Lossiemouth High girls among Scotland's brightest young investors
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LOSSIEMOUTH pupils have been named among Scotland's top young investing teams.
The four-strong team of Abby, Esme, Amy, and Keira, have reached the final of the Growing Future Assets Competition, which saw pupils from almost every local council in Scotland taking on the challenge.
With girls between S3 and S6 taking part, the scheme aims to encourage more women into investing management careers.
Top investment firms Valu-Trac, Stewart Investors and Baillie Gifford coached Lossiemouth High's team this year, which is one of only nine to make the final.
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.
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.
Additionally, there is a 17 per cent 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 competition judge said: “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.”
Teams have already presented their case in a research report and three-minute elevator pitch.
On the morning of March 1 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 £1000 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.”
