AN Altrincham-based insurance specialist has been honoured for four decades of commitment to the industry.

InFocus Insurance, which is based in Victoria Street, is one of the leading insurers for professional and semi-professional photographers and video-makers, in the UK.

And at a dinner held by the Guild of Photographers, last week, the firm was surprised with a Special Contribution Award marking 40 years of expertise and commitment to improving the industry.

What’s more, the firm’s sales director, Steve Hewlett, also received a Special Contribution Award for his own role in supporting the Guild and its members.

Lesley Thirsk, director of the Guild of Photographers, said: “The amazing team at InFocus Insurance has supported the Guild from day one.

“Their close relationship with the Guild and the benefits that have resulted from it are evidence of the value of true long-standing partnerships and commitment, based on ethics and a desire to help.

“In our eyes, there is no other insurance company like this one. We would like to honour the team there for what they have done for the Guild, its members and the photographic industry.”

On receiving his own Special Contribution Award, Steve, who has worked for InFocus Insurance for 20 years, was praised for supporting the Guild and each of its members; even as membership has soared from 80 to 2,880.

Steve Thirsk, director of the Guild of Photographers, said: “Steve is the ‘face’ of InFocus. When Lesley and I took over the Guild about six years ago he promised he would do anything he could to support us personally and our members.

“As we have grown he has kept that promise and is a friendly supporting voice at the end of the phone.”

The relationship between InFocus and the Guild of Photographers began in the 1980s when guild founders Roy Doorbar and Ian Gee approached the insurance adviser to help create the country’s first Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance scheme specifically for photographers. Prior to this, photographer insurance was in short supply and expensive.

InFocus Insurance offers competitive policies for photographers working across all industries. All schemes have been developed with professional photographers in mind to ensure the real risks they face are protected.