Guildford-based broker Stackhouse Poland has unveiled plans to become the number one independent broker in the South East.

"We are an ambitious organisation," said Jeremy Cary, group managing director. "We have a stated objective to grow through acquisition."

Last week, the broker announced its first acquisition since a management buy-out (MBO) by Cary, director James Agnew, and marketing director Keith Hester, in 2001.

Cary said the acquisition of London based RHB Insurance Services would give Stack-house Poland greater access to commercial property business in London's West End.

It also gave the broker control of £20m in annual gross written premium.

He added: "The acquisition is complementary to our services in commercial property, corporate and high net worth. It also shows our commitment to business in London and the West End."

Following the retirement of RHB's majority shareholder Alan Rolinson in 12 months' time, Cary said RHB would be fully integrated into Stackhouse Poland.

"We see RHB's managing director Peter Robinson as the right person to grow the company," he said.

Since the MBO, Stackhouse Poland has more than tripled in size from a brokerage of £1.2m to £5m in 2006.