AN independent insurance brokers is expanding.

Bennett Christmas, which is also an underwriters and risk management consultant, has bought community insurance brokers Cardale Assurance Facilities Ltd.

The existing members of Cardale staff will join the Bennett Christmas team in Burgess Hill.

The team will continue to operate from its Horley base which will become a satellite office for Bennett Christmas.

They will be joined by the BC risk management team which will relocate from Burgess Hill.

Mark Bennett, CEO of Bennett Christmas, said: “We’re delighted to bring Cardale into the family.

“The Cardale team share our values and commitment to providing a personalised service and going the extra mile for our customers.”

He paid tribute to Val Cardale who had entered talks with Bennett Christmas before her untimely death earlier this year.

He said: “Val and her husband had met their local community’s insurance needs for more than 40 years and were widely respected within the local industry.

“We are proud to continue that service.”

Nigel Fletcher, director, Cardale Assurance Facilities Ltd said: “We are pleased to place our long-established business in independent, local hands.

“This will ensure our customers continue to receive the high levels of service they’re used to.”