NFU Mutual, the leading rural insurer, has announced an agreement with Isle of Man Chartered Financial Planners, Thornton Associates, to make sure its Isle of Man members are getting independent financial advice tailored to their precise needs.

The new partnership allows NFU Mutual to supplement its general insurance products with financial advice to help make sure members are protecting their assets and making the most of their money.

David Wilkinson, NFU Mutual agent on the Isle of Man, said: “NFU Mutual prides itself on offering a local, personal service to its members for business, home and motor insurance. Financial planning and insurance go hand in hand when arranging personal finances and we hope this new partnership with Thornton will be a big asset to our members.”

Thornton has specialist knowledge to make sure Isle of Man members benefit from the unique tax opportunities available to them as island residents. Thornton can help structure a member’s entire financial position in support of his or her lifetime needs. This includes enhancing the NFU Mutual insurance products already in place with life stage independent financial advice. Thornton has the facilities in place to offer advice to members at all stages of needs from simplified investment advice to more complex and sophisticated full financial planning advice and wealth management.

Sharon Sutton, Chartered Financial Planner and Managing Director at Thornton, said: “Proper Financial Planning can make a real difference to people’s lives and I’m passionate about spreading the word to as many people as possible. There is a real gap being left as some of the Isle of Man’s Financial Institutions are not finding it viable to offer financial advisory services. Our relationship with NFU Mutual helps fill that gap and we are looking forward to talking with and being able to offer independent financial advice to its Isle of Man members. We need to help members afford long lives. It’s also very important that we all work together to keep and protect as much wealth on the island as we can.”