Lancaster business benefits from Lancashire Business Growth Fund Support

Lancaster-based internet marketing agency SearchQuest Europe has been one of the first companies in the district to benefit from an £8m funding pot being dished out by the Lancashire Business Growth Fund.

The fund was launched in August 2015, offering capital investment grants and international trade support to businesses across the county.

SearchQuest Europe Ltd, set up by Lancaster born Vilayte Essa 15 years ago, has been awarded a grant of £51,516 to acquire an additional building only feet away from their current premises on Church Street to enable them to expand the business even further.

With an aim of providing a service which helps businesses grow organically online, the acquisition of additional premises will enable SearchQuest to grow its own business offering even further and to increase their numbers of employees.

Vilayte Essa, who is the company’s managing director, said: “We have grown from humble beginnings into a well-established and adaptable agency with an impressive repertoire of skills and expertise which have helped us develop a bursting portfolio filled with fantastic clients. “The help from Lancashire Business Growth Fund has given us the confidence to expand and allow us to purchase a stunning Georgian building which we are currently renovating with the aim of retaining and highlighting its original features. As soon as the renovation is completed in December 2015 we will be expanding into the building and will be increasing our staff number from 50 to 80 in the coming months. During this time we will be looking to recruit experienced local people to come and join our friendly team."