Cello’s results show solid first half of 2017

Its gross profit was up 12.9% to £49.1m, with like-for-like profit growth of 5.4%. The company cited its organic and acquired growth as reasons for its solid start.

Mark Scott (pictured), chief executive, said: "It has been an encouraging first half for the group. Cello Health’s strategy of focusing on US expansion is progressing well. The acquisition of Defined Health in February this year has already made a good contribution and we are very pleased with its integration in Cello Health which is also achieving strong organic growth, particularly in the US.

"Cello Signal is on track to meet expectations. The Board is therefore confident of meeting market expectations for the year and is pleased to increase the interim dividend."

Cello Health consists of Cello Health Insight, Cello Health Consulting, Cello Health Communications and Cello Health Consumer. 

Cello Health Insight was flat year on year, reflecting a weaker performance on the US West Coast, and a continued switch towards longer term tracker and quantitative studies where revenue is earned over longer periods.  

Cello Signal has continued to consolidate its integrated digital solutions to clients with the Signal brand.

Signal now operates out of  three hubs: Cheltenham, London and Edinburgh. In London, the dominant Signal business is Pulsar which is growing, helped by its growing relationship with Facebook; it is now a Facebook Insight Partner.