60-year-old commercial and private client broker acquired by Reading-based group

Macbeth Insurance Brokers has acquired Insurance Services Surrey (ISS) to strengthen its regional presence in the UK.

Based in Woking, ISS is an independent broker that has been providing services to commercial and private clients for 60 years.

Macbeth, which is based in Reading, said purchasing the firm would take its gross written premium (GWP) up from £41m to £45m and increase headcount to 73.

“We don’t actively look to acquire but in ISS, we recognised a business that, like Macbeth, puts its people first and is totally focused on providing their clients with an exceptional service,” Paul Macbeth, chief executive at Macbeth, said.

“We’ll continue to consider selective acquisitions in the future, if the fit’s right from both that cultural and geographical point of view.

“This isn’t about being the biggest. It’s about being the best we can be and having some fun along the way.”

Moves

As part of the deal, ISS owners Peter Sambrook, John Goodson and Rob Tipping will join Macbeth, along with the wider team.

Sambrook, who serves as managing director, said: “This was never about selling to the highest bidder for us, but finding the right fit.

“Macbeth share the same approach as us – putting service, staff and their clients first and we are looking forward to this next chapter working with them.”