The graduates reviving Liverpool's trading past
Since the growth of Liverpool Docks in the 1800s and the inauguration of the first commercial railway in 1830, Liverpool has been synonymous with ‘trade’, even being known as ‘the New York of Europe’.
Now a new generation of traders is emerging, giving young money spinners a bright future in commodities.
The Commodity Trading Hub at Liverpool John Moores University is training business students in the age-old skills of buying and selling, creating a talent pipeline that will not only offer them a top career, but help re-establish Liverpool as a place to make money and to invest.
Established in 2023, the ‘Hub’ is designed and delivered by MLH Academy CIC and Chris Lewis in association with LJMU and exposes young business minds to the risks and rewards of commodities, creating go-getters with real ambition and excitement.
Dina Dal, a graduate, who works as an analyst at commodity management firm Gen10, along with fellow graduate Rime El Moutez, says: “From the very beginning, we were pushed to step out of our comfort zones and tackle real-world challenges. This has strengthened our self-confidence, sharpened our analytical skills, and nurtured a sense of ambition.”
Dina and Rime, who are based in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter are among 13 graduates from last year who have landed posts in commodities, three of the others have secured posts in the city-region, while others have secured posts in Amsterdam with Sucden Coffee, in Antwerp for Group Sopex and in London for Pacific Basin.
“The hub is proving highly successful in promoting careers in commodities, but it doesn’t just enhance employability; it creates a specialised talent pipeline that attracts investment, supports knowledge transfer, and helps establish Liverpool as a recognised hub for trading excellence in the global marketplace while remaining mindful of the city’s history,” according to Professor Adam Shore, Director of Liverpool Business School.
Students are exposed to industry experts, real-life scenarios and work-based experiences. Several months ago, industry experts from Intercontinental Exchange which operates the New York Stock Exchange, came to Liverpool to deliver two-days of masterclasses to students.
As well as guest lectures, seminars and networking, the trainees also have opportunities to learn through workshops and simulations, including using Gen10’s CommOS platform as a simulated trading game.
Michael Franco, programme leader at LBS, said: “No other HEI has a programme like this backed by industry experts. It’s brilliant that we are working with Mat and his colleagues. His expertise, experience and extensive networks allow students in the Hub to fully immerse themselves in the world of commodities.
At LBS, we learned directly from a range of trading professionals - stockbrokers, exchange reps, traders, analysts and risk managers
Dina Dal, LJMU graduate and Gen10 analyst
“Not only are the students getting meaningful and real-life exposure to commodity markets but, the Hub also provides an opportunity for leading commodity houses to see our students in action and identify the emerging talent of the future.”
The programme is run by Mat Halsall, a prominent figure in the commodities trading industry, currently a non-executive director and global business strategist at Group Sopex. Mat Halsall said: “The uniqueness of the programme is that we focus on providing “Pracademic” learning, where our graduates are instantly connected to the commodity community of professionals and alumni. It’s these connections that can help them in finding professional roles in the sector.”
Dina continues: “At LBS, we learned directly from a wide range of professionals, including shipbrokers, exchange representatives, traders, analysts, and risk managers, all of whom brought their own experience, stories, and perspectives to the classroom. Their contributions were incredibly valuable, and each of them played a role in strengthening our foundations before entering the industry.”
Currently only final-year Accounting & Finance students and Masters in Investment and Finance students, have exposure to the Hub and Michael admits it is not for everyone: “Trading requires a strong work ethic, emotional control and discipline because markets are volatile, resilience and intellectual curiosity, along with a host of analytical and soft skills. If you imagine it is tough, you’d be right!”
The collaboration has created something unique and important in the business make-up of the city-region. A bespoke programme dedicated to commodities, something no other university, or city, offers.
And Dina, for one, is loving her time at Gen10:
“We have a team that pushes us to think critically, solve problems, and develop both professionally and personally. Being exposed to real workflows, client needs, and system development at such an early stage in our careers is something we don’t take for granted. It’s rare to find a company that gives young professionals this level of trust, responsibility, and opportunity.”
