NFU Mutual’s New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth Agency have made a key appointment to support local hospitality businesses as the sector continues to adapt to the breadth and pace of change.
With strong roots in the food, drink, hospitality and tourism industries, NFU Mutual’s New Forest, Isle of Wight and Bournemouth Agency has appointed Darren Seward as Associate Partner to increase focus on this critical area, supporting the hospitality sector across the South.
Darren brings with him 36 years’ experience in the commercial and corporate insurance world and has most recently specialised in Hospitality and Food & Drink production as NFU Mutual’s specialist Sector Lead. He has built a deep understanding and is well known to major partners in our region including Hampshire Fare and Services for Tourism.
Working with these and other organisations, NFU Mutual’s local agency is particularly supporting initiatives to develop a clear, inspiring and structured career path in hospitality. A large part of Darren’s role will be to build on these and other opportunities to support the sector.
Darren explains:
“From my regular discussions with businesses and trade associations, I’m aware how the hospitality and food & drink sectors continue to face key challenges in areas as diverse as changing consumers’ tastes, developing appropriate ecommerce solutions and building resilience into their business models. I’m excited about using my expertise to leverage our partnerships to really get behind this critical part of the local economy. As someone who grew up on the island, I’m also particularly delighted to be able to support an area I regard as my family home.”
Senior Agent John Heather adds:
“We are delighted to welcome Darren to our Agency. We are fortunate to already enjoy close and lasting relationships with many food and drink businesses and business partners. Darren is a highly regarded expert in the sector, and we are very fortunate that we can provide local organisations, partners and trade associations with support to help their business to navigate the opportunities and challenges that they face.”
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The NFU MUTUAL is currently being sued by many of its hospitality policyholders for breach of contract around business interruption.
So this is a bit desperate.