IT'S ten years since the Craven Herald first announced the arrival of the district's first female insurance consultant.

Then in partnership with Arthur Hall, Karen Adamson started her new venture in tiny premises tucked away above the old Telegraph and Argus office at the top of Skipton High Street.

Old, well-trodden steps led to a small door where clients exceeding five feet eight inches had to duck to avoid making contact with the low beams. Karen and Arthur had to share an office desk and one filing cabinet and the Victorian toilet facilities were situated 25 yards to the rear of the property. Nevertheless, they were joined by Paul Edwards and four years leater purchased their existing offices on Water Street with the luxury of their own desks and a modern indoor toilet.

Arthur Hall retired from the business in 1994 and Margaret Spencer joined to assist in the day to day running of the business as it continued to thrive.

Now, as they celebrate their 10 years of trading, the company has offered another string to its bow. They have formed an association with Michael Twyman, an independent financial adviser and member of DBS Financial Management.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.