Freshwater acquires Red Squirrel Comms

Freshwater has purchased Red Squirrel Communications. Freshwater has clients in healthcare, infrastructure, property, transport, retail and tourism, with Sutton Merton and Surrey Downs CCG, Isle of Wight NHS Trust, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, National Cancer Transformation Programme, North Staffordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, and NHS England being amongst its previous health clients.
Red Squirrel Communications, founded by Nick Samuels ten years ago, specialises in comms consultancy for NHS Trusts. Mr Samuels has been appointed director of healthcare and will lead a team of seven, reporting to Freshwater’s CEO Angharad Neagle.
Executive director of Freshwater, John Underwood, said: “The acquisition of Red Squirrel Communications is an exciting first step in Freshwater’s growth trajectory, following the management buyout earlier this year. Healthcare is an important sector for Freshwater, whose income represents 25% of our revenue. Meanwhile, our public affairs offering is growing, especially in the rail and infrastructure sectors. Having such an experienced and highly skilled consultant as Nick join our ranks is a huge boost to our already formidable team.”
Mr Samuels said: “Great healthcare communications makes a significant contribution to the quality of patient care and staff satisfaction and welfare. Freshwater’s expertise in public engagement and involvement supports patients and communities in shaping their care and services. I look forward to working with our clients in delivering healthcare communications that make a real difference for patients and staff.”