Toast to Karen as she celebrates 40 years with Cass-Stephens Insurances

When Karen Dunn joined Cass-Stephens Insurances in 1975 it was the same year that Margaret Thatcher because leader of the Conservative Party, North Sea oil began to flow and Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft.

Forty years later, Karen’s colleagues at Cass-Stephens gathered around to toast her  anniversary with the company, which during her loyal service has grown to become one of Gloucester’s most successful  family-run businesses.

Karen, a credit controller, was given a special celebration party at Cass-Stephens’ rapidly expanding head office in Spa Road and presented with anniversary gifts by the company and colleagues.

James Cass, Managing Director of Cass-Stephens Insurances Ltd said: “Karen has been with us for 40 years and such loyalty is pretty rare these days.

“She has been a great asset and her credit control role behind the scenes may go unnoticed but maintaining cash flow is vitally important for any company.

“She has become a key member of the team at Cass-Stephens and also a friend of the family over those many years.

“It is interesting to note that during Karen’s 40 years, Cass-Stephens has grown from zero and a few staff  to a company with over £6 million turnover and 26 employees and we have also acquired six insurance brokers along the way.

“We now have two offices to aid our expansion, all of which would not have been possible without Karen and the other members of the team here at Cass-Stephens.”

Karen, who has just become a grandmother, said: “When I started with Cass-Stephens there were only five of us and I joined at 17 straight from school.

“It has been a very considerate company to work for and that is why I have never moved. We have various social activities during the year like going to the races and at Christmas. It is a very friendly company and you feel part of a team.”

Cass-Stephens Insurances was founded by the late Mike Cass in 1966 and today the successful business is owned and managed by his two sons James and Matt Cass with their fellow director Paul Baldwin.

A long-established business insurance and personal insurance brokers, the Group now looks after the insurances of businesses and individuals, both in Gloucestershire and  throughout the UK.

The business has seen significant growth over the last few years through recruitment, acquisition of other companies and an increasing number of customers, both businesses and individuals.

Matt Cass said: “Despite our rapid growth, the ethos of the business remains the same. We pride ourselves on treating customers fairly with independent advice, whether they are looking to insure their business, property, car or travel.”