A LONG-ESTABLISHED Richmond insurance company has been sold.

Peter Thompson, 70, director of BE Thompson and Co in King Street, has decided to retire and has sold the business to McClarrons, an independent specialist rural and commercial insurance broker, based in Malton.

Mr Thompson said: “After 64 years of trading and with my reaching the age of 70, I have finally decided to hang up my boots, and retire.

“I am delighted that McClarrons is taking over the company – with their strong values of a family business like ours and their specialist knowledge, I have no doubt that our clients will continue to receive excellent service and expert advice.

“In addition, our lovely and thriving town of Richmond will benefit from further employment opportunities.”

The new owners already have two account executives – Chris Clement and Jade Pringle – who service Richmond and the North East remotely, but the buy-out means they now have an office in the centre of Richmond.

McClarrons was established 25 years ago and has taken on seven new staff in the last six months at Malton and plans further expansion.

Sean McClarron, managing director, said: “We are very pleased to be opening a second office in Richmond.

“With both ours and B E Thompson & Co’s experience and knowledge, existing and future clients can have peace of mind around their insurance.

“We are very excited about the move and look forward to supporting both clients and the local community.”