exactly what they promised and more. The result is a website and brand that genuinely represents our business and sets us apart in our industry.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Fitzbrien Limited

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We’re Fitzbrien, a London-based creative film studio dedicated to art and artists. I’m a Director responsible for creative and client relationships. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

• We needed a website that felt more like a pared-back gallery space than a corporate brochure. We also wanted to surface our collaborators (from Marina Abramović to Gilbert & George) with simple project pages, credits and context, and put our showreel and contact routes front and centre, with thoughtful on-page SEO that doesn’t get in the way.

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Through a trusted recommendation from an industry contact.

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

First Rate Marketing delivered a calm, image-led website and foundational SEO. Key deliverables included:

An archive-centred architecture with simple project templates - summary up top, credits where they belong, and room for stills and video.
A dedicated Showreel area that’s easy to update when new collaborations land.
Selected project features that highlight range from contemporary art and design to brand commissions

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

First Rate Marketing delivered a calm, image-led website and foundational SEO. Key deliverables included:

An archive-centred architecture with simple project templates - summary up top, credits where they belong, and room for stills and video.
A dedicated Showreel area that’s easy to update when new collaborations land.
Selected project features that highlight range from contemporary art and design to brand commissions

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Smooth and considered. Timelines were met, feedback loops were short, and they were respectful of our working pace around shoots and edits.

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their sensitivity to the work. They resisted clutter, let the images do the talking, and still gave us a site that loads fast and is simple to maintain. The archive reads like a concise programme note rather than marketing copy, and collaborators can immediately see the breadth of what we do.

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

We didn’t think so, hence why we’ve retained them to manage our website. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Aquinas Tuition

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We provide online and in-person tuition to primary and secondary-level students in England and Scotland. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

• Design & Launch Company Website
• Drive Lead Generation

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Referral

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

First Rate Marketing were engaged to design and deliver a website that included the following pages:

• About Us (Company ethos)
• Tutors (bios, reviews and testimonials)
• Tuition Process
• Careers page
• Articles
• Contact Us
• Resources

Furthermore, we engaged First Rate Marketing to design a branding package for us, which included:

• Logo
• Colour palette
• Social media pack

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The branding pack was delivered on time, however more importantly it was delivered totally in line with our hopes and aspirations, which we had shared with First Rate Marketing in some of the initial calls. 

We have used this pack to set-up a LinkedIn company page ahead of the launch of the website and it drove an unexpectedly high-level of traffic toward us, including quality job applications. 

The website looks the real deal and outdoes those of our competitors that are considered leaders in the market. We feel confident that it will deliver both quality tutors and clients to us, owing to its strikingly professional look.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The team at First Rate delivered to every deadline that was promised to us. Furthermore, they went above on beyond, frequently providing additional support to our set-up queries related to our online presence more broadly. We could not speak any more highly of Sam, James and the team at First Rate. Supportive, responsive, efficient and with an eye and ear for the small details that make the big difference.

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Sam and James are incredibly affable, supportive, and highly responsive. They both took the time to understand our needs and this was demonstrated in their ability to articulate this to the team of designers, who not only met, but exceeded our expectations. We have been blown away by the quick, detailed and accurate responses, as well as the 'bed side manner' exhibited in response to our rather mundane queries but ones in which we had no idea where to go with them. Sam and James spent the time coaching us and developed our thinking through their own curiosity, business development expertise and branding skills. We couldn't have gotten better anywhere else.

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

No. We are indebted to First Rate Marketing for top class service, their kindness and their generosity of spirit. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Customer Relations & Reasearch Executive of Pennymoneyih.com

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

PennyMoney, is an early-stage investment and advisory firm

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

We wanted to professionalise our brand and website to reflect our experience and credibility, articulate our mission and values clearly, and present our services in a straightforward way for founders, partners and co-investors.

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Online Search

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

• High ratings
• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

First Rate Marketing delivered brand refinement, a new website and on-site SEO. Key deliverables included:

• Site architecture and copy for our core pages: About/Who We Are, Services, and Contact.
• Clear presentation of our service lines (investments & funding, advisory consultancy, real estate development & management, and global networking & governance) with editor-friendly templates
• Founder and leadership bios to showcase experience and credibility (including our founders, Chris and Carol Phillips)
• Technical SEO (clean URL structure, metadata, schema, sitemap) and on-page optimisation
• Secure enquiry forms with spam protection and analytics/conversion tracking

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

They delivered exactly as they did previously, everything on time.  Milestones were met, communication was clear, and feedback loops were quick and constructive. Any refinements we requested were handled promptly.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They delivered exactly as they did previously, everything on time.  Milestones were met, communication was clear, and feedback loops were quick and constructive. Any refinements we requested were handled promptly.

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The TEAM nothing was too much or to little for them to do. Sam has been at my beck and call everytime we had a new requirement and he has been amazingly patient with us. A very genuine person.

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

We’re very happy with the outcome. The team were proactive, detail-oriented and easy to work with. We would gladly recommend them. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of Geeks on Wheels London Ltd

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Managed IT Services (MSP(

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

• Website design
• Brand design
• SEO Advice

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Networking Lunch

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

• Close to my geographic location
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

The brief was to update our existing website with a modern design to improve upon the previous, outdated version. During the development process, First Rate Marketing advised us to refresh our brand,  including updating our logo and the overall look and feel of the site.

We now have an improved website that we are proud to present to our clients and the general public. We are really pleased with the professionalism and expert advice provided by First Rate Marketing. They delivered on every aspect of the project without any disruption to our services.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The project has delivered a modern, high-performing website and refreshed brand identity that position us strongly for the future. Once the site goes live, we anticipate improved user engagement, faster load times, and an overall enhanced customer experience. The updated design and branding reflect a more professional and contemporary image that aligns with our company’s growth and technical expertise. We are confident that this new online presence will strengthen client trust, increase visibility, and provide long-term value to our business. The entire process with First Rate Marketing has been smooth and professional, completed without any disruption to our ongoing services.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

First Rate Marketing (FRM) responded exceptionally well to our requirements and project brief.

Their communication was clear, consistent, and proactive throughout the entire process. 

They managed timelines efficiently, delivering all project milestones on schedule and keeping us fully informed at every stage.

The team demonstrated flexibility and responsiveness, quickly addressing any questions or adjustments we requested. Their professional approach ensured a smooth workflow and a stress-free experience from start to finish.

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

In-Person Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

What impressed us most about First Rate Marketing was how well they understood our vision and turned it into something even better than we expected.

Their mix of creativity, technical skill, and genuine care made the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free. They were always responsive, full of great ideas, and truly invested in helping us achieve the best results for our business. 

We are looking forward to launching our new brandesign and website next week!

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

Overall, our experience with First Rate Marketing was extremely positive, and there were no major areas for improvement. The project was well-managed, communication was consistent, and deliverables met our expectations. If anything, we would simply encourage them to continue maintaining the same high standards of responsiveness and creativity that made this collaboration such a success.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Managing Director of CRCS Legal

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Complaint resolutions compliance solutions 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

• To create a website
• to host the website
• to maintain and update the website

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Met personally

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

I liked the person I met and was confident when speaking with them they would deliver

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I instructed the firm to provide me with a new website to promote my company.  They had to do so from scratch, creating pages and logos for me.  They were tasked with producing a new look for the company along with creating the ability to schedule meetings with me.  

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The website was launched and I had customers contact me via the app they had put on the website who scheduled meetings with me and I obtained the work via those meetings.  

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The company was very receptive to my needs, providing me outlines of what work had been done and discussing with me what I liked what I wanted to change etc.  They also helped me set up other apps to use on the website.  The website was delivered quickly.  

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

First Rate Marketing is approachable and always on hand to discuss matters. Amendments and additions have always been attending to promptly.  I really like that I can speak with someone who understands what I want and is willing to help with any issues.  

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

No there are no areas for improvement-everything is excellent.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Events Specialist of PVH

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

PVH Corp., formerly known as the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation, is an American clothing company which owns brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Warner's, Olga and True & Co.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?
Assist With A Market Launch Event

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Referral

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Referred to me

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

First Rate Marketing supported us with our market launch event back in June. They advised on event suppliers and how the event layout should flow. In addition they provided photography, videography and advised on the promotion of the event.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The market launch was a huge success and the photographs looked fantastic. 

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Great, had no issues, extremely quick on responses and were at the event early to scope the place out and delivered the end photography and videos within a couple of days after the event.

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Their attention to detail and level of care. They thought of minor details such as vendor positioning which allowed a good flow to the event ensuring it was a great event.

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

Nothing that I can think of; we were really happy with the event and wouldn't change anything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Director of MB Fitzgerald

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

MB Fitzgerald are a Financial Services & General Insurance recruitment agency based in the City of London.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire First Rate Marketing to accomplish?

• Formulate a go to market marketing strategy
• Formulate lead generation strategy and implement it

SOLUTION

How did you find First Rate Marketing?

Online Search

Why did you select First Rate Marketing over others?

• High ratings
• Great culture fit
• Good value for cost

How many teammates from First Rate Marketing were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

First Rate Marketing delivered a comphrehensive marketing strategy that allowed a complimentary strategy across all platforms to drive engagment and most importantly candidate and client enquiries. They formulated a social and offline strategy thats lead to a considerable increase in candidates.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Increase in both candidates and clients to the business and a clear strategy across the business.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The team were great they laid out an actionable timeline with incremential milestones, allowing us to be fully aware of each step and what to expect next. They were extremely responsive to our schedule and always accomodated us, including last minute requests. 

What was your primary form of communication with First Rate Marketing?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I’m impressed with their creativity. They hit us with ideas and concepts we've never even heard of and the thinking behind each strategy was genius. Really impressed.

Are there any areas for improvement or something First Rate Marketing could have done differently?

Not that I can think of, was thoroughly impressed every step of the way!

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I'm the founder of Adrian Digby. I'm an executive coach and trust advisor for high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. 

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with First Rate Marketing?

I was looking to design and launch a new website for my company. 

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

First Rate Marketing has designed and developed a new website for my company. Initially, the team created a personal branding package and provided images and content. The first stage of the project was designing the website. After I had chosen a design concept and was happy with the design, the team built the website. First Rate Marketing has launched my site in WordPress and provides maintenance services on a monthly basis. 

What is the team composition?

I've worked with two teammates from First Rate Marketing, including Samuel (Director). 

How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around £4,500 (approximately $5,700) on this project. 

How did you come to work with First Rate Marketing?
I found First Rate Marketing online. I spoke to around five development companies and chose First Rate Marketing because of our initial passion and engagement. We had a couple of calls before I signed the team. First Rate Marketing dived into what I was looking for and how they could help me define what they would do versus what I could provide.
How much have you invested with them?

We've spent around £4,500 (approximately $5,700) on this project. 

What is the status of this engagement?

Our engagement with First Rate Marketing started in February 2023 when we signed them, although our work started in April 2023. Our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

First Rate Marketing has helped me achieve my goal of creating brand awareness for my business. The team has delivered a very well-designed and clean website that elevates my business' brand awareness. When users see my website, they can see my identity and how I represent myself.

How did First Rate Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

We have a fixed budget with First Rate Marketing that they respect. The team manages the project in different stages, and at each stage, First Rate Marketing asks for my approval and sign-off before progressing to the next phase. The website has taken a little longer to launch after my decision and request to make more adjustments and development.

The team constantly challenges my thinking, and we've co-created a potentially revised version that they would then build. First Rate Marketing has happily done this process as many times as needed until I'm happy with the product and can move to the following stages.
Are there any employees from the service provider's team that you would like to give a shout-out to in this review?

I want to highlight Samuel's work. He's very passionate and knows his products. He's also very engaging and willing to support me. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

I'm impressed by First Rate Marketing's response time. When I have a challenge or problem, I message the team personally and get a response pretty immediately. The team is very responsive, even to the point of responding to my messages after hours when I've needed it.

Are there any areas they could improve?

The only improvement I can suggest is for First Rate Marketing to maintain their sleek customer service experience while the company is scaling. I've seen the team become busier and ensure they have the right processes to not jeopardize the products and quality they provide. 

Do you have any advice for future clients of theirs?

I suggest not rushing the process and allowing yourself to have your ideas and for First Rate Marketing to challenge those ideas as experts in their field. Allow the team to challenge you as to which may be the better way of doing things. You may also want to allow the team more time to deliver your project. I think it's about delivering work right, not fast.