Natalie, who first started working for HHIB in the early 1990s, looks after a wide portfolio of agricultural and farm clients across North and West Cumbria and also specialises in agriculture, forestry and tree surgery.
She said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be promoted to Associate Director. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a career in this industry. However, it's the amazing team and our clients who make it such a rewarding job.”
Natalie is based at the Wigton office on Tuesdays and Thursdays and spends the rest of her time travelling around farms and rural businesses to discuss renewals and new opportunities. Claims team leader Victoria Twentyman and broker Chloe Brough are also based at the Wigton office on most mart and key sale dates.
“Our office at the auction mart is ideal for clients who want to call in and have a chat about their insurance,” says Natalie. “We have an amazing office team, both at Wigton and at our Carlisle head office, but I have to mention my clients – there is nothing better than sitting around the kitchen table catching up with what’s happened since you last saw them and then getting down to the nitty gritty of a review.”
Natalie began her career in insurance in 1987, starting as an office junior. She developed an interest in the farming industry after meeting her husband, Stuart.
“I met my husband, who was a dairy farmer, and that was where the interest in farming developed. I decided I wanted to be involved in the farming industry and an opportunity in insurance became available at H&H around the same time which was perfect timing.”
Natalie took some time away from the industry so that she could start a family. The couple welcomed a son, Robbie, and a daughter, Heather, before Natalie returned to work.
“The insurance industry has changed a lot since I started, things are more complicated today but that’s very true with a lot of industries. With farm insurance, there are a lot of implications such as health and safety, security and the environment to consider which is why I think clients appreciate valuable, practical advice,” says Natalie.
Before receiving her promotion, Natalie celebrated the weddings of both her children and welcomed her first grandchild.
“I think keeping the work-life balance is very important and I’m able to achieve that in my role. It is a great place to work.”
HHIB operates across the North of England and the south of Scotland and arranges a broad portfolio of insurance in sectors including agriculture, commercial, tourism and hospitality, and property.
As well as its bases in Carlisle and Wigton, the firm has offices in Durham, Hexham, Kirkby Stephen, Newtown St Boswells and Northallerton.