Melbourne-based brokerage Whitbread Insurance Brokers celebrated its 35th anniversary last week.

The company marked the occasion with a party at the Crown complex that involved industry contacts, staff and clients.

The business was founded in 1978 by the late John Whitbread and is now owned and managed by his children Angela, John Paul and Claire.

The family says it is committed to changing the perception of insurance from a grudging “must-have” purchase to one that supports business growth.

“For us, insurance is not just about protecting the now, it’s about encouraging our clients to see what’s possible and plan for what they want in the future”, MD Angela Whitbread said.

The company also plans to enhance its digital presence to meet demand from online customers.

The brokerage service spans business, personal and strata insurance and has more than 80 staff in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.