Meet the Founder

Ben graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2012 with an honours degree in Law. He initially embarked on a legal career, where he played a key role in setting up two successful departments, but quickly changed track to follow his interest in commodity and financial markets.

In 2017, Ben joined Earlam & Partners Ltd, a commodity consultancy business. Under the tutelage of Jo Earlam, he gained a comprehensive understanding of the cotton industry and insight into the value chain. Ben has since travelled all over the world visiting and developing relationships right across the supply chain from cotton farmers through to textile and garment retailers, continuously striving to improve his knowledge and understanding from different perspectives.

Ben demonstrated an early passion and skill in trading futures and options, so risk management became his main focus. By September 2018 he had completed the necessary qualifications to deal on behalf of and advise all types of market participant, whether for hedging or speculation. In the meantime Ben joined a boutique derivative trading desk at Gate Capital Group Ltd, who provide the necessary infrastructure and regulatory authorisation for him to service his clients. In May 2021 Ben achieved Chartered Broker status.

Ben’s trading and advisory work extends beyond the cotton market, regularly advising equity investors on the use of futures and options as a means of managing exposure to equity markets. This knowledge of outside markets plays to his advantage, especially when looking for key macro trends.

Ben also regularly engages with the International Cotton Association and is a repeat presenter on the topic of futures and options at their annual Complete Cotton training course.