Preston Lodge High School team of three sisters triumph at competition

Top prize in the senior category at the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition went to Emma Darling (S6) and twin sisters Amy and Lucy (S5).

In the senior category, the girls dazzled the judges with their innovative pitch on Veolia, an eco-friendly resource management company.

The sisters received £200 of vouchers of their choice each and £1,000 for their school.

Kate Gascoigne, teacher of business studies who supervises the Future Asset work at the school, said: “Our team were going head-to-head against Lossiemouth High School, North Berwick High School, Oban High School and Wellington School.

“They were tasked with delivering an Investment Case for Veolia to five judges: Sarah Whitley (chair of Future Asset), Jen Mair (Martin Currie), Fiona MacRae (Walter Scott), Lorna Logan (Stewart Investors) and Lynne Lamont (RBC Brewin Dolphin).

“Their pitch was seamless and they answered the judge’s questions calmly and confidently.

“The results were announced at Edinburgh City Chambers and the girls were presented with a trophy, certificates and vouchers.

“The Future Assets competition has never been more important.

“In an industry where only 12 per cent of UK fund managers are women, the competition enables girls to gain real industry insight, valuable experience and key transferable skills.”

A team from Preston Lodge High School has won a national competition

North Berwick High School finished with a share of the runner-up spot alongside pupils from Lossiemouth High School, while a second Preston Lodge team was highly commended.

Valerie Clavie, chief financial officer for Veolia Northern Europe, offered her congratulations to Preston Lodge High School.

She said: “We’re delighted with the fantastic achievements of Emma, Amy and Lucy.

“They did a fantastic job in showcasing the importance of investment in green practices but also the financial opportunities that present themselves in the industry.

“Investment in sustainability and decarbonisation should be at the forefront of every business and organisation, as we combat climate change and come closer to ecological transformation.”

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.”