In 2000, SearchQuest was born in a back room in Lancaster – a small team with a bold vision: to help businesses get discovered online. Fast forward 25 years, and that bold vision has evolved into SQ Digital - a strategic digital consultancy partnering with ambitious SMEs across the UK.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re proud to share the next step in our journey: the appointment of a new CEO, a new leadership structure, and a renewed focus on delivering sustainable, strategic growth for our clients and team alike.
New Leadership for a New Era
Kamal Essa, who joined SearchQuest as Managing Director in 2016, has now stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer. With a background in commercial and financial leadership roles at global organisations including The Co-operative Group and Compass Group, Kamal brings both strategic clarity and operational experience to guide SQ’s next phase of evolution.
In October 2024, Kamal aquired full ownership of the business from founders (and his younger brothers) Vilayte and Husen Essa. Under their guidance, SearchQuest was built on innovation, resilience, and values-led growth. Kamal’s appointment signals not just continuity, but also progression and purpose.
“Vilayte and Husen showed real entrepreneurial flair in founding SearchQuest and growing it over 25 years,” said Kamal. “They built a business that’s helped hundreds of clients and provided careers to just as many people. I’m proud to lead the next chapter - one rooted in purpose and fuelled by ambition.”
From Digital Agency to Strategic Consultancy
The digital marketing landscape has once again transformed dramatically in recent years. AI and automation are redefining how content is created, campaigns are run, and results are measured. At the same time, business owners have become more digitally literate and expect more from their digital agency partners.
Today’s SMEs aren’t just buying services - they’re seeking outcomes. They want clarity, control, and commercially-minded advice from people who understand the big picture. Increasingly, they’re not looking for agencies - they’re looking for strategic partners.
This evolution in expectations has shaped the future of SQ.
While we remain deeply rooted in performance marketing, we’re repositioning ourselves as a strategic digital consultancy. Our transformation from agency to consultancy isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a complete shift in mindset.
We still offer digital marketing services - but we now lead with strategic insight, planning and consultancy. Our new proposition focuses on:
- Digital strategy development
- Audience definition and reach
- Customer journey transformation
- Lead generation and growth frameworks
- Commercially intelligent reporting
- Internal training and alignment
“We’re moving beyond service delivery to become true business partners,” Kamal explained. “That means combining digital execution with strategic insight. It’s about asking bigger questions, offering sharper thinking, and helping clients unlock long-term growth.”
This evolution builds on the work carried out during our internal transformation programme in 2024, which included in-depth reviews of our purpose, brand, values and offer - supported by PR consultancy firm Freshfield and a series of ‘Fresh Eyes’ sessions. The result? A clearer focus, a more distinct position in the market, and a leadership team aligned on a shared vision.
A Team Designed for Impact
Alongside Kamal, SQ’s newly structured management team reflects a blend of experience, energy and ambition:
- James Brady, Digital Operations Manager
- Kate Martin, Key Account Manager
- Paul Zanelli, Digital Marketing Manager
Together, they’re guiding a team of 20 talented specialists, all based in our historic offices on Church Street in Lancaster. Our people are the heart of SQ - united by shared values, committed to each other’s success, and passionate about helping our clients grow.
Strategic, Sustainable Growth Ahead
SQ works with SMEs across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing and engineering, construction, property, retail, hospitality, wellbeing, and professional services. Our client list includes businesses like Kangaroo Self Storage, Banks-Lyon Jewellers, Mazuma Mobile, European Springs and Roccia - all growth-driven brands looking for more than just marketing. They are organisations that share our values and see us as partners, not just providers.
With a renewed focus on strategy, a refreshed brand set to launch, and a culture that celebrates collaboration and growth, SQ is now focused on scaling sustainably - driven by long-term client relationships and meaningful results.
As we evolve, we’re also embracing AI and automation -not to replace people, but to empower them. AI tools, like ChatGPT, allow us to work smarter, uncover deeper insight, and scale faster without compromising on thinking or creativity
“Our ambition is clear,” said Kamal. “We’re building a consultancy that blends commercial intelligence, creativity and care. We want to grow, yes - but we want to grow with purpose. That means the right clients, the right people, and the right mindset.”
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on 25 years of evolution, there’s a sense that this is just the beginning. We’re proud of what’s been built - but even more excited about what comes next.
SQ is now a strategic consultancy built for ambitious businesses - powered by people who care, guided by experience, and driven by a shared vision for growth.
We’re actively hiring, always looking for like-minded people to join our journey, and keen to connect with business owners who want to grow with strategic support that’s rooted in honesty, clarity and expertise.
To everyone who’s been part of the SQ story so far - thank you. Here’s to the next chapter.
