Shepherds Friendly is marking its 200th anniversary with a year-long programme of activity designed to strengthen relationships with intermediary partners and celebrate the mutual society’s long-standing commitment to member-first financial protection. 

Celebrations throughout 2026 

The anniversary programme will include a mix of digital engagement and adviser-focused outreach, culminating in two drinks receptions in the autumn – one in Manchester, where the society was founded, and another in London. A new research report exploring trends in the Income Protection market will also be released later in the year. 

200 years of mutual support  

Founded on Christmas Day in 1826, Shepherds Friendly was created by several local groups who came together with a shared vision: to provide financial security for members unable to work due to illness or injury. 

Two centuries later, the society continues that mission by offering award-winning products and dedicated support for its nationwide network of intermediary partners. 

Expanding partnerships and investing in the future 

In recent years, we have broadened our intermediary partnerships to include SimplyBiz, Next Intelligence, Mortgage Intelligence, Paradigm and The Money Group. 

We have also begun integrating Alula Technologies’ low code platform to enhance the way we underwrite and provide cover to more people 

The importance of mutuality  

Our CEO, Jonathan Sandell, said:  
 
“We don’t just want to acknowledge our 200-year anniversary, we want to use it as a moment to recognise what we’ve achieved together and reaffirm Shepherds Friendly’s enduring commitment to the intermediary community. 

“Our bicentennial gives us a chance to look forward as much as we look back. Although we’re among the UK’s oldest mutual societies, our focus is firmly on the future, and our ambitions reflect the direction in which society is moving. With the government actively championing the growth of our sector, and with our recent income protection research report “Reaching the unprotected: The opportunity of the Income Protection gap” showing that the idea of mutuality is resonating more strongly with younger people, this feels like a pivotal moment.” 

Follow our channels over the coming months for more announcements, insights and event details as we celebrate our 200th year together.  

We’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Phil Nash as our new Chief Sales Officer.  

With 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Phil will lead our efforts to expand our work with intermediary partners nationwide.  

He joins Shepherds Friendly from his most recent role as Sales Director at UnderwriteMe where he was influential in expanding their footprint in the intermediary space.  

His background as both a sales leader and former adviser gives him a wealth of experience and will bring a fresh perspective to the Society.  

Phil commented:  

‘Joining Shepherds Friendly is an exciting opportunity; I look forward to collaborating with the talented Business Development team here to continue to build strong relationships with our intermediary partners.’ 

Ann-Marie O’Dea our CEO, added:  

‘We’re delighted to welcome Phil to the Society. As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, Phil’s leadership will be critical as we continue our trajectory of growth in the intermediary space.’