Lucas Fettes and Partners has announced its merger with London-based general practice, HMB Limited. The announcement comes shortly after Lucas Fettes received its Lloyds accreditation.

Headed by Kate Barnett, HMB currently has four staff and offers general insurance advice. The firm will be moving into Lucas Fettes premises in Rathbone Street with effect from 15 January 2007.

The merger brings the staff to over 200, operating from eight offices in London, Manchester, Norwich, Chichester, Glasgow, Berkhamsted, Bristol and the Isle of Wight. The firm currently places annual insurance premium income of around £45m

Managing director at Lucas Fettes, Robin Lucas said: “As a firm, Lucas Fettes has an excellent client base, and has developed an enviable reputation in general insurance. I'm delighted that Kate and her team have agreed to join us to allow us to further develop this area of our business.”

Managing director of HMB Limited, Kate Barnett adds: “We have worked incredibly hard to get HMB Limited to the position it is in today, with a good reputation and a high profile client base. Without doubt we have a strong team and our move to Lucas Fettes is a tremendously exciting opportunity. It will allow us to develop our resources, take advantage of a bigger human and financial infrastructure and develop our current offering.”