XSEM prescribes growth with new pharma division

A Leeds-based brand engagement agency has launched a specialist pharmaceutical division as it targets growing demand for creative event services in highly regulated sectors.

XSEM has formally unveiled its new pharma division, which already accounts for almost 20 per cent of the agency’s annual income and serves clients across the UK, Europe and Asia.

The six-strong team is led by director Caroline Medcalf, who joined the business in 2024 and has helped expand its pharmaceutical client base.

Created to support pharmaceutical organisations operating in highly regulated environments, the division combines regulatory compliance with creative event delivery.

Supporting the team are head of operations Victoria Richards, project director Nicole Woodcock and project director Sarah Symington, all of whom bring extensive experience delivering events and stakeholder engagement programmes within healthcare and pharmaceutical environments.

All members of the team are trained through the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, helping ensure projects meet industry requirements.

XSEM’s pharmaceutical work spans international congresses, advisory boards, educational meetings, internal training programmes and sales incentive events across the UK, Europe, the United States and Canada.

Caroline said: “We’ve developed a partner-led approach that offers clients senior level stakeholder access and an experienced, qualified team who carry the intelligence and understanding of the unique needs within the pharma industry, especially around governance, compliance and approvals.

“The operation has been a great success. 

“We’ve built trusted relationships in the pharmaceutical sector over the last two decades, combined with the skillset of XSEM’s wider business in terms of creative thinking, production, exhibition capabilities and marketing skills, offering our pharma clients a full agency experience. 

“It’s a strong proposition for pharma organisation who might not have had this option previously.”

Founded more than 20 years ago, XSEM has grown to employ more than 40 people and delivers brand engagement, events and experiential marketing programmes across a range of sectors.

The launch of the dedicated division reflects the agency’s growing presence in the pharmaceutical market and its ambition to offer specialist expertise to organisations operating in complex and regulated industries.

Dan Bardgett, XSEM co-founder and managing director, added: “It’s been really exciting to watch the pharma operation take shape. 

“Combining the team’s breadth of industry experience with XSEM’s own in-house creative communications, brand experience and event management has been the perfect marriage. 

“We’re proud of the contracts we’ve won so far and are looking forward to continuing our growth in this area for pharma organisations needing a collaborative, experienced and highly qualified hands-on partner.” 

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