TH_NK, a digital agency specialising in online user experience, is making waves in the marketing industry. TH_NK helps clients build their brands online through website design and build with a particular focus on innovation and user centred design.  TH_NK also has a successful in-house online marketing team, a managed services team and a research and development arm.

TH_NK already has an enviable list of awards for its work and a client list that includes ITV, TNS Global, BBC, Grainger Plc, Northumbrian Water, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the NHS.

Founded five years ago by a then 20 year old Tarek Nseir, TH_NK has achieved revenue growth of 3,982%, rising from £43,214 in 2002 to £1,763,989 in 2006, Revenues for 2007 are set to exceed £3.2 million.  It is the fastest growing technology company in the North of England and the first digital agency ever to have made it into the top five of the Fast 50.

Tarek Nseir began his business when studying computer science at university, successfully bidding for a £20,000 website design project. “I just got a couple of designers together, put in a proposal and off we went. There have been some real bumps along the way but starting a business from scratch is a profound learning experience that is proving invaluable.”

TH_NK has an ambitious business plan in place to increase revenues to £10 million by 2010.  Having already been approached by four potential buyers Tarek has continually defended the need for his company’s freedom, “Our independence has made the journey much more exciting and besides, there is still a great deal more to achieve.” he says.

The key to TH_NK’s success? “TH_NK develop online experiences that marry their clients’ business needs with the desires of their online audience.  We’re by no means the only agency engaged in this space but our approach coupled with a profound understanding of the online market is unique.”

With echoes of Google’s unorthodox working practices, TH_NK only expect staff to engage in billable client work four out of five days a week, with the remainder free for them to pursue their own areas of research. “I would say, without a doubt, that the key to our success is our people. Giving them the chance to fulfil their potential is absolutely paramount.” Tarek Nseir said.