HEALTH and safety expert Phil Chalker has been appointed as a new partner at insurer NFU Mutual’s Wells branch.

Somerset born and bred, Phil joins partners and agents Gemma Heal and Kim Brake heading up the 14-strong team at the Mid Somerset branch in Cathedral View Offices, Wookey Hole Road, Wells.

Phil has more than five years’ experience with NFU Mutual as a regional health and safety consultant, which involved him visiting customers across a patch stretching from Shropshire to Swindon to Land’s End.

The Wells office provides insurance for farms, businesses, homes and vehicles, together with pensions, life assurance and investments. Phil’s health and safety expertise will bolster the offering of the agents, who specialises in farming, hospitality and commercial insurance.

Phil said: “I want to help our customers manage the risks they face in the workplace, whether they’re farmers, businesses or property owners. As a partner, I will be visiting our existing members to make sure they are well supported, as well as welcoming and supporting new customers as the business expands.

“We want to help our customers in Somerset so they are fully aware of all the things that are changing around them and may affect their businesses.”

Phil has a broad understanding of business needs having worked with different levels of business, from large commercial businesses such as the Co-operative Group Ltd, to individual farmers.

Gemma Heal, senior agent, said: “Central to what we do at NFU Mutual in Wells is offer our customers a personalised service, getting to know you personally and understanding your needs. Phil is well travelled and well connected in the region, which will be a huge asset to our team, as well as bringing outstanding knowledge in risk management.”

Phil added: “I used to visit customers and diagnose their workplace weaknesses, risks and concerns and come up with solutions. The skills I developed should be really beneficial to my new role because I have a good understanding about what businesses worry about, or what they should worry about.”

Somerset born and bred, Phil, aged 36, is father to two young children and is happy to be more rooted in a county he loves.

To speak to the team about your insurance needs, contact the Wells branch on 01749 987528, or find your local agent at www.nfumutual.co.uk/branches/.