The Private Client team continues to grow, welcoming two relatively new faces to underwriting over the past year: Kieran Postlethwaite and Alex Lake. While both have taken different paths into underwriting, they share a passion for understanding complex risks, building strong broker relationships and of course, appreciating some very impressive cars.

Getting started

Neither Kieran nor Alex followed a traditional route into Private Client underwriting.

Kieran joined ERS over two years ago in Operations before progressing into underwriting, bringing with him an analytical background from studying Politics, International Relations and Economics at Swansea University.

Alex has been with ERS since 2019, after beginning her insurance career at a major UK motor insurer. Having worked across a range of products including Retail, Private Car, Prestige and Enthusiast, she moved into Private Client underwriting in July 2026.

Today, both are building their expertise in a specialist area of the market that combines detailed risk assessment, broker relationships and a genuine passion for the vehicles and customers they insure.

What attracted you to Private Client underwriting?

For both Kieran and Alex, underwriting was a natural next step, but it was the specialist nature of Private Client that really caught their attention.

"I'd worked in underwriting before where it could feel quite screen-driven," says Kieran. "What I love about Private Client is the manual underwriting element. You really get a full understanding of the pricing and the risk."

Alex agrees.

"I always wanted to become an underwriter, but it was the type of risks that attracted me. The vehicles we insure, the people behind them, and the unique circumstances around every case make it genuinely interesting."

For Kieran, it's also the opportunity to look beyond the vehicle itself.

"You're not just looking at the car. You're understanding the client's profile, lifestyle and circumstances to make a decision. That's what makes it so interesting."

Building strong broker relationships

One of the biggest surprises for both underwriters has been how important broker relationships are to the role.

"What I've really enjoyed is fostering relationships with brokers," says Kieran. "They need to trust us, and we need to trust them. You can really feel that they value and respect your decisions as an underwriter."

For Kieran, a simple phone call often makes all the difference.

"It's much easier when brokers pick up the phone and talk through a risk. It speeds everything up and helps us make decisions more quickly."

Alex, who is currently focused on renewals, has already seen the value of those relationships.

"Even though I'm more involved in renewals at the moment, I can already see how important trust and communication are."

Both agree that relationships with brokers have strengthened significantly over the past year, particularly following the launch of our Ultra-High-Net-Worth product, Ultimate.

The biggest learning curve

Stepping into underwriting has brought plenty of opportunities to learn.

"The biggest learning curve has been understanding just how much detail is required to properly assess a risk," says Alex. "It's also highlighted how important trust is between underwriters and brokers."

Kieran has found that underwriting involves much more than assessing vehicles.

"You're looking at the complete picture, from the vehicle itself to the client's circumstances. What surprised me most is how much relationship management and portfolio management sits alongside the underwriting."

Learning from the best

Both Kieran and Alex are quick to acknowledge the support they've received from colleagues across the team.

"Gary Tuppen, Lydia McCarthy and Mark Suffield have all had a huge influence on me," says Kieran. "Lydia really took me under her wing when I started, Gary was my mentor, and Mark challenged me in the right ways, which helped build my confidence."

Alex highlights the support she's received from across both the renewals and new business teams.

"Mike Davies has been a massive support during my time in renewals and I've learned a lot from Steve Howells and Lydia McCarthy on new business. Steve has really helped me with my thought process and decision-making, while Mike and Lydia are the team's football experts!"

Outside of work

When they're not underwriting risks, both have hobbies that keep them busy.

Kieran is a keen surfer and spends most weekends chasing waves.

"I'm a very keen surfer and surf nearly every weekend. I also run my own business building and repairing surfboards."

Alex's passion lies in the kitchen.

"I love cooking," she says. "I'm a bit of a dark horse when it comes to cooking."

Kieran is quick to back that claim up.

"Honestly, every night she seems to have something amazing!"

Alex also loves spending time with her cockapoo, Cooper, who is never far from the action.