NFU Mutual Offers SMEs Social Media Support

NFU Mutual has launched a partnership offering its small business insurance customers 12 months free access to social media expertise and management tools to help businesses connect with their communities. The free service is part of NFU Mutual’s wider package of support for customers and communities during the pandemic, and follows research from the insurer showing that 55% of shoppers want to support their local high street.  Thirty-seven percent named social media as one of the most likely ways they would discover a new local retailer, a figure which climbs to 55% for18-34-year-olds.

Providing partner Maybe is part of the Government’s High Streets Task Force, set up to provide expertise, knowledge and support to help regenerate high streets across the country. The year-long membership, worth £1,140, will provide NFU Mutual’s new and existing small business insurance customers with tools and training to help them maximise cut through and return on investment from their social media activity.

With research from DataReportal also revealing that internet users now spend an average of two hours and twenty-two minutes a day scrolling through their social media feeds – with 43% increasing use during the pandemic – local businesses are being encouraged to consider how they can engage with customers across online channels.

Zoe Knight, Commercial Insurance Expert at NFU Mutual, said: “Social media has changed the way we communicate and shop, and has become an increasingly important way for businesses to connect with customers.

“Over a quarter of shoppers increased the amount of business they do with local retailers during the pandemic, and we want to help our small business policyholders use social media to maintain those relationships, as well as attracting new business.

“By maximising the benefits they see from their social media channels, local businesses can have meaningful interactions with customers, develop business resilience and potentially drive sales, helping them to bounce back after the pandemic.

“Maybe* offers a range of tools that will help businesses to manage their social media activity, connect with new customers, learn from other local businesses and analyse their social media data to see what is and isn’t working.

“NFU Mutual has over 300 agency offices across the UK, so is itself part of local communities nationwide, and is committed to supporting fellow local businesses.”