Broker County Group acquires £1.5m GWP broker Safe and Sound

County Group has bought £1.5m premium income West Yorkshire-based commercial insurance broker Safe and Sound Insurance Centre.

Led by managing director Ian Day and director Lynne Day, Safe and Sound also has a sub-brand called Taxi Choice that places cover for local taxi services.

All of its staff will remain with the business.

Post-acquisition, County will now control annual gross written premiums (GWP) of £37m and employ 150 staff.

Day will remain for 12 months to assist in the handover while current director Stuart Ritchie will take up the position of branch director.

County Group managing director Dave Clapp said the broker was attracted to Safe and Sound because of its loyal client base and well-established brand in the community.

“Ian and Lynne are now looking forward to well-earned retirement following a 12 month period of consultancy to the business,” he added. 

“They wanted to sell to a company that would keep their legacy intact and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”

“This branch fits nicely into our strategy to provide a local broker service to communities. Our continuing feedback is that both individuals and businesses really value the personal service that we provide.

“The continuing economic climate means robust and cost effective insurance is more important than ever, with individually tailored policies.”

This acquisition follows the purchase of £6m GWP broker JSW Insurance Services in July 2013 and £1.2m GWP firm Whitchurch Insurance Services in May 2012.

County wants to become a £50m GWP broker within the next three years through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth.