Lossiemouth High School girls take centre stage in investment competition live final
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LOSSIEMOUTH High School has taken second-place in a competition to help end the gender imbalance within investment management.
A team of girls from the school took centre stage in the financial education arena, while competing in the inaugural live final of the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition.
The competition challenges teams of girls in Scottish schools to research, analyse and pitch a company to a group of investment professionals and not only showcases the investment acumen of Scotland's high school girls but also demonstrated a remarkable surge in industry support.
The senior team from Lossiemouth High School, made up of Abby, Esme, Amy, and Keira, secured their place as runners-up with a compelling pitch on home builders, Taylor Wimpey.
Team coach Matthew Brennan, head of investment oversight at Valu-Trac said: “This was the first year a team from Lossie had taken part. I was so proud to see how the team performed and showcased the talent we have in this part of the country.
“I was so impressed with the enthusiasm, drive, diligence and research done by the team. With just a few nudges they produced a report rivalling that of a seasoned professional.
“It has been extremely rewarding to be part of the competition, and think I've got as much out of it as the team.”
The Growing Future Assets Investment Competition, organised by Future Asset, breaks new ground in highlighting the potential of Scotland's high school girls in the finance sector.
The contest aims to inspire young minds, proving that being female should never be a barrier to pursuing a career in finance.
It introduces 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.
Over the past 10 weeks, S3-6 girls from various schools immersed themselves in the intricacies of investment management. Guided by dedicated Competition Coaches, drawn from leading firms like Baillie Gifford, Stewart Investors, and Martin Currie, these young talents honed their skills to pitch investment strategies with sophistication and flair.
The competition witnessed a substantial 25 per cent increase in participants and a 17 per cent rise in the number of schools participating, emphasizing its growing significance in cultivating financial literacy.
This year marked the competition's fourth year, culminating in its first ever live final. Industry support was unparalleled, with numerous firms expressing their endorsement through congratulatory videos.
Behind the success of this competition is a cohort of over 100 Competition Coaches from 33 firms, contributing their expertise and time to mentor the participants. Such overwhelming support has prompted the creation of the "Coach of the Year Award" to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of these professionals.
Helen Bradley, CEO of Future Asset, said: "The Growing Future Assets Investment Competition is not just a showcase of financial talent; it's a testament to the collaborative spirit of the business community.
“The support from Competition Coaches has been instrumental in shaping the future of these young minds."
As the charity celebrates the success of this year's competition, Future Asset has extende an invitation to businesses to join this impactful initiative as sponsors and members for the upcoming editions.
By engaging with Future Asset, firms have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of female investment leaders, contributing to the development of a financially literate and empowered society.
