Mortgage and insurance club 'Next Intelligence' has added National Friendly to its protection panel as it looks to strengthen its protection proposition.
The addition of National Friendly forms part of Next Intelligence's aim to create a diverse protection panel so its members have all the tools and support needed to secure "the right solution" for their customers every time.
Forming part of its protection panel refresh, the addition of National Friendly means members can now access a wider range of protection options.
Next Intelligence said the provider's products reflect real life rather than a "typical rigid" insurance model and are designed for underserved groups such as gig workers, landlords, young families and freelancers.
The club said this addition reflects its continued focus on strengthening its protection proposition for members, with upcoming panel expansions planned across both protection and mortgages.
Gifford Clay, Head of Intermediary Sales, National Friendly, said, "Joining Next Intelligence's panel is an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate with a forward-thinking mortgage club that truly understands the needs of its members. We're aligned in our mission to deliver high-quality protection products and outstanding service."
The partnership comes as National Friendly has seen "strong" growth in the first half of 2025, alongside record sales for Income Protection. The provider saw a 12% year-on-year increase in new business in H1 2025, alongside a 22% rise in annual premium equivalent.
National Friendly also recorded a 27% year-on-year increase in policy sales for Income Protection in Q2 2025, with Income Protection recording a 124% increase in sales when comparing H1 2025 to H1 2024. The provider said its product, Friendly Shield, can be attributed to much of this success.
Last month, National Friendly launched Friendly Dentist+ as a new benefit within its Friendly Shield product. The benefit has been launched in partnership with dental care app 'Toothfairy' and is available for new members.
Earlier this year, National Friendly added optional sickness cover to the product. The policy, which covers accidental injuries as standard, saw both an income and hospital benefit added under the sickness option, paying out for new sickness claims at the same benefit levels as paid for accidental injuries.
Going forward, the hospital benefit will no longer be available for new members but will remain for existing policies and members. In its place will be Friendly Dentist+ for new members, as the provider said its research has shown more demand for this.
Cat Armstrong, Mortgage Club Director, Next Intelligence, said, "We're delighted to welcome National Friendly to our refreshed protection panel. This expansion broadens the range of protection options available to our members, and we're proud to deliver a more comprehensive solution that supports their business growth and delivers meaningful value."
