County Group makes its second acquisition of its financial year as it looks to build £100m GWP

County Group has acquired Warrington-based £7m GWP broker Inspire Risk Management.

It now employs more than 270 people across 26 branches.

This is its second acquisition since the end of September and brings the group’s total gross written premium (GWP) to almost £90m. It aims to reach £100m GWP by September 2018.

Inspire Risk Management chief executive Neil Reid will continue to work for the firm as a consultant. Current managing director Chris Bootham will stay in his role.

County Group chief executive Dave Clapp commented: “We really admire the success of Inspire Risk Management, in a relatively short space of time they have grown to be a force to be reckoned with in the Northwest broking arena, we hope to build on the growth they are achieving and help them continue to take the business even further forward.”

Inspire’s Reid added: “Being part of a larger group presents a great opportunity for both our clients and staff and we are looking forward to working with the County team and building upon the success we have enjoyed since our formation almost 10 years ago.”

County Group is backed by Peter Cullum’s Minority Venture Partners (MVP), which has just bought a stake in Borehamwood-based broker Heath Crawford & Foster.