A POPULAR Wellington man has celebrated 50 years in the insurance industry.

Duncan Short, of Towergate Farm Insurance, has reached the milestone and says he has no plans to retire.

Mr Short, who is chairman of Wellington Cricket Club and is well known in local sporting circles, said: “The insurance industry has served me well and I hope me, it. I have made hundreds of friends through business and some clients remain with me after more than 40 years.

“It is a people industry where strong relationships count not only with clients but also colleagues at work and the teams within the insurance companies. In 50 years the industry has changed considerably but these principles remain the same.”

Nick Hatch, Towergate’s regional director, said: “I’m not sure we will ever see another person come from the same mould Duncan arrived from. He is a hugely popular figure with his colleagues.”