Introducing the Sout East
We'll always remain loyal to our rural communities, but we know that our ambitious growth plans rely on us growing our profile and market share amongst commercial and high-net-worth customers. To do this we need to be sure that the Agents in our Agency Network are set up to maximise the opportunities available across the South East region.
We have big plans for the South East, so if you have the ambition and appetite to really grow a business, then this is a great self-employed opportunity for you. Our expectations will be high, but you’ll also have the strength and support of a top-10 UK insurance brand behind you.
As Regional Manager, I set, lead and deliver the sales and service strategy for the region. It’s my job – supported by an exceptional regional team – to oversee and nurture the relationships between NFU Mutual and each agency across the region and ensure that we achieve continuous growth in a regulatory compliant and customer-focused way.
The team is here to help your agency grow and develop. So you can expect a wide range of support, from leadership development training and technical product knowledge, to support in developing and executing your growth plans – all designed to enable you to achieve your ambitions for your business.
Colin Campbell, Regional Manager
The potential of the South East
The South East has great growth potential, particularly in the commercial and high-net-worth markets. Which means you’ll have access to some previously unexplored opportunities.
Our South East region covers the south coast from Kent to Dorset, the southern part of the M4/M40 corridor, as well as the whole of Greater London. And with the capital less than an hour away, you’ll also have access to the UK’s greatest commercial centre and some of the world’s biggest brands.
The South East region in numbers
Agent Partnerships (44 offices)
counties
customers
GWPI (end of June 2024)
How does NFU Mutual support Agents in the South East?
Our experienced team is here to help you as you develop your agency’s full potential, because ultimately our success as a region is based on the success of your business.
NFU Mutual’s Sales Development Managers (SDMs) are an important link between our Head Office and the extensive, dynamic range of agencies we have in our UK-wide Agency Network. From regional potential and goals to holistic compliance and strategy, our SDMs are the people who manage the relationships with Agents of NFU Mutual – communicating up and down the line to ensure success for each Agent, their agency and the wider group.
The attraction of being an Agent in the South East
We asked a number of our experienced Agents what they like most about working with NFU Mutual. This is what they told us:
An unrivalled opportunity
The South East is home to a wide range of diverse commercial businesses. There is so much opportunity here and the earning potential is excellent.
Shape your own business
You’ll be managing a business with an existing client base and established revenue model, in partnership with other Agents whose skills will complement yours.
A key local figure
As well as having the strength and reliability of the NFU Mutual brand behind you, you’ll be joining an agency that has earned the respect of the local community.
Your next move?
Your background
Many of the current Agents based in our South East region don’t have a rural background. They’ve simply brought their skills and ambition from other strategic sales positions, account management roles and even positions working in the City.
Financial Advisers
Branch Managers
Account Managers
Brokers and Dealers
Management Consultants
Meet some of the Agents
Kate Burbidge, Agent (Colchester)
The best thing about being a self-employed Agent of NFU Mutual is that you’re your own person – even though you’re in a partnership and running an office together. No two days are the same. You can have days where you’re out seeing different existing clients about renewals, or you might be out all day with a new client, going through what they do and understanding their business.
Some days you’re in the office doing compliance, making policy changes, picking up the phone or doing some cold calling. Other days you could be at an event. But there are days when you can mix it up and do one thing in the morning and something different in the afternoon. You're free to do that, and I think that's what makes it exciting and keeps you on your toes.
James Prewett, Agent (Winchester, Alton and Wickham)
The self-employed Agent proposition is different to anything else out there. I like the element of control, building a business and having more autonomy over any rewards – you don't get that in a pure corporate environment. I can put in the hours while being more present for my young family. And, unlike a franchise or starting a business for yourself, I was effectively given a book of business, a team and a brand.
NFU Mutual told me I'd have the opportunity to develop and do other things – and that's exactly what’s happened. They're very supportive and that support comes in a number of different ways. With a business plan that demonstrates both the growth of your business and the NFU Mutual Agency Network values, you could receive investment in additional staff, technology, or marketing initiatives to help you achieve your goals.
Ed Fisher, Agent (Bedfordshire)
My idea coming into this role was that I wanted to spend more time in the community I’ve lived in for the past 30 years, and where I expect to spend the next 30. Working in London was great fun but a lot of the time you’re dealing with large organisations based in multiple locations, which can feel dislocated from the place you live.
I wanted to get to know more people locally - not just socially, but the businesses they run that contribute to the county’s commerce - and hopefully assist them grow and expand. I felt that was a positive direction and where my previous experience would be of benefit, with the added bonus of ditching the commute and not spending all day every day working from home either.
Current opportunities
Here are just some of the opportunities that we currently have in the South East region. Simply, click on the title to find out more.
You can see all the opportunities we have available by clicking the ‘See all opportunities’ button. But don’t forget, if you can’t find your perfect opportunity right now, you can 'Register for alerts'. That way, we’ll get in touch when a relevant opportunity does come up.
We're always pleased to hear from people ready to move into a self-employed Agent role. If you have any questions about becoming an Agent and Partner in the NFU Mutual Agency Network, please email agentrecruitment@nfumutual.co.uk.
We also welcome speculative applications for Agent roles but recommend that you read our ‘The Agent opportunity’ information before submitting your ‘Speculative Agent application’.