Taking on the fat cats
THREE entrepreneurial students from Ely Sixth Form College have been taking on the fat cats of the city and winning. Year 12 students Tom Bettison, Richard Clarke and Alex O Sullivan have been investing £1,500 of real money on the Stock Exchange, as part
THREE entrepreneurial students from Ely Sixth Form College have been taking on the fat cats of the city and winning.
Year 12 students Tom Bettison, Richard Clarke and Alex O'Sullivan have been investing £1,500 of real money on the Stock Exchange, as part of Shares 4 Schools, a national share trading competition.
The team invested in well-known businesses like Tesco, Woolworths, and took 'a bit of a gamble' Ladbrokes. They have also invested in lesser known firms such as Oxford BioMedica and York Pharma.
The entrepreneurial trio won the competition's monthly prize for May, beating students from more than 50 other schools and colleges.
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They received a cheque for £250, which they plan to spend on student facilities of their choice.
College director, Mark Sirot-Smith said: "We have been entering this competition for a number of years now, with limited success, but this team has taken it really seriously, done their research and are reaping the rewards. When the monthly prize is added to their portfolio's profit, they are likely to have around £500 to spend on anything they like for the students at the college. Judging by their performance to date, I'm sure they'll invest it wisely."
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The boys' portfolio of investments has fluctuated in value significantly since the competition began in October, but they are confident of a healthy surplus, enabling another Year 12 group to try their luck next year.
The three students are all studying Business Studies, and whilst the business world appeals to them all, a future on the London Stock Exchange seems unlikely.
Tom said: "I was surprised about just how many different firms there are to invest in. Initially we focussed on well-known companies, but these produced low returns, so after a little research we took a few risks with lesser known businesses and have been cashing in ever since. I've really enjoyed the experience, and it has certainly helped with my A level Business Studies course, but I'm not sure that I'm cut out to be a trader on the stock exchange."
More details of the competition can be found on the Shares 4 Schools web site www.shares4schools.org
