BELMONT Insurance Holdings is to buy another Kent-based firm in a move creating the largest independent insurance broker in the county.

The deal between Belmont, in Sevenoaks, and Bishops, in High Halden, near Ashford, forges a company with more than £60m premium income and 105 staff.

Belmont and Bishops will retain their trading identities.

Belmont, which employs 60 people, was formed in 1988. It is a market-leader in the passenger transport sector with clients nationwide.

Bishops was founded in 1962 and employs 45 staff. It has a strong reputation in general corporate and commercial business.

Belmont chief executive Barrie Etchells said: "This is a very exciting development for clients, staff and insurers. We have brought together two excellent companies and will be building upon our skills, expertise and commitment to become a broking and risk management group that raises the bar when it comes to client service.

"This is about bringing together the strengths of both teams and not diluting them."

Bishops founder Geoffrey Bishop said that jobs with his firm would remain safe: "That's the whole purpose of doing it, to provide long term job security going forward.

"The insurance broking industry is consolidating fast, because of the coming FSA regulation and the age profile of a lot of independent companies. The companies complement each other.

"It expands the scope of the services we can offer to both sets of customers.

"I set up Bishops 42 years ago and if has been a real joy to work with such lovely clients and staff. However, my race is run. For family reasons, an outright sale was my preferred option and I am delighted that this has been completed with Belmost which has been a respected competitor.

"I have known Barrie Etchells for many years and he shares my values. I believe the combined group will continue to provide the highest service levels for our clients and an exciting future for our staff."

Mr Bishop will remain with the group in a consultative capacity, whilst his son Richard will remain managing director of Bishops.