It was a double whammy for an insurance broker employee, who has celebrated 25 years at her company as well as a promotion.

Sue Smith, an employee at Worcester's Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Brokers, is celebrating the quarter-century milestone and a promotion to premier team manager.

The company has credited Ms Smith with providing a "backbone" to building relationships with clients.

Ms Smith said: "I can’t quite believe I’ve being working at Sutcliffe & Co for 25 years’ as time has really flown by.

"Looking back the business has changed dramatically over the years.

"After only my second ever job interview with Richard Sutcliffe, I joined Sutcliffe & Co in June 1999."

She added: "I have now spent nearly half my life working at Sutcliffe & Co and I can’t imagine working anywhere else – it’s very much a working family atmosphere where everyone looks out for everyone else and it is a pleasure to work for such a friendly, caring and professional organisation.”

The company has evolved significantly over the years, from its transition from typewriters to computers in 2005 to the change in leadership following the passing of Richard Sutcliffe, the founder, in 2017.

His son Duncan took the reins, who made an effort to foster a homely atmosphere and reinforce the company's original values.

The company has won titles such as 'Best Insurance Broker in Worcester' and 'Top Insurance Employers 2024'.

In reflection, Sue said: "I have now spent nearly half my life working at Sutcliffe & Co and I can’t imagine working anywhere else – it’s very much a working family atmosphere where everyone looks out for everyone else and it is a pleasure to work for such a friendly, caring and professional organisation."

Duncan Sutcliffe, managing director at the company, said: "Long service is one of many things that makes Sutcliffe & Co what it is today.

"It gives me much pride to congratulate Sue not only on her 25 years’ of service but also her promotion to premier team manager too.

"Thank you for all your hard work over the years and your exceptional dedication to our staff and clients."