It’s an entrepreneurial opportunity, it’s your business, with access to the support you need to succeed

Meet Caroline Pullich
Caroline Pullich, Managing Partner of Boston Spa and Harrogate agency of NFU Mutual joined the agency in January 2022. She previously ran the Regional SME division of Barclays in Yorkshire and is the North Yorkshire chair of the Institute of Directors. Although well connected with an extensive network in the local business community, Caroline joined without any previous insurance or agriculture experience. However, she’s already using her corporate banking experience to great effect.

Introducing my agency
I’m leading a great team of 15 people, who provide advice on NFU Mutual general insurance, investments, pensions, life cover and risk management services. We have ambitious plans for developing new business in commercial markets. My message to all the professionals, accountants and solicitors in Yorkshire is, "Come and talk to us."

What attracted you to become an Agent of NFU Mutual?
I saw the opportunity advertised as looking for somebody who thinks like an entrepreneur. It was the term ‘entrepreneur’ that I identified with, because having dealt with so many different entrepreneurs throughout my career, I knew I wanted to be one. I felt that in this position, I’d be able to put into practice all the skills that I've learnt in my corporate career. Many of the leadership positions I’ve had have focused on developing people, helping them to cultivate the right mindset to grow a business. I can see the potential to transform my agency and take it to a different level.

What important skill sets do you need to become an NFU Mutual Agent and part of a Joint Partnership?
This is a customer-centric business; you have to enjoy speaking to people and working within a local community. It’s about going into that community with a commercial mindset. I'm very proud to be associated with, and an ambassador of NFU Mutual. I enjoy interacting with customers and getting to understand their needs. It’s important that customers come first, and we do this by providing a reliable, local professional service.

What attributes do you need to lead and develop your business?
Getting to know your team and their skill sets is the first step. What are they good at? What do they like doing? What could they do more of? Where do they need development? How can I help them to develop the right mindset to grow the business and provide a great customer experience?

From a business perspective, it’s about changing perceptions because a lot of people think NFU Mutual is just about farming. It’s much more than that. It’s also personal, commercial, and corporate customers. We can also provide other services, such as risk management and financial services. We want customers to know that we offer a wide range of products and services, that they may not even be aware of. We focus on building relationships because people buy from people.

What has surprised you about being an Agent?
Although I was attracted to the word ‘entrepreneur’ I thought there would be more restrictions than there are. Yes, there’s the compliance and regulatory part, but I've come from that background anyway. But really, it’s absolutely your business. You can make decisions and get things done quickly. And that's brilliant!

What support does NFU Mutual provide to you as an Agent?
NFU Mutual is very supportive and collaborative. You don't have the fear factor that you're on your own because you've got the full support of NFU Mutual behind you when you need it. Whenever, I’ve reached out to them, they’re ready to help.

What would you say to someone thinking of becoming an Agent of NFU Mutual?
It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to run and grow your own business. Your drive, vision and personal ambition are the only limit to your future earning potential. All the hard work that you put in benefits everybody who works in that business. I love it. It's the best opportunity in the world for anybody who enjoys the freedom to grow and develop a business.

Describe being an Agent in three words
Entrepreneurial, Proud, Leadership