Listed broking group Jelf has made another acquisition in its south-west heartland.

The purchase of Plymouth-based Haines Wallace will add £4.5m to Jelf's premium income.

Jelf will retain Haines Wallace's 14 employees in its commercial insurance operation.

Group chief executive Alex Alway said: “The Haines Wallace team shares our client-focused approach to business and I welcome them to Jelf. The deal supports our strategy to be the leading corporate consultancy in the south of England and Wales, whilst once again emphasising the group's credentials as the fastest growing insurance broking business in the south-west.”

Paul Phillips, managing director of Haines Wallace, added: “Joining the Jelf group creates an exceptional opportunity for our clients to benefit from an enhanced range of services and unrivalled expertise. Like us, the Jelf group is independent and dedicated to providing the best possible solutions to suit client needs. For our staff, being part of a larger organisation will offer enhanced career development prospects and greater security in a rapidly changing marketplace.”