Warren Cowan: Greenlight

Warren Cowan, 34
Company: Greenlight
Web: www.greenlightsearch.com

In 2001, when Warren Cowan founded specialist search and social marketing agency Greenlight, it was a struggle to convince potential clients that search engine optimisation (SEO) was something they had to start taking seriously. Not a problem he faces anymore, and being ahead of the curve has led Greenlight to become the fastest growing and largest independently owned search and social marketing agency in Europe.

Cowan has managed to grow the business entirely organically, with a client list that includes names such as Santander, Sky, New Look and Thomas Cook and today’s £15m turnover, achieved without taking on any debt.  An impressive focus on innovation means Greenlight boasts a huge R&D department comprising mathematics PhDs, marketing experts and seasoned programmers, working hard to ensure the agency is prepared for the ways in which the rapidly evolving digital marketing industry will develop.