MARKETING and communications specialist Cello Group has said its half-year revenue will show strong growth mainly thanks to its health division.

The AIM-listed company confirmed operating profits for the first six months of the year would be slightly lower than in 2014 as a result of previously flagged fall at its Signal arm relating to the timings of contracts and staff investment.

The consumer facing Signal unit employs around 180 in Scotland through The Leith Agency, Blonde Digital and Stripe Communications.

Cello said: “Based on current income pipelines the board is confident that current full year market expectations will be met.”

The health arm was said to have benefited from setting up an office in Boston in the United States where it is targeting biotech companies. There has also been investment in the San Francisco site to try to capture more of the biotech market there.

At Signal there was “slight” revenue growth with an expectation of “good year-on-year progress at both the revenue and profit line”.

The Signal division and health were said to be starting to work more closely together to provide digital and social media capabilities to pharmaceutical and biotech clients.

Mark Scott, Cello chief executive, said: “The group is making pleasing progress in its strategy of evolving into a global healthcare player.

“The transition to a more digital proposition for Cello Health has begun to create close and productive bonds between Cello Health and Signal which we will build on quickly to create further value for shareholders.”