President's Message

I’m Natasha Ashby, your President for 2026/27.

Stepping into the role of President, I’m excited to lead an incredible and ambitious team. I have a continued passion for building strong connections, driving continuous improvement, diversity and inclusion and I trust that this will echo through with what our committee will be delivering to our membership over the course of the next year.  I am a strong advocate when it comes to careers in the industry and sharing knowledge. It’s true what they say ‘Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power multiplied’.

A little bit about me…
I have worked for MFL Insurance Group for over seven months, having entered the industry at just 16, straight after finishing my GCSEs. As you can imagine, insurance was never something I had considered as a career—I originally wanted to be a singing teacher! But like many of us, I fell into the industry and have never looked back.

I began my career as an administrator at an independent broker based in Bolton. This role gave me the opportunity to gain experience across a variety of areas, including claims handling, event organisation, and working as a junior broker. Now, nine years on, I am a Senior Account Handler covering both Commercial and Corporate lines of business.

In the early stages of my career, I joined the Insurance Council as a young, emerging professional. Over the past 6 years, my commitment to my local institute and the wider network (including being a BIBA committee member) has allowed me to expand my knowledge and build strong relationships within the industry. People often say I don’t do anything by halves, and it’s fair to say the last 12 months have been a little crazy filled with love, laughter, and a few tears (both happy and sad). I got married and became Mrs Ashby, started an exciting new role here at MFL Insurance, experienced the loss of loved ones, welcomed my second niece into the world and now taking on my presidential year - albeit a year earlier than planned. 

Outside of work, I’m outdoorsy and a real foodie. You can’t beat a brisk afternoon walk with my two Shih Tzus, followed by a lovely pub lunch with my sisters, their partners, and my gorgeous nieces. Family is at the heart of everything I do. As my grandma would say, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours”—and that’s something I hope to carry into my presidential year: a year full of education, networking, and plenty of smiles.

I am proud to announce that this year we will be supporting not one but two wonderful causes:

• The Insurance Charity – offering financial support and practical guidance to current and former insurance professionals across the UK and Ireland.
• Bolton Hospice – providing specialist palliative care and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of those with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and carers. 
  We will be raising both awareness and funds for these causes through a range of upcoming events—thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

There are some exciting events to add to your diary, with dates to be confirmed before the end of May. Further details can be found in the events section and on our LinkedIn page.

If you are enthusiastic, keen to make a difference, and want to actively contribute to shaping the future of our profession, I would love to hear from you—please do get in touch!

I look forward to the year ahead with you all—it’s going to be one to smile about 😊