Cello Health acquires Firstlight PR's health team

Cello Health has boosted its comms offering with the acquisition of Firstlight Public Relations' ten-strong  healthcare business.

The business, which will continue to be located in London, will be renamed Cello Health Public Relations and report into Cello Health Communications in Farnham, Surrey.

Stephen Highley, group chairman of Cello Health, said: “The Firstlight Healthcare team has built a reputation for creative and impactful work. This strategic acquisition will enhance our capabilities, bringing together complimentary communications expertise. Our clients are increasingly looking for a broader range of support.

“Firstlight’s experience in bringing healthcare issues to life in ways that make a genuine difference to medical professionals and patients is an exciting addition to Cello Health Communications.”

Set up in 2011 by managing director Pat Pearson, Firstlight’s healthcare team works on communications for UK and international clients across the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.

He said: “This will be a springboard for our team. The depth of Cello Health Communications expertise across healthcare, and the international footprint will allow us to deliver even better and more comprehensive communications for clients. This combined with an aligned culture, ambition and collaborative spirit makes for an extremely exciting future.”

Cello’s acquisition of Firstlight PR’s healthcare team follows the group’s recent appointment of Astellas’ Jo Taylor (pictured left) as head of corporate affairs at Cello Health Communications.

Taylor was formerly senior director of corporate communications, EMEA at Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas and has worked in senior leadership roles within communications for global pharma companies for over 25 years.

Commenting on her appointment she said: “I believe what we offer at Cello Health Corporate Affairs is quite unique in the industry because we have walked in the shoes of the corporate affairs director, set up and run those very departments in global pharma companies and we therefore completely understand the challenges they face.”