Robust trading at Cello Group

Marketing firm Cello said strong trading has continued so far this year, driven by its health division and a recovery at its consumer unit, and expects half year results higher than last year.The group said a strong pipeline of work secured at the end of 2012 and continued healthy new business activity in 2013 had underpinned progress.The US continues to see strong activity levels and Cello Health plans to open a new office in Chicago shortly.Looking ahead, it said it is confident that business wins combined with good visibility in the order book in both the Health and Consumer businesses, will deliver a half year result in excess of the prior year. The Board also remains confident that full year expectations will be met.Cello said its cash position is considerably stronger than expected, reflecting excellent working capital performance. In a separate statement Cello said it has named Stephen Highley as Corporate Development Director.Cello's shares surged 6.0% to 53.00p at 09:30 in London.CJ