Rising business stars from Calderside Academy have once again reached the final of a national competition aiming to encourage more young women to consider careers in investment management.
The Blantyre school’s team have reached next month’s junior final of the Growing Future Assets competition, which sees them research and analyse companies in depth and give a pitch to industry experts about their investment potential.
Calderside’s participants will be hoping to emulate the success of their predecessor Money Makers team, who won the 2024 contest and its top prize of £800 for the school.
Now the Calderside team are getting set for their grand final appearance at Edinburgh City Chambers on March 7, where they will be up against Mearns Castle High, Oban High and St George’s School in the 14-16 age category final.
They are mentored throughout the competition by an industry professional, gaining insights into financial analysis, presentation skills and potential career pathway and will then present their three-minute “elevator pitch” at the event in Edinburgh.
Participants have also had online Q&A opportunities with investor relations representatives from leading companies including AG Barr, Novo Nordisk and Spotify to gain deeper insights into businesses, as well as giving young women a chance to engage with senior corporate representatives.
Calderside’s success in reaching a second consecutive final of the competition, which has now been running for five years, comes amid an increase in participation with a 32 per cent rise in submissions this year.
Future Asset chief executive Helen Bradley said: “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.”
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