Meet our Member: Andrew Binns, SVP Ashfield Digital & Creative, part of UDG Healthcare plc

Working in healthcare communications is rewarding as I get to see the impact my work is genuinely having.

Ashfield Digital & Creative, part of UDG Healthcare plc, is a digital and creative agency that primarily works within the healthcare sector. We pride ourselves on our reputation for delivering creative communications that deliver impactful messaging. Our strategists create contextualised communications that are expertly crafted by our talented design and technical teams. With more than 80 staff in our UK head office, and a creative studio in the US, we deliver award-winning work that achieves our clients’ objectives. Always.

Briefly, tell us about a typical day – or – tell us about something interesting/unusual/fantastic that happened this week.

Due to the global nature of healthcare communications and the diverse locations of our clients, travel is a key part of most of my time. Spending 1 week in every 6 over at our New York office is still exciting, even after 3 years of doing it! I am also over in Switzerland on a regular basis, hence my 1 hour a week French lessons. If I’m not travelling, I tend to try and spend as much time with my teams in the UK office. They are a talented, ambitious and hardworking group who amaze me every day with their desire to deliver brilliant communications. I’ve always been a huge advocate of surrounding myself with people better than I am, so my days are made up of learning new things from my teams or passing on advice and guidance whenever it is required.

What do you love most about what you do?

Working in healthcare communications is rewarding as I get to see the impact my work is genuinely having. In collaboration with the world’s major pharmaceutical and healthcare companies our campaigns help to improve patients’ lives. That’s pretty amazing to see.

What’s the best thing about being a BIMA member?

I was introduced to the merits of BIMA by Ian Finch at Mando Group. Certainly, the community and knowledge transfer that BIMA encourages is hugely appealing.

Tell us about an opportunity you’ve had or a business problem you’ve solved as result of being a BIMA member

In 2017 we evolved as an agency, growing quickly and increasing our service offerings. I needed someone to help me understand their perspective. Speaking to Ian from Mando certainly gave me valuable insights into the challenges, pitfalls and things to do (and avoid).

What difference has BIMA membership made to you/your business?

2018 is a year we intend to really make the most of our membership. A number of my creative team attend various events hosted and organised by BIMA. Certainly, we will be looking to make the most of all the many benefits of being a BIMA member.

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