FASHION Winter outfits

Barbour Elmis waxed jacket in sage/ancient colourway, £319.

Joules Carmella knitted cable jumper, £79.95; Piper waterproof parka, £199.

Top/Left: Joules Jenna knitted pointelle stitch jumper, £69.95. Top/Right: Joules Derwent quilted jacket in dark pine or marine navy, £99.95. Bottom/Left: Barbour Dunoon tartan shirt, tailored fit, £69.95. Bottom/Right: Merino loose fit jumper from Schöffel in seagrass £139.95. For Local Stockists: www.barbour.com; www.schoffelcountry.com; www.joules.com.

Traviata Iconic design created 30 years ago, in Winter White it is majestic, £1,900.

Lulu Dark Pink clutch with suede lining, £1,030. The Judy In Cobalt and Capri patent and calf leather, £1,550.

The Royal Aptly named and in cherry red patent leather, £2,150.

HANDBAGS FIT FOR A QUEEN

Her Majesty is rarely seen at a function without her preferred brand of handbag; Launer. The Lisa Patent leather, suede interior, Scarlet & Powder Pink, £1,190. This month we’re taking a peek at the company’s new collection of handbags fit for a Queen...

Bellini Calf leather in Navy Blue or Cuban Brown, £1,580.

Launer Purse Double zip round – flap over and

tab designs also available – £430. Viola

Mini Traviata-style handbag in Gold & Brown patent leather, £1,300.

Featured products are from Launer of London, by appointment to HM The Queen. For more information call 01883 625 562 or see www.launer.com.

Resolving to Achieve Peace of Mind

Make a new year’s resolution you’ll be very happy to keep this month. Promise to ensure you achieve protection and security for the finances of your family or your business, with NFU Mutual’s range of services...

THINGS ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT in the Stamford and Rutland office of NFU Mutual this year. Ordinarily the team would be pulling a cracker and enjoying a sherry to toast the festive season. But for obvious reasons, instead of a Christmas bash, the team are making do with an elbow bump and going off to spend a well-earned Christmas and New Year break with their respective families.

It’s been a busy year, but one that shows protection is more important than ever. And whilst NFU Mutual is known for its range of insurance products, it’s worth remembering, too, that the firm can also provide a range of financial services for both businesses and individuals including income protection.

Like the rest of us, NFU Mutual’s Ashley Oxer, Miles Baker, and the rest of the team cherish time spent with their families and work hard to support them. But perhaps the best you can do for your family is not to ensure the turkey is adequately stuffed and the gifts under the tree have the biggest bows, but to ensure your loved ones are protected, come what may.

“If 2020 has taught us anything,” says Miles, “It’s that having adequate insurance, protection and savings both in your personal life and when you’re in business is essential for when things don’t go as smoothly as you hope.”

“NFU Mutual is a separate entity to the NFU and was established in 1910. We provide insurance and financial services not just to farmers or rural communities, but for everyone.”

“We now have 300 local offices, looking after the needs of 900,000 people and underwriting £1.6bn worth of premiums.”

products, with trusted and specialist cover for your home, business and car, we also provide a wealth of financial services too with the same philosophy of looking after our customers.” “We usually offer a face-to-face consultation but where government restrictions are in place we can still discuss our clients’ needs over the telephone or video call. It’s our job to understand your circumstances and provide good advice on issues pertaining to life insurance and critical illness, as well as pensions and investment.”

“Sadly there have been too many occasions when someone we’ve provided insurance products to has had to rely on that product. But the peace of mind they’ve had, their family or their home and possessions being protected is priceless.”

“Our high net worth policies now recognise new pitfalls such as cyber crime, and we’ve a range of guidelines for our customers to ensure we can help prevent rather than just resolve online theft or fraud – up to date software and secure passwords, and tips for spotting a rogue email that could be engage in a ‘phishing’ scam for example.”

“As well as spending time around family – which makes us all realise how important protection is – late December and January also represents the end of the tax year and a time when you can consider investing in the health of your business or in your financial future, so we’re usually busy.”

“Resolving to protect yourself whilst you’re healthy, taking sensible steps to protect your income and looking after your future might not be the most glamorous of new year’s resolution, but for those whose lives take an unexpected turn, it’s usually you’re most glad to have made.”

“In summer we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to support a couple of local charities during these difficult times. We made a donation of £3,000 split between our two chosen charities for 2020; Rutland Food Bank and Mindspace of Stamford.” “But whilst we’re known for our insurance

“In a year that has seen a lot of uncertainty, it’s good to be able to give something back to the community and to be there for the area as a whole, as well as our customers.” n

Find Out More: NFU Mutual is now based at 41 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS. For more information call 01780 762421 or visit nfumutual.co.uk.

Please remember if we recommend any investments their value can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you have invested. NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. When you contact us we'll explain the advice services we offer and the charges. A Oxer & M J Baker is an appointed representative an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No.111982). And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies.