Hello,
I am in Bawtry nr Doncaster and have a number of bay trees growing in
pots, from 1-3ft tall. They sit out in the garden unprotected all
year.
Just go around the trees picking leaves off as I require them.
Have seen pots of cuttings in the local garden center with several too
a pot. So if you are prepared to wait!
As a tree they are relatively hardy, but they can get a fungal disease
called coral spot - the bark gets these coral coloured spots on it.
Can be fatal, but helped by good air circulation
Good luck
Clifford