Mutual Society, National Friendly, has reported "strong" growth in the first half of 2025, alongside record sales for Income Protection.
National Friendly saw a 12% year-on-year increase in new business in H1 2025, alongside a 22% rise in annual premium equivalent.
When it came to Income Protection, the provider noted its policy sales in Q2 2025 rose 27% year-on-year, with June 2025 being a record month for Income Protection sales. Income Protection specifically saw a 124% increase in sales when comparing H1 2025 to H1 2024.
Its product, Friendly Shield, can be attributed to much of this success, according to the mutual, as it accounted for 39% of all new business in H1 this year.
Graham Singleton, CEO, National Friendly, said, "We're proud to be growing at pace while staying true to our mission in helping people access affordable and inclusive protection when they need it most."
"These results reflect the trust our members place in us and the incredible work of our teams and adviser partners across the UK."
The statistics come on the back of a "strong" 2024 for National Friendly Income Protection; it reported an 81% increase in Income Protection sales, and it also saw a 53% increase in Accident Only Income Protection. The provider also reported that new sales across the society's products had more than doubled since 2021.
Emma Thomson, Vice Chair of the Protection Distributors Group, said, "It's good to see National Friendly achieving record income protection sales while maintaining a focus on service and claims."
Continuing the theme of Income Protection sales, the mutual launched its Cover the Country campaign earlier this year. The campaign, which takes place in the lead-up to Income Protection Action Week (IPAW), will provide a regional online map to track National Friendly's Income Protection sales across the UK.
Thomson continued, "We were delighted to award them the PDG's Claims Charter status in recognition of the excellent way they support claimants."
"Their investment in adviser tools and simplified processes helps more clients access essential protection, and these results underline the critical role of insurer service level quality in making cover more accessible and affordable."
