DORSET’S only independent chartered insurance broker is opening a new office in Dorchester.

The opening of Alan & Thomas’s new office coincides with its acquisition of Dorchester-based Arthur Savage Insurance.

The firm already has offices in Poole, Gillingham and Frome.

Chief executive officer Julian Boughton said: “Our vision for the future is to increase our reach in the south and the opening of our new Dorchester office is the next step in our plan.”

He added: “We are also delighted to have acquired the business of Arthur Savage Insurance, who have been operating in Dorchester for over seventy years. We were pleased to have been chosen by Barry Shereston, managing director and owner of Arthur Savage Insurance, who was looking to work with a forward thinking organisation totally in touch with the importance of what client service really means and who understood the significance of staff development and engagement. We are looking forward to working with Barry and his team in an ongoing development programme”.

Mr Shereston and his team will join Alan & Thomas’ 60-strong workforce and will continue to work in the Dorchester office, based in High West Street.