SEO Next – the independent search engine optimisation company – has broken through a key financial barrier, less than three years after it was launched.
For more information about SEO Next, visit: www.seonext.co.uk / @SeoNext
The Stockport-based business’ fiscal report for the year ending January 2012 shows a turnover of £1 million.
The company said a string of new client wins has set the business on course for rapid expansion over the last 12 months. According to managing director, Justin Blackhurst, 29, the team reported a staggering growth rate of well over 500 per cent in its second year of trading (2010/2011). The business is now on track to deliver 130 per cent growth in 2012, with an ambitious goal of breaking the £6 million turnover mark by 2014.
He said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with our progress over the last 12 months. Our growth has surpassed all our expectations and it’s all the more impressive given that three years ago we were a bedroom operation. Now, we’re really looking forward to setting a benchmark for excellence in the search market.”
Justin set up SEO Next with his university friend Vaibhav Kakkar, 27, in July 2009. Following an initial investment of £4,500, the business has grown rapidly, with a head sales office in Hyde, a manual work operation in India and a rapidly growing sales office in Miami (USA). The business also has plans to open satellite offices in Dubai and Sydney later this year.
150 clients in the UK
To date, the company provides search engine optimisation services to over 150 clients in the UK, including a mix of household brand names and SMEs. Currently employing 12 staff from its North West base, and over 180 from its operation in New Delhi, the business is looking to double staff figures over the next 12 months.
Justin said: “We believe our success is down to the transparent way in which we operate. We don’t believe in tying our clients into contracts, instead we like to operate in an open and honest fashion. Our sole reason for being is to deliver a return on investment and we get a particular kick out of seeing smaller SMEs starting to punch well above their weight.”
“Pick up the phone”
He added: “With an average age of 23, we’re anything but a faceless organisation and our customers need only to pick up the phone to speak to a member of our senior management team. The business is driven by creativity, fun and a thirst for knowledge and it’s this set of values that will help us realise our growth goals in 2012.”
Richard Falkner of the company’s accountants, Richard Falkner & Co, said: “What the company have achieved, from a standing start, in such a short space of time, is incredible.”
For more information about SEO Next, visit: www.seonext.co.uk / @SeoNext.