Peter Cullum, the Kent-based insurance magnate, has become one of Britain’s richest people.

Mr Cullum, who created Towergate Partnership in Maidstone, doubled his wealth to £1.7billion in the past year.

He is one of the fastest risers in The Sunday Times Rich List 2008 after soaring from 106th spot last year to 40th following a spate of acquisitions.

Towergate, founded by Cullum and two colleagues in 1997, is valued at more than £3bn and employs 3,500 staff.

Read the full story on our business site >>>