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 1st 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/