North Berwick High School – The NEN

Scotland’s future female investment leaders reach final of Investment Competition

FUTURE ASSET UNVEILS SHORTLIST OF SCOTLAND’S FINEST YOUNG MINDS IN INVESTMENT

Teams from East and West Lothian have made it to the finals of this year’s Growing Future Assets Competition which encourages young women to consider a career in the world of investment management.

During the contest, the pupils must prove their ability to spot the next big investment prospect by researching, analysing, and pitching a company they think will be a lucrative long-term asset.

They are assisted in the process by mentoring delivered by investment management professionals, who share their experience and provide career insights, advice and inspiration, and the support of teachers. The Edinburgh finalist teams of Broxburn Academy, North Berwick High School and Preston Lodge High School were supported by coaches from Lothian Pension Fund, Artemis, and Nikko respectively.

This year more than 100 Competition Coaches from 33 firms, including Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors and Martin Currie volunteered to counsel the youngsters, with such success that the charity has created a Coach of the Year Award this year to celebrate their input.

Demonstrating the growing popularity of the competition, this year has seen a remarkable 25% surge in registered participants, covering 30 out of Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Additionally, there is a 17% increase in the total number of schools registering for the contest.

Competition organisers and 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, showing how working in the sector can change the world for the better and give young women valuable, transferable skills.

With more girls than ever before taking part, the judges faced the tough task of whittling the shortlist down to nine teams who will battle it out in the competition’s first-ever live final to be crowned winners in junior and senior contests in March.

Dorothy Hamilton, Scottish President CISI and Senior category Judge for the Growing Future Assets competition commented: “Judging the Future Assets Competition for the first time was immensely rewarding.

“The entries’ high quality reflected the effort invested by all those involved. My favourite aspect was evaluating the video submissions, where the enthusiasm not only showcased learning but also the fun the participants had.”

This year’s candidates from the Lothians competing for top spot in the competition are from Broxburn Academy, North Berwick High School and Preston Lodge High School.

North Berwick High School chose Hologic as their top prospect and the company were delighted to be included with Ryan Simon, Vice President of Hologic’s Investor Relations saying: “Since our founding, Hologic has innovated for the sake of doing lifesaving and life-changing good for others.

“We’re proud that a group of students has chosen to tap into that spirit of purpose-driven innovation through the Future Asset competition. We’re thankful to have them share our passion for championing the health and well-being of women, who are the foundation of the world’s families, communities, and societies.”

Broxburn Academy pitched Greggs, whose team said: “Greggs were delighted to be involved in the Future Assets investment pitch competition.

“We’re dedicated to doing good and at Greggs everyone is welcome, so we are delighted to support an initiative that encourages new talent to enter this industry and inspires the next generation of investment management superstars.”

Now in its fourth year, the teams have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch.

On the morning of the 1^{st of} March in their first ever live final, teams from the junior and senior categories will compete for the prize of being the winner of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition 23/24 plus £1,000 for their school for the senior winners and £800 for the juniors.

Afterwards, all the finalists will be invited for lunch at the Edinburgh City Chambers, where they will announce the winners and award prizes to the different categories including overall Winners for Juniors and Seniors, runners-up, Best ESG case and Best Elevator pitch plus the new award for 2023/24 for the Coach of the Year.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset CEO, says: “This year’s competition has reached unprecedented levels of quality, with a remarkable surge in enthusiasm from the younger participants and unwavering dedication from their teachers and coaches.

“Witnessing the growing interest, especially in state schools, underscores the profound impact of this contest, connecting aspiring individuals with the vast opportunities that a career in investment management can offer. It is truly inspiring to witness the doors opening for youngsters who may not have had prior exposure to the industry, showcasing the boundless potential that awaits them.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/

North Berwick High School team are runners up in national business investors competition

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.”

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/

Craigmount High schoolgirls to battle it out in record-breaking contest

Future Asset shortlists Scottish candidates for next generation of winning female investors

Schoolgirls from Edinburgh’s Craigmount High School and North Berwick High School in East Lothian have made it to the last stage in the 16-18 year and 13-16 year age group of a contest to crown the country’s most promising new business brains in their respective categories.

The finals of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition, which nurtures the next generation of female investment experts, will be held in March, when a total of eight teams from across Scotland compete for the top spots in junior and senior contests.

And this year the competition is tougher than ever with entries up by a record-breaking 300%.

In the 13-16 year age group, Craigmount High School’s pupils will compete against teams from: Bishopbriggs Academy (East Dunbartonshire); Deans Community High School (Livingston, West Lothian) and Larbert High School (Falkirk).

North Berwick High School’s pupils will compete against teams in the 16-18 year age group from: Lochaber High School (Fort William, Inverness-shire); St Columba’s High School (Gourock, Inverclyde) and Wellington School (Ayr).

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 management, demonstrating how working in the sector provides engaging opportunities and can change the world for the better.

During the competition youngsters must prove their ability to spot the next big investment opportunity by researching, analysing and pitching a company they think will be a great long-term prospect

And teenagers have reacted enthusiastically to the opportunity, despite the challenges of the pandemic, with 62 groups, comprising 240 girls, from all over Scotland taking part.

They have been mentored by investment management professionals offering advice, inspiration and career insights, and supported by teachers who have gone above and beyond in providing extra-curricular activities.

Business Education Teacher Hannah Fox, North Berwick High School (East Lothian) says: “The Growing Assets Investment Competition connects classroom learning to the Investment Industry as the students are able to make use of their learning from Business Management and Economics related subjects.

“The task set makes it abundantly clear what a role in the industry might look like, breaking away from the stereotypical portrayal of the industry in movies. It pushes students out of their comfort zone in areas such as interacting with professionals to ask advice and run ideas past and allows them to experience managing a varied workload as well as the value of team work.

“The enthusiasm from the Future Asset Team and their guest speakers is second to none, as is the support the students receive throughout the competition. The students are very fortunate to be given access to such talented individuals and high-quality resources.”

This year more than 80 investment mentors from 28 firms, including Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors, Walter Scott and Partners and Rathbone Investment Management, volunteered to counsel the youngsters.

Mentor and investment expert Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, from Rathbones Investment Management says: “I was delighted to be invited by Future Asset to act as a mentor for their “Growing Future Assets Investment Competition.

“Initiatives such as this are fundamental if we wish to support and grow our female talent in otherwise male dominated industries. The work Future Asset is doing in this space is both innovative and inspiring.

“If anything, we need more initiatives such as this to ensure our young Scottish talent is natured and equipped with skill for a bright and successful future.

“The young girls from Craigmount High School, with whom I collaborated, showcased their talent with such enthusiasm and interest. Their research and presentation skills left me with no doubt that we were on to a winner!”

Experts from journalism and business have also advised the teenagers with Executive and Voice Coach Susan Room boosting their skills and confidence with online masterclasses in Mindset, Body Language, Speech and Voice, and author, broadcaster and financial journalist Iona Bain explaining how they can invest their way to a better future.

Now in its second year, the teams have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch. The eight finalists will deliver an extended pitch to judges at the beginning of March with the winners announced on March 2.

The champions will receive: £1000 for the winning senior team and £200-worth of vouchers of the students’ choice for each team member; £800 for the best junior team and £150-worth of vouchers each. Senior and junior runners-up receive £500 and £100 of vouchers and £400 and £75 of vouchers, respectively.

Helen Bradley, Future Asset programme manager, says: “The response to this year’s competition from the youngsters has just been astounding – matched by a fantastic level of commitment from teachers and mentors.

“And the calibre of entries has been so impressive. The judges are going to have a challenging job on their hands determining which teams are the true future stars of the investment industry.”

For more information visit https://www.futureasset.org.uk/