Life of an Underwriter: Adrian Soden
Adrian Soden is a Trading Underwriter at Aqueous. Having fallen into the insurance industry almost by chance, Adrian has spent nearly a decade honing his skills across personal and commercial lines. What drew him to Aqueous was the opportunity to take on new challenges in commercial insurance and be part of a team that values collaboration and putting brokers at the heart of everything they do.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Aqueous?
Every day is different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. We get straight into it, with quotes often coming in thick and fast, so it’s all about juggling priorities. That means speaking with brokers, responding through the system, trading risks, and keeping on top of renewals and mid-term adjustments. Each of us manages our own allocated broker panel, which helps build strong relationships. It’s fast-paced and demanding, but in a good way; the variety and momentum are what make the role so engaging.
How did you get into insurance, and what led you to Aqueous?
I honestly fell into the insurance industry by chance. Early in my career, I was in a role that wasn’t the right fit for me, so I applied broadly to any opportunity that would offer an interview. That led me to a local insurance business, effectively operating as an MGA before the model became widely recognised, where I joined with no prior industry experience. I was fortunate to have a manager who was willing to take a chance on me, and more than ten years later, I’m still in insurance and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.
I moved to Aqueous because I was ready for a fresh challenge in commercial insurance. Dan was open to bringing someone on without previous commercial experience and supporting that transition through coaching and development, which I really valued. I’ve been here for around nine months now and genuinely enjoy being part of the team.
What makes you feel “part of the fabric” at Aqueous?
The variety and pace of the role are a big part of what makes it so engaging; no two days are the same, which keeps things interesting. Just as important, though, is the team. We’re a close-knit group, aligned in what we’re working towards, and we get on well both professionally and personally. Having shared interests outside of work helps too; it really does make a difference when you enjoy the people you’re working alongside.
Can you share a challenging day and how you went the extra mile for a client?
One recent example involved a broker working with a client facing an ongoing legal dispute. The outcome was uncertain; it could have been a minor cost or escalated significantly. We worked closely with the broker, gathered all the necessary information, and were able to deliver a quote within our parameters. We can provide that flexibility and creativity, finding solutions for clients while maintaining strong relationships with insurers.
How do you see the market currently, and what challenges do brokers face?
Two key challenges stand out at the moment. Firstly, the insurance market is soft, which means we need to trade competitively while maintaining sustainable practices. It’s a careful balance, winning business without compromising long-term relationships with insurers.
Secondly, the current economic climate is challenging for SMEs, particularly in the retail sector. Business owners are facing a lot of uncertainty, and that’s where insurance plays a vital role. By providing reliable coverage, we can give them confidence that, if the worst happens, they’ll be protected, helping to ease some of the pressures they’re under.
How do you maintain strong relationships with brokers in this climate?
At the heart of it, it’s all about trust. You’re much more willing to take a risk on a quote or policy when you have confidence in the broker presenting it. Trust isn’t given; it’s earned over time, through consistent relationships, reliability, and experience. That’s where our approach really comes into its own: by building strong, long-term relationships with brokers, we can make informed decisions, navigate challenging situations, and deliver the best outcomes for our clients.
What advice would you give to someone new joining the insurance industry?
My advice for anyone new to the industry is to focus on building relationships. Seek out mentors, listen to their guidance, and take every opportunity to learn from their experience. Insurance is a very people-focused industry, so soft skills and personal connections are just as important as technical knowledge. Developing these relationships early will pay dividends throughout your career, helping you grow, adapt, and succeed in a fast-paced environment.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I’m a football fan, I used to play regularly and still spend my weekends either playing or watching matches. I also enjoy golf, cycling, and cooking, and I love spending time walking my golden retriever. Having hobbies outside of work, especially time with my dog, is a great way to unwind and helps me maintain both mental health and a healthy work-life balance.
