WorldEvents extends presence with landmark opening in Spain

The global event management company specialises in the healthcare sector and was formed earlier this month by the merger of WorldEvents, based in Cleckheaton, and UniversalProcon, of Leicestershire.

Graham McIntosh, managing director, described the Madrid opening as a significant landmark for the business, which is owned by Irish pharmaceutical services giant, United Drug.

“It puts us in a very strong position to be able to look after our existing clients and develop new ones,” he said.

“It is a key step in the ongoing development of our global footprint and our ability to provide clients with global reach backed up by a local service.”

The company has offices in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore and the US. It has hired Macarena Hidalgo to spearhead its march into the Spanish market.

She said: “It is such an exciting time to be joining the company. I have extensive healthcare events experience so it really does feel like the right fit for me.”

The two companies merged on March 1, following a strategic review by the parent, United Drug, creating the world’s largest global event management business in the healthcare sector.

Its head office is based in Ashby de la Zouch, although the company still employs 100 staff at Cleckheaton, where WorldEvents was based.

The merger resulted in 11 redundancies, but a spokeswoman said the business is currently recruiting for up to 20 positions in the event teams following recent contract wins. Martin Parry, former WorldEvents CEO, has a strategic role on the new board.