Client Snapshot

CatSci is a UK-based CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation) with over 110 staff, specialising in the development of complex synthetic molecules for biotech and pharma innovators. The company also owns Reach Separations, an acquired specialist brand, expanding its capability footprint across Europe.

The Challenge

Following the departure of their Head of Marketing, CatSci’s leadership recognised the urgent need to rebuild a more robust and strategically aligned marketing function. The team lacked a clear strategy, marketing operations were inconsistent, content quality was weak, and there was no joined-up approach with Reach Separations. The business needed senior marketing leadership — without immediately committing to a full-time hire.

The Solution

Paul Mills from VCMO was engaged on a 6-month retainer as a Fractional CMO to lead the rebuilding process. In the first three months (2 days per week), and then one day per week thereafter, Paul worked directly with the CFO, SLT, and wider commercial and scientific teams to:

• Embed strategic priorities from a prior marketing audit
• Mentor and upskill a junior marketer
• Lead the recruitment and onboarding of a new Head of Marketing
• Reposition the CatSci and Reach Separations brands
• Define a new content strategy aligned to ICPs and commercial goals
• Improve the Go-to-Market toolkit, proposals, and sales enablement assets
• Draft the RFP and select a vendor for a new corporate website
• Deliver technical LinkedIn training and ghost-write long-form content
• Introduce new marketing processes, MQL/SQL definitions, and metrics reporting

The Outcome

Within six months, CatSci had a revitalised marketing function with clearer strategy, stronger processes, and deeper organisational buy-in:

• A new content strategy and editorial rhythm driving high engagement through webinars and digital content
• Significant uplift in LinkedIn performance across subject matter experts
• Stronger marketing–sales alignment and more qualified pipeline opportunities
• Board sign-off for a brand-new website to reflect the company’s evolved positioning
• A successful Head of Marketing appointment and onboarding, ensuring leadership continuity
• Renewed confidence in marketing from the BD team, SLT, and technical leaders

Client Testimonial

"Paul brought structure, confidence, and seniority to a fragmented marketing function. He didn’t just provide direction — he rolled up his sleeves, embedded best practice, and gave us the clarity and capability to move forward with confidence."

Mark Bate
Chief Financial Officer, CatSci Ltd

‍About VCMO

VCMO is a UK-based provider of fractional marketing services, supporting B2B SMEs—ranging from funded scale-ups to mid-tier and private equity-backed businesses—through key moments of growth and transformation. Its Chartered Fractional CMOs and SOSTAC® certified planners embed strategic marketing leadership into organisations navigating product launches, new market entry, acquisitions, and leadership gaps.