Mike started working as a NFU Cymru Group Secretary/ NFU Mutual agent on July 29th 1996 in partnership with Hugh Davies when the Builth and Rhayader group merged. Mike witnessed first hand the building of the new NFU Cymru headquarters in 2004, when the Ruthin and Swansea offices merged and relocated to Llanelwedd and is proud to be based within the NFU Cymru headquarters.
The Group has continually grown since the partnership came together representing hundreds of farming businesses and servicing a loyal customer base. The Davies and Thomas Agency now employs 7 fantastic staff and have the largest 2 agent membership agency in Wales. Mike is married to Eve who is a vet and joint owner of Builth Wells veterinary practice and they have 2 sons Harry and Ted.
Mike said:
“I was born and bred on family farm 8 miles west of the office in Beulah and strongly believe that my local connection helped me to increase the NFU Cymru membership and the NFU Mutual insurance agency business. I also help at home on the family farm and have a real interest in livestock and as such it was real honour to to be asked to judge the NFU Cymru Livestock Champion of the year award in the last competition.
“We are fortunate to have a really good mix of productive livestock farming businesses in the area, and over the years its been a pleasure to see these businesses evolve and progress in a number of ways. Solid farming businesses are the core to our business and the rural communities of Mid Wales. It's always great to see customers in Builth market as we are lucky to be based on the Showground for the large events especially the mule and ram sales.”
“I feel very privileged to have worked for NFU Cymru and run an NFU Mutual agency for the last 25 years, both are professional organisations that command respect at the highest level. There are many tales that I could tell but the members will have to wait until I write my memoirs!”
John Mercer Director NFU Cymru said: “As a union we are so fortunate to have outstanding Group Secretaries who are so committed to the role and their members. Local service is so important and we extend our sincere thanks to Mike for the time and commitment he has shown, and continues to show, in serving the Builth Wells agency membership. Congratulations Mike!”