A FAMILY-run insurer has a policy in place for the future after agreeing a takeover deal with a leading Scottish firm.

Independent brokers Campbell Smith Insurance has been snapped up by Hamilton-headquartered Greenwood Moreland.

Greenock businessman Willie Smith, who founded the company in 1974, signed a deal one month short of the 45th anniversary.

Mr Smith sold the firm with one eye on retirement, but he will continue at the West Blackhall Street office for the next 12 months to ensure a smooth transition.

Speaking to the Tele, Mr Smith said: "I'm now 69.

"I've been approached on a regular basis over the years from companies looking to buy but mostly companies I wouldn't sell to. "I know the people at Greenwood Moreland, including the chairman who I've known for about 30 years, and other directors.

"They are people I trust to carry on the tradition of putting the customers first, which is always my focus, to treat them well."

The Greenock brokers started off in Grey Place in 1974 and moved around the corner to its current West Blackhall Street base 20 years later as the firm expanded.

As well as retaining the Campbell Smith Insurance name, Mr Smith and wife Joyce, who also works in the office, will remain an integral part of the business.

Since the takeover in February, an additional team member has been taken on, joining the existing six-strong workforce.

They will continue to offer a personalised service for the likes of car, home and travel cover as well as growing the successful commercial side of the business, which has already attracted clients from as far afield as London, Wales, Yorkshire and the north of Scotland.

Andrew Weir, managing director of Greenwood Moreland Insurance Brokers, said: "The foundations Willie has laid here in the last 45 years, we will hopefully build on that and develop and grow the business in the area and take it to the next level.

"We're really positive and excited about the future here."

The new owners - one of the largest independent firms in Scotland - are a relatively fresh name in the industry following the merger of Greenwood Insurance and Moreland Insurance Brokers in 2017, but both have been on the go for around 50 years in their own right.

With the addition of the Greenock insurers, the expanded company will now have a combined turnover of £10 million.