Casterbridge co-founder Patricia Buglass will retire

Broker Alan & Thomas has bought its second Dorchester-based broker Casterbridge in two months as it plans to expand its footprint in the South West.

The acquisition means the broker now has sixty staff members operating from four offices. The broker also currently controls £26m in gross written premiums.

Casterbridge is run by co-founders Corinne Simmonds and Patricia Buglass.

Following the acquisition, Simmonds and her team will join the existing Dorchester branch of Alan & Thomas, while Buglass will retire.

Alan & Thomas chief executive Julian Boughton said: “Casterbridge have built an excellent reputation in the marketplace for providing a local, friendly and knowledgeable service and I am confident their contribution to Alan & Thomas will help us immeasurably in achieving our aims in the South West.”

The Dorchester arm of Alan & Thomas is also planning to expand the broker’s presence in the town with a larger premises.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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