Jelf Group and former Westinsure managing director Bob Parkins has launched a network in the South West.

Jelf group chief executive, Alex Alway, who will chair the new venture, said: “The inde-pendent broking market is vital in providing businesses and individuals with impartial advice on insurance and risk management. While we con-tinue to pursue our acquis-ition strategy, we believe a competitive market place is healthy for the industry."

Parkins, who will assume the role of managing director of the Purple Partnership, said: “Jelf’s insurer and industry relationships are the envy of many brokers.”