Building Society's broking arm completes acquisition

Norwich and Peterborough Insurance Brokers, the general insurance broking arm of NPIB Building Society, has acquired Rushden-based Michael J Watts Insurance.

The East Anglia broker said the acquisition will help it to expand its existing insurance business.

Michael Watts, Liz Watts and Jon Houghton, the joint owners of Michael J Watts Insurance, owned the business for 30 years.

Houghton has been appointed office manager, while Michael Watts and Liz Watts are retiring.

Customer advisers Dawn Gilson and Diane Lee will continue to work for NPIB.

Houghton said: “I am delighted that we have become part of the NPIB network. It was important to us to maintain a presence in Rushden so that we could continue to look after both our customers and staff.”

Stuart Avery, business development manager at NPIB, said: “This is a very well established and successful local business, I am pleased that we will be able to continue to provide a great service to both existing and new customers."