Director

Jonathan is a Director and Shareholder at Merchant Trading Group. As a leader (CEO, President, Managing Director) that has worked in some of the most challenging global markets, he is skilled at focusing businesses on customer needs, engaging employees as well as delivering organic, profitable and sustainable growth.

Some notable career achievements include Trebling the profits for TUI Marine leading 1500 staff based in 70 worldwide locations, growing the international division of Domestic General via acquisitions and delivering growth for the world leading Ambassador Theatre Group. Jonathan successfully turned around a loss making division of Cendant Corporation and thereafter the commercial fortunes of an airline franchise operating British Airways routes to politically challenging destinations. Prior to negotiating its sale to BMI, Jonathan won an award from the international travel industry for customer service and keeping continuity of service during political challenges. Jonathan has previously held the position of Interim Managing Director at Palletways overlooking the international operations.

Jonathan has a BA (Hons) in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, where he now delivers lectures to their Business School. Jonathan worked in the US Congress writing speeches on education, health and industry issues and helped run Richard Gephardt’s campaign to win the Democratic Party's nomination as their Presidential candidate. Jonathan has two teenage sons and now lives his sporting life vicariously through them. Having played the piano on ITV and BBC Radio 4, he still performs in public when time allows.

Partner

Yusuf is a Shareholder at Merchant Trading Group. He has extensive business and property investment experience across the UK and Internationally, specialising in the commercial space. Yusuf currently spreads his time managing and directing multiple projects in the property sector.

Yusuf’s contact base and experience in structuring complex transactions, allow the group to be flexible and competitive in bringing the best results for all parties in any specific deal. Under his direction, Merchant Trading Group seeks to partner and form JVs with leading global investors in order to deploy strategic capital and deliver growth.

As with his various projects, Yusuf spends his time travelling and building his network.

Non-Executive Director

Ayub is a Non Executive Director and Board Member at Merchant Trading Group. He is also the current Managing Director of MAM Transport, a leading haulage company with over 50 vehicles based in the Midlands. Having established his business with a single van in the late 80s, today MAM Transport stands as a well established haulage company in the region. Ayub has built a working partnership with global courier companies over the past 40 years, growing his business to become a preferred haulier in the East Midlands. Ayub plays a key role advising each of our management team with his hands on experience gained over the years.

Ayub graduated from London metropolitan university in Engineering and spent the early part of his career as a regional head of TNT Express prior to its acquisition by Fedex. He is a family man who likes travelling as often as he can.

Investment Director

Idris is one of the founding members of Merchant Trading Group and oversees the groups Investment strategy. Idris works closely with management teams, supervises the details of contract negotiations and advises in the development of investment strategy.

He has an extensive background in the logistics sector and has held multiple senior management and advisory positions with hauliers, freight forwarders and 3pl companies in the SME space. Across his career, Idris successfully tripled the business of a regional warehousing company, founded the warehousing operations of a London based freight forwarder and facilitated the asset sale of a local haulier to its main competitor.

Prior to working in the logistics sector, Idris gained professional experience in the city of London as an analyst in both a boutique bank and a Consultancy. Idris enjoys the outdoors and regularly drags along his young family on his self-styled adventures. He is also a keen cross-fitter and occasionally competes in local tournaments when time permits.