About SQ Digital
Our business is founded on helping SMEs to succeed, rather than chasing big, national brands. Your business will never be a second thought at SQ Digital because to us, small is a very big deal.
The digital world is changing all the time. It's vital that small and medium-sized businesses get to grips with digital marketing in order to stay relevant and competitive. For two decades, SQ Digital has been an agency with a heart for helping SMEs to navigate this fast-paced world. We aim to exceed expectations.
We take pride in the relationships between our team members and with our clients. At SQ we go below surface level: we know, care for, support and respect each other. Likewise, our relationships with clients are built on trust, transparency and genuine empathy – after all, we're an SME too.
Get in touch Our approach
Vilayte Essa
Business Administration Assistant
Lucinda Ferguson
Matt McCarten
Damian Kelly
Senior Paid Social Media Executive
Michelle Charnley
PA / Business Administrator
Zara Dobson
Design and Development Manager
Richard McGowan
Social and Paid Media Executive
Liam Bland
Senior Content Marketing Executive
Matt Hartley
Teresa Garanhel
Andy Cruxton
Co-Founder and COO
Husen Essa
Digital Marketing Executive - Paid Media
Ben Brom
Kamal Essa
Tony Bell
Lead Digital Marketing Executive
Ash Winder
Senior Web Designer
Jonny Coole
Amy Livesey
Laura Blenkinship
Content Marketing Executive
Hannah Wesson
Kate Martin
Lead Project Manager
Eddie Bradshaw
Systems Engineering Manager
Ed Moore
Digital Marketing Executive - SEO
Raimy Greenland
Senior SEO Executive
Elizabeth Goldsbrough
Mike Atherton
Vilayte is SQ Digital's CEO. Along with his brother Husen, he founded SQ Digital in 2000 and back then it was among the first SEO agencies to open in the UK.
With over 20 years in the digital marketing industry, Vilayte is passionate about building long-lasting relationships with our clients. Leading a team of Sales and Account Managers, he is responsible for ensuring all our clients are happy, utilising his decades of experience to create, implement and oversee successful digital campaigns.
Vilayte is also an expert in SEO with a remarkable skill for identifying opportunities for clients to increase website traffic, improve rankings and generate more business. When Vilayte isn't speaking to clients, he is sharing his vast SEO knowledge by mentoring our SEO executives.
Outside of the office, Vilayte enjoys travelling the globe.
A fun fact about Vilayte
Sharing what he calls more a "sad fact than fun fact", Vilayte still googles keywords daily to check where some of our clients rank – it's become a habit which he has been doing for 20 years!
James has been part of the SQ family for over six years, working with the Design and Development Team. James is responsible for managing all website projects, carrying out quality and assurance testing, handling all technical support, and managing all the servers.
Outside of work, his hobbies include football, gaming, and technology. He is also partial to a nice glass of whisky.
Taking care of credit control and invoicing means that figures and number crunching play a big role in Lucinda's working day. Her role also includes monitoring web domain names which are administered by SQ Digital, helping gather data for client reports and stepping in to cover for colleagues when needed.
Outside of the office, Lucinda enjoys spending time outdoors in the fresh air, stretching her legs on a long walk or going for a run.
A fun fact about Lucinda
Lucinda used to play water polo for the GB junior team.
As a web developer for SQ Digital, Matt's main role is to take a flat design and build it into a moving, working website. He is also responsible for fixing and maintaining our client's websites, as well as providing training and support for a range of website-related issues.
When he isn't building websites, you can usually find Matt attached to a game device. On the odd occasion he isn't gaming, Matt also enjoys watching Netflix, keeping fit and attending the odd Comic-Con across the country.
A fun fact about Matt
He has appeared in many newspapers dressed as a Cyberman.
Damian has several important roles within SQ Digital. Alongside working with the Business Administration team, he also works closely with the PPC and SEO teams, putting his Google Ads and Google Analytics qualifications to good use. Damian is what we like to refer to as "The SQ Swiss Army Knife" – he has a wide range of skills which make him an invaluable member of the team.
When he isn't delving into data for our customers, Damian has a passion for gaming, something that has been his favourite hobby since a young age.
A fun fact about Damian
Damian describes his home as living in a jungle. He has an African Grey Parrot called Charlie, a Tortoise named Cosmos, a Dog called Bessie and 7 cats called Popeye (she was born with a dodgy eye), Bonnie, Titch, Belle, Peg, Spot and Nellie.
As a Paid Social Media Executive, Michelle is responsible for advertising on social media platforms, like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Her role involves discovering new places to reach customers and executing, managing and optimising paid campaigns. Her favourite part of the job is developing relationships with the paid social clients she manages.
When she's not thinking about paid social campaigns, Michelle can often be found walking around the Yorkshire Dales, growing her own veggies and herbs, gaming, and practising illustration.
A fun fact about Michelle
Michelle summited Gran Paradiso in Italy (and can be found on Google images somewhere). She is also the proud owner of 27 house plants (and counting).
As SQ Digital's PA and business administrator, Zara keeps all admin on track and makes sure that everything in the office is running smoothly. Zara has a wide range of responsibilities, from answering colleague queries and working on payroll, to HR and recruitment – she's even been found wielding a paintbrush or screwdriver on the odd occasion…
When Zara isn't being the 'office mum', you'll find her being super-mum at home to her 15-year-old son Dylan and her puppy Skylar. Alongside spending time outdoors with her family, Zara loves to indulge in her favourite musical theatre shows.
A fun fact about Zara
She has no sense of smell.
As the Design and Development Manager, Richard oversees the Design and Development Team – with the primary focus on producing the highest quality of work for all our clients and internal teams.
Bringing years of extensive experience across all aspects of web design and development, he loves the journey of a project from ideation and research all the way through to launch.
A fun fact about Richard
Richard originally began his career in digital media in a Business Incubator at the age of 21, creating pre-visualisation experiences for architects using game development software.
Having been with SQ for almost three years now, Liam's role is to create and manage social media for each of our clients. From simple graphics to detailed video content, Liam enjoys building engaging schedules for both our clients, and their audiences to enjoy.
Liam spends most of his time working on music production and supporting "the greatest football team known to man", Liverpool FC. And he's a vocal critic of VARs (Video Assistant Referees).
A fun fact about Liam
Liam spoke strong French and took exams at University in the language but has since forgotten the majority of it!
Matt has been with SQ Digital for over four years, specialising in PR as a member of our Content Team, he manages our clients' PR campaigns from ideation right through to publication. With a background in journalism from University and previous jobs, Matt forges lasting relationships with publications in a wide range of industries to ensure our customers can gain consistent coverage throughout the year.
When he isn't getting our clients published in the press, Matt is a long-suffering Morecambe FC supporter. More successfully, he is proud to be SQ's reigning Fantasy Football Champion. Outside of sports, Matt is crazy enough to own two Jack Russell's – who can often be heard play fighting in the background on video calls.
Matt became a black-belt in Ju-Jit-Su at age 12.
As someone passionate about writing, Teresa enjoys creating content that helps our clients grow their business. She enjoys the varied nature of her job, especially the opportunity to come up with different content strategies and ideas for SMEs.
Writer by day, avid reader and gamer by night, Teresa is also a huge fan of exploring the beautiful North West countryside. And she believes there is nothing that can beat a nice cup of coffee in the morning while listening to music.
A fun fact about Teresa
Teresa is bilingual, can play the piano and loves playing poker (though would never bet real money).
Andy joined SQ Digital in January 2020, having held senior marketing positions in the e-commerce, technology and charity sectors. His marketing experience is put to great use with our clients, allowing him to advise on marketing strategy, ideas and new ways approaching SME digital marketing. His 20 years' commercial experience means he is always focused on our clients' business objectives and making sure their digital marketing is providing real-world returns.
When he is not thinking about marketing funnels, ROI and cost-per-acquisitions, Andy sings… a lot… everywhere! He plays guitar and sings in a local band and spends time trying to coerce his 2, and 4-year-old children into a music career!
A fun fact about Andy
Andy is a TV quiz champion having won £5,000 on ITV's The Chase. One to watch in your local pub quiz!
Co-founder and chief operating officer, Husen has been with SQ Digital from the very beginning. Alongside his brother Vilayte, Husen has played a pivotal role in taking the company from a start-up run from a bedroom in the family home, to a thriving and successful agency of over 20 years.
Husen has been a part of every department within SQ Digital, which gives him a unique perspective on the company, helping him to shape the structure of the business throughout the years.
Today, his role includes building relationships with our clients as part of the Account Management Team, as well as leading the Business Admin Team to ensure everything is ticking over nicely.
Outside of the office, Husen is a food fanatic and loves going out for meals with his friends. He also enjoys spending quality time with his two daughters.
A fun fact about Husen
Husen often sleeps with his eyes open!
Ben is responsible for the day-to-day management of Paid Media activities, working to generate leads and drive traffic to our clients through Google advertising.
Outside of PPC, Ben enjoys reading, watching films and playing video games.
A fun fact about Ben
Ben lives with his cat Franklin who once brought him home a whole cooked chicken– he never did find out where it came from.
As Managing Director of SQ Digital, Kamal oversees all of the companies business operations, from ensuring that SQ Digital achieves its financial vision to making sure the business stays on track with all strategic goals – ensuring that SQ Digital continues to grow and thrive.
Outside of the office, Kamal loves nothing more than getting competitive in one of our many SQ sporting challenges, and spending quality time with the family.
A fun fact about Kamal
He once rescued a baby sea lion from a trawler net off the coast of Estonia.
As SQ Digital's longest-serving team member, Tony's role is all about making connections and bringing in business. Tony loves getting to know our clients, understanding their individual needs – Tony says, "nothing beats that personal touch".
When he isn't entertaining the team with his dad-jokes, Tony can often be spotted pounding the Morecambe seafront on one of his daily 5K runs or clambering up the side of a mountain in the stunning English Lake District.
A fun fact about Tony
He used to play the drums in a cavalier band.
Ash manages the SEO and Paid Media departments within SQ Digital, as a self-confessed numbers geek he is all about data and how this can be used to drive our customers' businesses forwards.
When he's not indulging in his love of numbers, he's usually busy walking his three dogs or watching football, Formula 1 or fighting (not usually at the same time, although it has been known to happen).
A fun fact about Ash
He "stupidly" made the decision to get a puppy during lockdown, who is cute but a nightmare when fighting with his other two dogs whilst he is trying to work.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Jonny adds a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Design & Development Team.
Prior to working at SQ Digital, Jonny travelled the world as a freelance designer with his travel photographer wife before settling back in the UK to start a family.
A fun fact about Jonny
That actually is his real name.
Amy joined SQ Digital as a Graduate Digital Marketing Executive before choosing to pursue a role in the Business Administration team. She also works closely with the Account Management team, taking care of customer onboarding, building campaign plans, and ensuring reports are delivered on time. Amy loves getting to know our customers and prides herself on delivering top-notch customer service.
Amy enjoys going for long walks in the Lake District with her husband, shopping for clothes she doesn't need, and spending quality time with her nephew and niece.
A fun fact about Amy
Amy can rap every word to Coolio's Gangsters Paradise
Laura is our resident designer, and what a trooper she is! She's responsible for all visual assets, including video and bespoke visual designs. Her role involves designing newsletters, creating re-marketing banners and adverts, and designing brochures, as well as some more traditional print design.
When she isn't designing, Laura enjoys listening to live music, walking her 2 dogs in the countryside, and baking up a storm in the kitchen.
A fun fact about Laura
Laura used to be the district champion in the 100m.
Hannah joined SQ Digital in 2018 and is responsible for all things content, including blogs, onsite content, newsletters, press releases and social media. She has a keen eye for the written word and loves getting under the skin of how content differs from one client to the next, ensuring that each clients' content is consistent and matches their brand.
After graduating from Lancaster University, Hannah decided to move to the city permanently and enjoys visiting the castle, walking around Williamson Park and having a drink in all the fantastic pubs across the city. She also loves the close proximity to Cumbria and the Lake District.
A fun fact about Hannah
She has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Kate's role includes driving the strategy of digital marketing campaigns for all our customers, working alongside the other digital marketing leads and account management team. Kate also works closely with the wider marketing team, especially the content and social media team, to ensure all marketing activity is aligned and content is of the highest quality.
In her spare time, Kate enjoys reading crime thrillers, drinking endless cups of tea, spending time with her friends and family, and being bossed around by her army of house cats.
A fun fact about Kate
Kate has an irrational fear of big spoons and therefore uses a teaspoon for everything, including eating soup and cereal.
A member of the SQ team for over eight years, Eddie's role is focussed around organisation and process. As Lead Project Manager his time is split between ensuring work is delivered on budget and developing new products and processes to make sure we're always improving our offering to customers.
When Eddie isn't at his desk strategising, you'll find him at his desk, playing strategy games. Occasionally he will also sit at a table to attend Magic the Gathering tournaments across Europe.
A fun fact about Eddie
Eddie managed a World of Warcraft guild of over 250 members through University and still managed to complete his studies.
Ed's role is to keep SQ Digital at the cutting edge of technology, so we can continue to provide our clients with the best performance in their digital marketing campaigns.
If the right technology doesn't exist already, then Ed has the skillset to build it. This could be anything from AI systems to intuitive interfaces for the teams.
In his free time, Ed likes to relax by gaming on the PC – playing various genres from FPS to simulation.
A fun fact about Ed
When the weather is right for it, Ed enjoys heading out into the wilderness to find routes less travelled.
As SEO Executive, Raimy looks after our clients' websites from an SEO point of view, monitoring keywords and rankings, and fixing technical issues that can affect their visibly on search engines.
When Raimy isn't helping our customers get seen on Google, she can be found at home entertaining her daughter or hanging from a metal hoop at her aerial hoop classes. A book lover and keen writer, Raimy runs two blogs of her own about books and parenting. Her weekends aren't complete without going on long walks in the woods or on our beautiful local beaches.
A fun fact about Raimy
She's been quoted in several awesome books.
Lizzy is our resident SEO guru. She manages SEO campaigns for clients from a wide range of industries. Her role includes identifying relevant search terms for clients' websites and making onsite improvements to increase Google rankings for search terms. Lizzy's role also involves a lot of technical elements, like crawlability for user experience purposes and Schema.org mark-up, which can benefit the click-through rates of pages in search.
Outside of SEO, Lizzy has numerous adventurous hobbies, including fell running and climbing. When she isn't seeking that adrenalin rush, Lizzy enjoys drawing and spending time with her two cats: Riley and Eva.
A fun fact about Lizzy
Lizzy once missed a train in Slovenia after running down the platform to catch it. The conductors made it stop and come back for her after it had already left the station and disappeared from view.
Mike has over 16 years of experience in marketing, working with both small SME businesses and large international brands. As the Content Marketing Manager, Mike leads a team of talented content creators who are responsible for everything content related – from press releases to video content, and everything in-between.
Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with the family, he's a keen runner (when his ageing knees allow), and he loves to get out into the wilderness to enjoy spot of landscape photography.
A fun fact about Mike
He spent a year living and working in Australia including two months in the outback – and didn't see a single kangaroo!
GOT WHAT IT TAKES?
We want to hear from dedicated, creative individuals who are passionate about working with small and medium-sized businesses. If you're looking to take the next step in your digital marketing career, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.
Ready to Transform Your Digital Marketing?
hello@sqdigital.co.uk
76 Church Street, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1ET
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