Our 280-strong team of commercial underwriting professionals understand that effective underwriting involves not only assessing risk but also delivering solutions that support our customers ever-changing and evolving insurance needs. While farming insurance remains a key priority, the focus now is on commercial growth. We recently caught up with some key members of the team and asked them to bring Commercial Underwriting, its purpose and what makes it different at NFU Mutual to life. This is what they had to say.
Empowered to think - and act - differently
NFU Mutual has consistently championed the growth of its commercial book and the exploration of new opportunities. Today, this commitment is more visible than ever, with a clear strategic focus guiding the team’s efforts.
This broader perspective on the market and increased exposure to commercial business cases has made the work even more dynamic and engaging. As Laurie, Regional Senior Commercial Package Underwriter, notes, “Commercial business has always been part of what we do, but now it’s more exciting. We’re getting to work on more complex cases.”
But what truly sets NFU Mutual apart in the financial services sector is the level of autonomy granted to its underwriters. They are empowered to think independently, make well-informed decisions, and challenge established norms. Hayley, a Mid-Corporate and Estates Underwriter, shares, “There’s a tremendous amount of trust placed in you as an underwriter. You’re genuinely trusted to underwrite.”
“Everyone has autonomy within a structured environment” says Jack, Senior Development Underwriter, “If someone faces a situation outside their authority, provided they understand the issues and have explored all concerns, they’re encouraged to challenge and seek consensus.” This independence not only builds professional confidence but also drives collaboration and innovation.
The power of our Agency Network
At NFU Mutual, we run a unique tied-Agent model, with over 200 agencies forming our UK-wide Agency Network. These agencies serve as the essential day-to-day link with our customers, acting as advocates for the company. This approach is markedly different from broker-led models at other insurers, where loyalty can be more transactional and less consistent.
Laurie, who returned to NFU Mutal after working elsewhere, highlights the difference in structure, “In my role with another insurer, I just wasn’t able to get information about a risk very easily, the relationships just weren’t there, which meant everything took much longer.” Now back at NFU Mutual, her experience with the Agency Network is entirely different. “We’re all working on the same page. We’re much closer to the customer, which means we have a better understanding of their needs.”
For Iggy, a Commercial Underwriter, our structure is transformative. “With other insurers, you work with a wide variety of brokers and you’re not always on the same team. Here, we have our Agency Network. We’re on the same team, which allows for greater honesty, better communication, and a stronger sense of partnership.”
Jack agrees. “The loyalty between us and the agencies means we actually get to go out and see the risks we’re writing. You simply don’t get that transparency elsewhere in the market.”
A culture of collaboration and growth
Behind the professional trust and autonomy lies a culture that’s open, supportive, and collaborative. That ethos also extends to development and progression, with the team sharing many stories of internal promotion and new opportunities. As Jack notes, “We really do support internal growth. People are encouraged to move between teams and try new things.”
For Liv, New Business Commercial Underwriter, that encouragement has been transformative. “In other companies, I was held back because they didn’t want to lose me from my team. Here, it’s the opposite – your manager will support you to move on if it’s right for you. They want you to grow.” It’s also a culture that recognises careers aren’t always linear. Laurie began her underwriting career at NFU Mutual in personal lines before moving to the commercial package team. She left to gain broader market experience elsewhere but soon missed the positive team environment. Returning to NFU Mutual felt like reconnecting with the culture she’d been missing. “When you find a company that’s happy to support you, you don’t want to risk losing that by going somewhere else.” The company also values the experience people bring, and Laurie was able to return in a more senior role.
From formal training, mentoring and secondments, to development plans and leadership apprenticeships, NFU Mutual’s approach ensures that progression isn’t just a possibility - it’s an achievable goal.
A mutual difference you can feel
At its core, commercial underwriting at NFU Mutual feels different because it’s designed to be. The organisation’s mutual structure means underwriters are not just working for a company - they’re part of a shared purpose that values people, partnerships, and long-term thinking. Unlike many other insurers, NFU Mutual’s commercial underwriters look beyond short-term gains. As we’re a mutual, owned by our policyholders, our underwriters can take a broader, more considered approach.
Jack explains, “Our role is about balancing sales targets with writing the right business at the right price, but it’s equally about ensuring we’re a great place to do business with.” This dual focus - profitability and partnership - is woven into everything the team do. Each policy and renewal is approached with a long-term mindset, prioritising sustainable, profitable growth over chasing quick wins. “We seek long-term, profitable relationships,” Jack adds. “We don’t react impulsively to market changes. We write business for the long term.”
For Hayley, the appeal of being part of a mutual lies in the balance of the independence and support she receives: “The progression, the variety, the trust - and the fact that we’re treated like adults. It’s fast-paced, but with genuine respect and boundaries. That’s rare.”
At NFU Mutual, underwriting is more than a process - it’s a partnership. It’s this combination of autonomy, collaboration, and shared purpose that encourages both underwriters and customers to stay for the long term. For a team at the heart of NFU Mutual’s commercial business, that sense of purpose is what truly sets them apart.
Interested in joining our Commercial Underwriting team?
If you’re interested in joining our Commercial Underwriting team, then take a look at our current vacancies or register for job alerts by email. We look forward to hearing from you.