The firm has acquired Smithers Purslow, which has a presence in Scotland. It is described as a “multi-disciplinary chartered surveying practice” that employs teams of civil and structural engineers and building and quantity surveyors.

It specialises in high value claims for insurers, policy holders and their advisers.

Founded in 1978, Smithers Purslow reported an increase in revenue last year of more than 22 per cent to £11.7 million and a pre-tax profit of £2.5m.

Gateley said in a statement that the takeover would give Gateley “significantly deeper reach into the UK’s sizeable and growing high value property insurance claims market”.

It also said the deal was “a significant step forward” in its wider strategy of acquiring “complementary professional services businesses”.