INDEPENDENT marketing and communications agency Gough Bailey Wright has reached another major milestone.

The award-winning, full-service consultancy is celebrating 60 years membership with the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, making it the longest-serving member in the West Midlands. Based in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, Gough Bailey Wright, owned by Sue Bailey and Michelle Wright, is one of only nine IPA member agencies in the region.

To mark the achievement, the agency hosted afternoon tea at its flagship offices and welcomed representatives from the IPA, who presented the team with an anniversary plaque.

John Oldfield, IPA membership director, said: “I am delighted to congratulate everyone at Gough Bailey Wright in achieving 60 years of IPA membership. It is all down to the talented team and the dedication of Sue and Michelle who lead the business. "

Ms Bailey added: "Being a member of the IPA is the highest professional recognition that a marketing communications company can achieve. To be a continuous member for 60 years is a remarkable achievement and we are honoured to receive this recognition.

“We are very proud of the first-class service we provide at Gough Bailey Wright and of our excellent reputation that has been built on decades of hard work, outstanding results and delighted clients. Being the longest-running marketing agency in the region is an accomplishment and this award is further credit to our work and our dedicated team.”

First established in 1936 as Tom C. Gough and Partners, Gough Bailey Wright provides the full suite of marketing disciplines, including both traditional and online communications across its public relations, community affairs, digital and creative departments.

After completing a management buy-out in July 2005, Ms Bailey and Mrs Wright have seen the company enjoy award-winning success with record client wins and repeat business. It has grown significantly and now employs 27 people.