Universal World Events rebrands as Ashfield Meetings & Events

Universal World Events parent company, UDG Healthcare PLC (formerly United Drug PLC) today announced it has integrated its sales, marketing and medical service offerings within one division to better meet the needs of its clients.

The new division, Ashfield Commercial & Medical Services, combines eight service areas, including meetings and events, under the Ashfield division umbrella. As part of this transition Universal World Events, will officially become Ashfield Meetings & Events.

Global managing director Nicola Burns said: "We have been working in partnership with the Ashfield group of companies for quite some time now and established an excellent team spirit. This is a natural progression for our brand, our staff and our clients.

"It will make us more attractive to clients and we will be able to provide enhanced and complimentary services, such as healthcare communications, across a wider geography."

Head of sales and marketing, Luke Flett, added: "The new branding has now been implemented and staff across our global offices in the UK, US, mainland Europe and Asia came into work in the morning to be greeted by new signage, posters, screen savers and other branded materials.

Over the next few months the agency will be putting in place a number of face to face activities with staff across its various offices.

The agency also intends to launch a secondary brand in the first half of 2014 to position its fast growing engagement and live event services to market. This includes creative, production, digital and communication offerings.

Burns commented: "It is now commonplace for our clients to work with our internal engagement team. We are regularly creating immersive experiences, environments and event programmes that deliver a return on client objectives and strategically this is the best means for us to showcase our capabilities."

Universal World Events was created through the merger of Universal Procon and World Events in 2011. Parent company United Drug acquired healthcare and pharmaceutical events specialist World Events Group in a £16.2m deal in November 2010.