Hanover Health launches award, Firstlight spins off healthcare arm and more

Hanover Health launches Mackay Award

Communications and policy consultancy Hanover Health has launched the Mackay Award to find the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The winner will receive a place on the group’s six-month development programme, with the expectation of a permanent role at Hanover.

Designed to provide a deep understanding of the changing healthcare landscape, the programme will include time in Hanover Health’s specialist communications and policy teams based in London, Brussels and Dublin.

Additionally, candidates will undergo work placements at the Health Service Journal and a health charity.

The winner will also participate in a health and communications policy project, with will be published as a Hanover thought leadership piece.

Applicants must have no more than one year’s work experience, with no prior experience in healthcare.

The award is named after Gregor Mackay, (pictured below) a co-founder of Hanover, who passed away from a rare form of cancer back in 2005.

Andrew Harrison, Managing Director of Hanover Health, said: “At Hanover Health, we work on big campaigns and big issues that have a real impact on people’s lives.

“As the consultancy known for uncommon sense, we have created an uncommon programme that offers a unique opportunity to gain experience of all the facets of communications in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector.

“It is only fitting to name it after Gregor Mackay, the man who personified the uncommon sense approach and who always took particular interest in development of junior members of staff.”

Firstlight spins off healthcare team

Public relations agency Firstlight PR has decided to spin-off its healthcare arm, a move that will see the company focus on corporate communications functions.

The healthcare team was first established back in 2011 by managing director Pat Pearson, who joined Firstlight from strategic communications agency Red Consulting.

Since its launch, it has delivered communications for the UK and international clients across the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors.

Not passing on the opportunity to expand its capabilities however, Cello Health Communications has acquired the team, which will soon be called Cello Health Public Relations.

Its new business will be located in London, and will report into Cello Health Communications based in Farnham.

Stephen Highley, group chairman of Cello Health said: “This strategic acquisition will enhance our capabilities, bringing together complimentary communications expertise.

“Our clients are increasingly looking for a broader range of support, and 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.”

Along with Cello Health Public Relations, the agency has four functions, including Cello Health Insight, Cello Health Consulting and Cello Health Communications.

New strategic and creative consultancy launched

Former Sudler & Hennessy EMEA chief exec Max Jackson and business partner Lee Williams has launched a new consultancy, Naked Health.

The new venture is made up of a team of strategists, creatives, filmmakers, storytellers, corporate misfits and dreamers says Williams.

Aiming to overcome the old-agency model’s challenges and shortcomings, Naked Health will focus on “linking business changing strategic ideas to get creative, while redefining project management”.

Williams added: “Doing great global work is not difficult, but too many people with too little to add have complicated and stalled what should be a simple, enjoyable and efficient process. We want to work with, and for, people who understand this and who want to go further.”

Williams’ background leans more towards the creative side, holding creative director roles in a number of agencies including Sudler & Hennessey and Havas Life.

Aside from his time at Sudler & Hennessey, Jackson has served in various positions for Publicis, most recently heading up the EMEA and APAC regions.

Amiculum opens new office

Cluster of healthcare communications agencies Amiculum has opened a new office based in Manchester, UK.

The Manchester office opening marks the third new office for the company this year, having already opened offices in Brighton in January and Dundee in May.

Dr Richard Allcorn, co-founder of Amiculum, commented: “We are delighted to be opening an office in Manchester.  We already have an established presence in Bollington, Cheshire but believe the new office will help attract additional talent based in the city.”