The Next Generation of Investors Under Starters Orders

The next cohort of girls aiming to be future investment industry stars are under starters orders as the 2023/24 Growing Future Assets Competition launches.

And this year they have the chance of picking up an early advantage with our new Competition Kick Off workshops.

Held in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee this autumn, they’re giving entrants, numbering approximately 200 girls, a flying start by enabling them to see what working in investment is really like.

The events inform and prepare girls for the competition through a series of talks, activities and interactive experiences and Future Asset is supporting schools with travel costs to allow students from across Scotland to attend.

This year’s contest will also see more than 100 coaches, all volunteer professionals from within the industry, working alongside participating pupils to offer support, advice and authentic insights into their world of work.

The competition challenges teams of three to six girls, in junior and senior categories, to research, analyse and pitch a company they believe will be a great long-term investment prospect

This year they have the choice of 14 businesses from across seven fields: health; brands; animals; energy; buildings; food and chocolate. The companies include big names such as Puma, Pets at Home, Veolia, Taylor Wimpey, Greggs and Hotel Chocolat.

Adam Drummond, Regional Director, Rathbones Investment Management, is now in his third year as a coach for the competition. He says: “Our industry is an amazing place to work, but it remains overly male dominated. I am keen to make sure that this balance is addressed and that girls who might not have immediately thought of a career in investment give it a chance.”

This summer Rathbones hosted a visit from a group of girls from St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock.  Maths teacher, Rachel Egan who is also embarking on her third year in the contest, said: “It was a great day and so informative. I think it’s safe to say the girls are all more than keen and ready for next year’s Future Asset competition!”

Helen Bradley, Future Asset, CEO, says: “We’re constantly amazed by the enthusiasm of both the young students and the professionals who volunteer to mentor them. This year we have a particularly impressive range of companies for the girls to pitch to and we’re looking forward to another exceptional contest.”