As service models become increasingly automated and impersonal, a quiet shift is happening across Scotland. Business leaders are choosing something different – relationships over transactions, conversations over call centre questions. And in Edinburgh, the local Agency of NFU Mutual is seeing growing interest from clients who want that difference to be felt in every interaction.
At the Edinburgh Agency of NFU Mutual, Scott Carruthers and Doug Schreiber, and their team have built something rare: long-term commercial relationships rooted in trust, not just transactions.
For some of their clients, the policies are too specialised, too critical – and too nuanced – to leave to chance. This isn’t cover you click and buy. These are complex risks that need conversations. Business owners want to be sure they’ve explained everything properly – not just ticked boxes on a form or trusted that a call centre handler has interpreted their needs correctly. That’s where the NFU Mutual Edinburgh Agency’s personal approach comes into its own.
Those business owners include family-run joinery firms crafting high-end kitchens for golf clubs, and the iconic Blue TARDIS police boxes repurposed as city-centre cafes. “Other insurers might hesitate with more unusual risks,” Scott explains. “But that’s often where we thrive – helping businesses others might not fully understand.”
This relationship-based approach is why they retain so many clients. “They want a partner,” Scott says. “Someone who’ll talk about their business, not just their premiums. Whether it’s tax changes, staffing challenges or succession planning – these are real conversations.”
Continuity matters too. “Most of our clients are small to middle sized enterprises,” Scott adds. “They don’t want to start over with a new adviser every time their policy is up for renewal. They want to know who they’re dealing with – and they want to be understood.”
In a market where many customers rely on call centres and online tools, it’s the option of local, personal conversations – human, informed and consistent – that continues to resonate with clients of the NFU Mutual Edinburgh Agency.
“We’re not here to chase every lead,” says Doug. “We work with businesses we understand – those who value relationships as much as we do.”
Senior Partner and NFU Group Secretary Scott Carruthers brings deep-rooted experience supporting local farming members and commercial clients. Alongside him, Doug Schreiber specialises in commercial insurance across sectors such as hospitality, construction, motor trade and farming – offering a broad commercial perspective that many clients value. Together, their combined insight enables the agency to support a diverse range of businesses, including those whose needs don’t always fit neatly into standard insurance boxes.
As business owners themselves, Doug and his fellow Agent Scott Carruthers understand what it’s like to carry the responsibility of running a business. “It changes the way you support people,” Doug says.
Whether working with a growing property portfolio or helping safeguard a centuries-old workshop, the NFU Mutual Edinburgh Agency takes pride in offering a level of attention that’s often missing in today’s market.
“It’s not just about insurance. It’s about trust, credibility, and the confidence that we’ll be here when it counts.”
Discover how Agents build long-term client relationships – HERE
For a confidential enquiry into a self-employed Agent role within the NFU Mutual Agency Network, please contact Stephan Papantoniou on 07890 395430 or Stephan_Papantoniou@nfumutual.co.uk.
Alternatively, you can apply for our current opportunities in Scotland via the website HERE
Over the coming months, we’ll hear more from Agencies within the NFU Mutual Network across Scotland – not just about the clients they serve, but the business model that makes it all possible.
