Delegating differently

United by our people, innovation, and partnerships, we're on a mission to redefine underwriting through a fresh insight-led and collaborative approach.

28

Partnerships

3

countries

What we've done so far

At Carbon Underwriting, our skilled team transforms the international coverholder market. We champion diversity and empower our professionals to excel while delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to our partners.
2018
September

Rent a desk

A humble start, Carbon launches with a single rented desk but a bold vision. The spark of something special begins to take shape.
2018
October

First official brainstorm

Like many great beginnings, we covered the walls in Post-it notes and dived into our first official brainstorming session.
2018
December

First four-legged member

We welcome our first four-legged team member, Kubi – we always knew we wanted a workspace where all dogs were welcome!
2019
January

Graphene takes form

The Graphene product evolves, transitioning from mere scribbles in a notebook to our first working POC.
2020
March

First major hurdle

Something we never expected at the start of our journey – the world coming to a standstill with a global lockdown. Our faces here say it all, but we pulled through!
2020
April

Our SIAB application is approved by Lloyd’s 

Happy again, we celebrate the approval of our Syndicate-in-a-Box (SIAB) application. Carbon Syndicate 4747 began underwriting as a SIAB on 1st July 2020.
2020
September

Our first ever hire

Gary Clark joins as Carbon’s very first employee, marking the beginning of our trailblazing team.
2020
October

A space to call our own

We finally get a place to call our own - our first proper office at Bevis Marks.
2021
June

Became an official Google Cloud Partner

We proudly initiate our Google Cloud partnership, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and transferring our entire tech stack to Google Cloud by August 2021.
2021
August

Team of 15, together in Nice

With 15 passionate teammates, we celebrate our progress with a working trip to Nice, enjoying lots of team collaboration, celebration, and sunshine!
2021
October

Expanding horizons with Lloyd’s consortium

We proudly launch our Lloyd’s property consortium, marking an exciting new chapter in Carbon’s underwriting journey.
2022
January

A new home in Devonshire Square

As the expanding crew outgrew our first office, we relocate our team to a larger space, a beautiful, listed loft conversion in Devonshire Square, Liverpool St.
2022
September

Our first Carbon BBQ

Now a thriving team of 30, we take the opportunity to welcome our new recruits by hosting our first ever Carbon BBQ!
2022
December

Total GWP reaches £100m

2023
January

Graduated to full syndicate status

Carbon graduates as a full syndicate - continuing to build our coverholder panel across a number of territories, including Europe, Australia, and North America.
2023
June

Island celebrations for our rapidly growing team

With the team now at 44, we take the time to appreciate our hard work with our first summer party on the Isle of Wight.
2024
January

£300m and climbing

We proudly reach a total of £300 million GWP – marking a significant growth moment in the Carbon journey.
2024
February

Establishing Richard House Hospice as our charity partner

We begin a heartfelt partnership with Richard House Hospice, who provide unwavering care for children with life-limiting conditions.
2024
December

70+ strong

The Carbon team surpasses 70 superstars - each one bringing their passion, talent, and energy to our shared adventure.
2025
January

Whole Account Consortium launches

As our Lloyd’s consortium matures, we launch our Whole Account Consortium across all lines.

Our shared purpose

“At the very heart of our business is building and maintaining strong relationships, and one of our core fundamentals is partnership. At Carbon we partner with like-minded businesses and individuals. Through the combination of our underwriting talent, our access to high quality clients, advanced data analytics informing decision making, we have created a profitable and sustainable business.”
Jacqui Ferrier
CEO / Co-founder

A Lloyd's Syndicate with global impact

Carbon's A-rated paper is principally provided by its own syndicate 4747.

Syndicate 4747

Syndicate 4747 delivered consistently profitable and stable underwriting results, beating plan and achieving all Syndicate-in-a-Box KPIs. It was the first Syndicate-in-a-Box to mature to full syndicate status for 2023 YOA.

People are the heart of what we do

Our leadership team

Jacqui Ferrier

Chief Executive Officer / Co-Founder

Jacqui is one of the three co-founders of Carbon. She has held senior roles at Swiss Re, AIG, and Catlin across APAC and London, building profitable liability portfolios and high-performing teams. A recognised market leader, she has also led global diversity and charity initiatives. Her strategic insight, commercial acumen, technical strength, and genuine compassion make her a driving force at Carbon.

Ben Laidlaw 

Managing Director / Founder

Ben is one of the three co-founders of Carbon. He has been instrumental in developing Carbon’s proprietary platform, Graphene, and guiding the businesses evolution from a Lloyd’s Syndicate-in-a-Box to a full syndicate. Ben continues to lead Carbon’s strategic growth and innovation in the insurance market. 

Paddy Byrne

Chairman

Paddy brings over 40 years’ leadership in financial services and technology-driven businesses. He has scaled firms such as Target Group and Xchanging, and overseen services critical to national infrastructure, including Lloyd’s clearing operations. With deep capital markets and private equity experience, Paddy helps steer Carbon’s growth and strategic partnerships.

Michael Watson

Non-Executive Director

Alex Poracchia

Chief Finance Officer

Alex joined Carbon in 2025, bringing over 30 years of financial leadership experience from roles at Swiss Re, Zurich, and Everest Insurance, as well as consulting positions with Deloitte in actuarial and finance. As CFO, he leads Carbon’s global financial operations, supporting its continued growth and innovation in the insurance industry.

Jo Brocklehurst

Chief People Officer

Jo brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience across sectors including insurance, retail, FMCG and construction.  She specialises in talent development, employee engagement, and organisational design and has helped build and shape our high-performing, inclusive culture that supports Carbon’s strategic growth.  

Mark Oldroyd

Chief Technology Officer

Mark joined Carbon in 2020 to lead the development of Graphene, Carbon’s proprietary oversight platform. With over 20 years of fintech experience at Intel, JP Morgan and Bluecrest Capital, he has delivered complex, high-impact systems. Mark is known for leading data-driven innovation and building scalable architecture that supports underwriting intelligence.

Rob Crocker

Active Underwriter

Rob has 30+ years in insurance, specialising in PI. He has built successful portfolios across Lloyd’s, UK, US, and Irish platforms and joined Carbon from Everest, where he led Syndicate 2786. Rob combines technical expertise and actuarial discipline with deep relationships across the market, particularly in construction and international professional lines.

Julie Gallagher

Chief of Staff

Julie joined Carbon in 2024 as Head of Syndicate Management and was promoted to Chief of Staff in 2025. With extensive experience from Asta Capital, Chaucer and Benfield Group, she oversees strategic planning, syndicate performance and underwriting oversight. Julie collaborates closely with the CEO and Active Underwriter to drive Carbon’s growth and operational excellence.

Hugo Bashall

Operations Director

Hugo joined Carbon in 2021 to develop the operational infrastructure required for long-term, scalable growth. Previously at MS Amlin, he held senior roles across strategy and operations, including establishing an international office. A qualified management accountant, Hugo brings deep experience in building resilient, efficient platforms to support underwriting success.

Matt Finch

Financial Director

Matt has 25+ years of experience in the insurance industry, including senior financial roles at Tokio Marine Kiln, Charles Taylor and Aviva. Prior to joining Carbon in 2021, Matt was advising a diverse group of Insurance Businesses on strategy, liquidity and capital management with a focus on automation, innovation and value creation.

Kirsty Coates

Head of Claims

Kirsty joined Carbon in 2021 following claims leadership roles at Atrium and Antares. With expertise spanning across various Non-Marine Classes, she also plays an active role in modernising claims across the market through her work on LMA committees. Her practical market knowledge and collaborative approach continue to shape best practices at Carbon in a rapidly evolving claims environment.

Sonia Sharma

Head of Risk & Compliance

Sonia joined Carbon in 2022 after holding senior roles at Pioneer, CNA Hardy and the Financial Ombudsman Service. She has led global compliance oversight, including setting up EU regulated entities for Brexit. At Carbon, she’s developed the risk and compliance frameworks with a specific focus on conduct risk and culture, ensuring good customer outcomes. She is also an active member of the LMA Conduct Committee.

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