I’ve always worked with NFU Mutual. The difference is now I’m self-employed

Meet Chets Modi

I've always worked with NFU Mutual, in roles that included Executive Assistant and Financial Advisor. When I came to a crossroads in my career, I wrote a list of things I wanted from my next role; things like leading and developing a team, setting a strategy to lead the business and interaction with customers.

I had never considered being self-employed before, but when I realised the Agent opportunity met all my criteria, I really started looking into the role. And I liked what I saw.

Introducing my agencies - Chichester and Henfield

I joined the NFU Mutual Henfield office as Senior Partner in June 2016 and moved to the NFU Mutual Chichester office as Partner in September 2018. Across my two agencies we have a total of 21 staff, 6 in Chichester and 15 in Horsham, who create a great team of Insurance, Customer Services and Business Development Specialists.

We have a varied and loyal book of customers, from personal lines and those who need bespoke high net worth solutions to farming and commercial customers who need a variety of annual or regular support. We're a busy thriving team and deal with 100-125 customer calls each day as well as face-to-face meetings when our customers need us. When I started in Henfield, I set myself a personal goal to double the size of the business, and I’m really pleased to have achieved my goal within 5 years.

My career life story

NFU Mutual has always been part of my career story but in my Agent role I’m at my happiest. My career within NFU Mutual prepared me for my Agent role and with their continued support it’s up to me what happens next.

2016 - Managing Partner, Agent of NFU Mutual
Managing my team of nine who are motivated and driven to look after our customers. We specialise in all types of insurance and financial advice, from life cover to retirement planning.

2013 - Executive Assistant, NFU Mutual
Worked alongside the Sales and Agency Director to support the delivery of projects and manage key business issues.

2012 - Financial Planning Manager (Locum), NFU Mutual
Responsible for regional strategy, recruitment, training, coaching and performance management. Managed six Financial Advisors.

2007 - Financial Consultant, NFU Mutual
Provided bespoke financial advice to clients and businesses. Managed agency relationships and worked closely with both Introducers and Financial Consultants.

A little Q&A

Being an Agent of NFU Mutual can be challenging and varied, but ultimately extremely rewarding. As a self-employed Agent, I’m responsible for leading, developing and growing my business. Here, I’ve tried to answer some of the questions you might have if you’re thinking of becoming an Agent with NFU Mutual.

What skills or behaviours do you think made a good Agent?
You've got to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve and the ability to build a strategy to achieve it. Being a good Agent means not being afraid to think big, always having the willingness to try new things and learning from every situation you find yourself in.

What do you enjoy about running your own agency?
I love that every day is different. I enjoy the challenge of satisfying customers. I’m always keen to meet them in person and make sure we’re looking after them. I really like providing customers with solutions to their problems, and the product range at NFU Mutual allows me to do that.

How does it differ to being employed?
I’m ultimately responsible for the livelihoods of the 19 people in my agencies. Considering the needs of your team is what being a leader is all about. Growing my business has an impact on the people that work for me, so the more my business grows, the more I have to consider. I’ve made sure to build a robust business that can survive peaks and troughs. The consequence of business growth is more people and more responsibility, but that’s what drives me.

How does NFU Mutual support you and your agency?
NFU Mutual provides a structured training plan that ensures all new Agents gain the necessary tools they need to become an Agent. This includes product licensing, soft skills, supervisory training, policies and systems. You’ve also got an army of people behind you, from regional teams and underwriters to access to financial advice, you've got everything you need to run a successful business.

Why should someone consider becoming an Agent?
Every agency and Agent is completely different. I’m driven to keep winning, creating and meeting new targets. I thrive on revisiting my strategy to decide what’s next. You can create an agency that suits you, your lifestyle and your customers. I continually draw inspiration from Agents in the NFU Agency Network and you can do the same.

Describe being an Agent in three words.
Leadership. Varied. Fulfilling.