Steve Paylor (Area Manager)

Having worked with NFU Mutual most of my career – eighteen years so far, mainly in Underwriting and Risk Management – I was feeling ready for a change. The problem was that I genuinely believe in the company’s unique, customer-focused approach, so really didn’t want to leave. So when I found out about the Area Manager role, the timing couldn’t have been better. I started a year and a half ago, and so far I’m really enjoying it.

Day-to-day, I manage an area comprising 15 agency offices, building relationships with agents and their teams as well as Sales and Financial Consultants – I’m the link between what the business wants to achieve and the agents who’ll deliver the results. My insurance background and the confidence I gained in sales have definitely been a help – you need to ‘walk the walk’ as it were: thinking on your feet and inspiring confidence in agents and their customers.

I won’t say it isn’t high pressure, but I think that’s no bad thing. I know that my role really is crucial to the business’ continued success.