Senior pupils from North Berwick High School have been named as runners up as part of a competition to find the most promising next generation of business investors.
The young women, aged 16-18, were recognised in the Growing Future Assets Competition, a contest to nurture future female investment experts and encourage them to consider a career in the industry.
But the winning teams faced tough competition to triumph in the finals, with entries up by a record-breaking 300% this year.
The girls from North Berwick High School were runners up in the senior 16 -18 age group category, winning £500 for the school and £100 of vouchers each.
The team from Lochaber High School in Fort William won the senior competition collecting £1000 for the school and £200 of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member.
North Berwick High School team members Bethan, Marcia and Keira say: “We really enjoyed getting an insight into the world of investment and are inspired to continue to find out more.
“Working closely with our mentor Amanda was massively helpful, she supported us with the financial aspect of the competition and gave great presentation tips, which will give us a competitive edge in our future careers.
“The Growing Future Assets Competition has given us unparalleled knowledge which we otherwise wouldn’t have had, and we would encourage young people curious about business and finance careers to get involved in the future.”
In the 13-16 year category, the team from Larbert High School, Falkirk, came out top and runners up were girls from Bishopbriggs Academy, East Dunbartonshire.
Financial educators Future Asset believe that being female should never be a barrier to progressing in a chosen career and the contest introduces senior schoolgirls to potential careers in investment, demonstrating how working in the sector can change the world for the better and give young women valuable, transferable skills.
Business Education teacher for North Berwick High School, Hannah Fox says: “The competition offers more than a chance to gain an insight into the investment industry via task completion, it opens doors to valuable industry mentors and opportunities for work place visits.
“It is genuinely the most valuable educational competition I’ve worked on and would not hesitate to recommend it to educational peers.”
During the competition youngsters had to prove their ability to spot the next big investment prospect by researching, analysing and pitching a company, from a selection of 38 businesses, they considered a great long-term venture.
The North Berwick High School team alongside two other teams pitched renewable energy company Ørsted, the fourth picked Accsys Technologies which produces high-performance building material from renewable wood sources. All considered environmental sustainability of central importance.
Mairi Dudley, Head of UK Market Development at Ørsted, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen by so many of these high-achieving girls as their investment of choice. As the world’s most sustainable energy company, we hold social sustainability and inclusion at the highest value.
“Reducing barriers and widening participation in traditionally male-dominated industries is vital for us to keep achieving our goals and protecting the environment. It’s inspiring to see these values held in such high esteem by future generations.”
More than 80 groups, totalling almost 370 girls, took part from all over Scotland. They were mentored by more than 80 investment management professionals offering advice, inspiration and career insights, and supported by teachers.
Fund Manager for Artemis and judge for the Senior competition, Neil Goddin says: “What a fantastic finals day we had; the standard of presentations was extremely high and all the teams, both in the final and the wider competition, should be proud of the effort they put in.
“Watching the confidence and knowledge levels grow through the competition was great to see and I am sure we will see lots of young females joining the asset management in the coming years.”
More than 80 groups, totalling almost 370 girls, took part from all over Scotland. They were mentored by more than 80 investment management professionals offering advice, inspiration and career insights, and supported by teachers.
Chief Operating Officer for Martin Currie, Jennifer Mair says: “Martin Currie recognises the value of a diverse workforce and we partner with a number of organisations to grow diversity in the investment management industry.
“We support Future Asset with their aim of informing female talent about financial services and the range of possible career opportunities in the sector. We were delighted to act as mentors for and share insights with the team from North Berwick High School. We are very proud of their achievement in the recent Growing Future Assets Investment Competition.”
Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “The judges were hugely impressed by all the teams. The standard was fantastically high and all the presentations were worthy of industry professionals.
“The winning senior team, Lochaber High School, delivered passion and commitment that the panel felt was unrivalled.”
For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/