The business has bought a Northampton-based commercial broker

Midlands-based broker Birrell Group, which trades as Kingsway Insurance Services, has bought specialist commercial insurance broker Managed Risk Solutions Ltd (MRSL) – this is the firm’s first acquisition since it became GRP’s Midlands hub back in January 2020.

James Birrell (002)

James Birrell

The deal, which has received regulatory approval, will see MRSL retain its brand and Northampton-based office. All staff will also remain with the business.

John Meadows, director of MRSL, said he was “excited” to be joining a broader team.

He continued: “We have had fruitful discussions with James and Leigh Birrell and are excited by the opportunity to become part of the wider team, with additional access to the services and financial muscle of GRP.”

James Birrell, director of Birrell Group, added: “John heads up a quality business with good community connections and some exciting portfolios.

“I am delighted that MRSL is our first acquisition as part of GRP. We are confident of landing more deals as we seek to build our Midlands presence.”

Meanwhile Stephen Ross, head of M&A at GRP, said he was “confident” of Birrell Group’s potential to grow via acquisitions.

He explained: “When investing in the Birrell Group, we were confident that they would quickly find more opportunities for us and MRSL gets us off to a great start.”

Kingsway Insurance Services, a family business which was established in 1959, initially joined GRP in 2019.