School team is a class act ahead of the Scottish final
A team of West Lothian girls have made it to the last stage in the 13 to 16 year age group of a contest to crown the country’s most promising new business brains.
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.
Pupils from Deans Community High School in Livingston will compete with girls in the same age group from Craigmount High School (Edinburgh); Bishopbriggs Academy (East Dunbartonshire) and Larbert High School (Falkirk).
During the competition students 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.
Grant Fraser, CFO/EMEA for Dexcom, chosen by Deans Community High School’s pupils as their inspiration for the submission, says: “It was a pleasure to speak with the girls as well as their teachers and mentor to share insights into our business.
“Greater diversity in the workplace can only be a good thing for the future and it looks bright with young women like these at Deans Community High School. We wish them all the best for the final!”
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.
Teacher of business education and DYW coordinator from Deans Community High School, Emma Ward, says: “Future Asset has provided our young people with an opportunity to engage with professionals and gain industry insight. They have developed skills in an engaging and exciting manner while being able to explore the world of investment.
“Their mentor, Louise MacDonald, provided great support and encouragement to the girls and her enthusiasm was infectious. We have noticed an impressive increase in the girls’ confidence as they continue to impress us with their abilities and willingness to learn and research their chosen company Dexcom, including interviewing CFO Grant Fraser. The girls are excited to have progressed to the final and look forward to sharing their thoughts further.”
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 professional, Louise MacDonald says: “I’ve had the privilege of working with S3 pupils from Deans Community High School, and it has been fantastic to see their confidence grow week to week.
“The girls have had the opportunity to learn everything about the company they chose, from sales growth and share price charts, to sustainability and company culture – and everything else in between.
“The business teachers at Deans have also been instrumental in helping the girls progress in the competition. I’m really looking forward to the final of the competition and to watch the girls reach their full potential.”
The eight finalists will deliver an extended pitch to judges at the beginning of March with the winners announced on March 2.