Commodity training prepares LJMU students for the workplace

Industry experts from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which operates the New York Stock Exchange, returned to LJMU to deliver two-days of masterclasses to students studying with Liverpool Business School.

Students studying BSc Accounting and Finance, and MSc Investment and Finance, were introduced to industry platforms developed by ICE to gain experience of commodity trading, enabling them to put their knowledge and understanding of commodities into practice.

The students are part of LJMU’s Commodity Trading Hub (CTH), designed and delivered by MLH Academy CIC. It was launched in 2023 to expose both undergraduate and postgraduate students, to the world of commodities.

Professor Adam Shore, Director of Liverpool Business School, said: “At Liverpool Business School we are committed to shaping a better future by providing our students with transformative learning experiences that bridge academic theory with industry practice. The Commodity Trading Hub exemplifies this approach, creating a dynamic environment where our students develop the skills and connections needed for success in global markets.”

Mat Halsall, MD of MLH Academy, said: “Having ICE return for a second year is particularly significant and we’re incredibly grateful to Neil Scurlock and Matthew Levy for their continued investment in our students' development.”

The programme, the leadership and, most importantly, the students are really building a true bridge between the world of academia and the workplace.

We were so impressed by the energy, engagement and professionalism of the groups. We enabled them to experience, first hand, the ICE trading platform which allowed them to connect the physical market understanding they have built over the last 10 months, with the financial instruments of the futures markets.

The emerging talent is clear for any observer to see. We remain committed to supporting this development in the years ahead.

Neil Scurlock, Head of ICE Education

Stephen Watson, Executive Director at Sefton Council, also attended the events at LJMU as a planned trading floor at Bootle Strand is set to open later this summer.

Chris Lewis, Director of MLH Academy, said: “The planned trading floor at Bootle Strand, developed in collaboration with Merseyside Expanding Horizons and Sefton Council, will further enhance the learning opportunities for LJMU students who undertake learning with the Commodity Trading Hub. This initiative, alongside our growing relationships with a range of global leading commodity industry companies, strengthens the region’s position as an emerging centre for commodity trading expertise.”

What truly matters is the impact on our students' futures – from internships to international opportunities. This ecosystem of industry engagement 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.

Professor Adam Shore

Liverpool Business School’s Commodity Trading Hub

Commodity Trading Hub seminars are provided to students studying BSc Accounting and Finance, and MSc Investment and Finance at Liverpool Business School.

You can follow the Community Trading Hub’s success stories on Linked In, or hear from Charles Hinton one of the first master’s students to attend the seminars, now enjoying success as a Trainee Derivatives Broker in maritime logistics at SSY Global.