Towergate has acquired Scottish broker, JW Group Insurance & Risk Manage-ment, in an effort to kick start an acquisition programme north of the border.

This deal will add a further seven offices to Towergate's Scottish portfolio, which currently only boasts two hubs in Paisley and East Kilbride.

JW Groups controls premiums of £19m.

Peter Cullum, executive chairman of Towergate, said: "Towergate has to this point been underweight in Scotland, an important part of the UK economy.

"Our focus is always quality before quantity and with JW Group joining Towergate we intend to embark upon an ambitious programme of further strategic acquisitions.

"This, linked with strong organic growth, will ensure that we build a significant presence in Scotland."

JW Group is the second top five Scottish independent broker to join a consolidator in the past month. Insurance Times revealed the sale of Glasgow-based Cuthbert Service & Jackson (CSJ) to Oval last month.

Towergate has also acquired Essex-based broker, Marrs Insurance Brokers (MIB).

As part of the move MIB will merge with Towergate ARG in North London.

Marrs chief executive, Mark Coffer will become managing director of the amalgamated broker.