We have marked our 40th year in business with a celebratory day at the races.

Bayliss & Cooke – which joined forces with the Henshalls Group in Newport earlier this year to create one of the region’s largest independent brokers – was founded in 1979.

Our firm is based on Weston Road, in Stafford, and we invited clients and guests to join us for a day at the races at Uttoxeter race course to mark our milestone anniversary.

Jon Edwards, of Bayliss & Cooke, said: “We are very proud to have reached our 40th birthday and we were keen to share our celebrations with loyal and long-standing clients.

“Everyone enjoyed a fantastic day and it was great to welcome new colleagues from Henshalls too.”

Bayliss & Cooke – like Henshalls – is a member of Willis Towers Watson Networks (a partnership between selected independent insurance brokers and Willis Towers Watson, one of the world’s leading global brokers.

As part of the partnership deal, Jon and his fellow director June Campbell are staying on, with the firm’s 14-strong team continuing to operate from the Stafford office. The Bayliss & Cooke brand is being retained across Staffordshire.

Henshalls Managing Director Mark Freeman said: “We were delighted to join our colleagues for their birthday celebrations, and the day was also a lovely way to mark the start of our partnership.

“The deal gives us the opportunity to work together to pool our resources and knowledge to deliver the excellent service and advice which both firms are renowned for to an even wider client base.

“With our head office in Newport, the chance to join forces with Bayliss & Cooke just down the road in Stafford is the perfect fit.”

As well as its office in Newport, Henshalls has an office in Shrewsbury, with both teams serving the local community and clients further afield across the UK. They deliver high quality customer service for both commercial and personal insurance customers, and have expert knowledge in a diverse range of industry sectors.

Pic: Bayliss & Cooke and Henshalls staff join guests at Uttoxeter Races