A financial service business has celebrated its 30th anniversary in the Hitchin with a celebration for staff in the historic Priory grounds.

The Comet: ReAssure employees celebrate 30 years in Hitchin. Picture: Derek GeorgeReAssure employees celebrate 30 years in Hitchin. Picture: Derek George (Image: Archant)

ReAssure, formerly known as Admin Re and part of the Swiss Re Group, arrived in Hitchin in 1987 when National Mutual built its head office at Radcliffe House, named after the town’s much-storied Radcliffe family.

The firm added Keynes House in 1995 and Pease House in 1998 to house further staff. In 2002 it was acquired by GE Capital and continued as GE Life, which was then bought by Swiss Re in 2006.

Executive PA Sandra Clements, born and bred in Hitchin, has been with the company through it all – helping it grow through the various acquisitions through the years.

She said: “I’m proud to have started here with National Mutual who built Radcliffe House 30 years ago. It’s such a lovely rural setting, right in the centre of town.

The Comet: Sandra Clements and Matt Cuhls in front of the ReAssure office in Hitchin. Picture: Derek GeorgeSandra Clements and Matt Cuhls in front of the ReAssure office in Hitchin. Picture: Derek George (Image: Archant)

“To this day, this is highly valued by people who work here – in fact we enjoy a summer party in the grounds here every year.”

The celebration was hosted by ReAssure chief executive Matt Cuhls, who said: “This event shows how proud we are of our heritage, our people – and to be part of Hitchin. We’re looking forward to 30 more years of success.”

ReAssure has more than 2,000 employees across the UK, including 400 in Hitchin, and has announced Age UK as its chosen charity for the next three years.