Business experts help upskill for Freeport jobs

LJMU business experts are partnering Liverpool City Region Freeport in upskilling local people for work.

Dr Katie Neary, senior lecturer in International Business and Dr Konstantina Skritsovali, senior lecturer in Strategic Management have been working with the LCR Combined Authority and the Chartered Institute for Export and International Trade to create new qualifications in customs and trade.

Liverpool, already one of the most important ports in the UK, handling 45% of the UK’s trade from the United States, is seen as a key growth hub in global trade and the Freeport offers a range of incentives in customs, tax, planning, infrastructure and innovation.

Secure customs sites within Freeports enable businesses to benefit from a flexible new way of doing business, which allows imports to enter the sites with simplified customs documentation and the payment of tariffs to be delayed or avoided.

The LJMU academics have produced an impact report on the first new qualification – a Level 2 certificate in International Trade and Customs Practice, equivalent to GCSEs or an intermediate apprenticeship.

Its pilot ran from October ’24 -Feb ’25, providing opportunities for local people to fill skills gap in the operation of port business under the new regime. The course aims to provide an accessible pipeline of employment into roles in the Freeport and is the first to be delivered by a UK Freeport.

Dr Neary, an academic at Liverpool Business School, said: “At L2 the qualification aims to be accessible and inclusive, providing a foundation of knowledge and a bridge into new roles being created within the LCRF, where businesses need staff who understand the financial and economic benefits of the zone.”

Learners to date have been recruited through local educational providers, charities and government schemes.

Freeport Manager Giles Jones said: "The (LJMU) Impact Evaluation Report provides invaluable insights that directly inform the strategic development of our LCR Freeport Skills Academy. This report not only highlights the success of the pilot in enhancing participants’ employability and expertise but also offers clear, actionable recommendations for refining industry qualifications.

“By aligning course design with regional economic priorities and learner needs, this collaboration ensures that LCR Freeport remains at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge training that empowers our workforce and strengthens the Liverpool City Region’s position in international trade.

“We are delighted with the ongoing partnership between LCR Freeport and Liverpool Business School at Liverpool John Moores University.”