Leeds Beckett's Student Investment Club Celebrates 14th Annual Competition Success

The competition, in partnership with Redmayne Bentley, one of the largest independent investment management and stockbroking firms in the UK, spanned seven weeks and challenged students to navigate the intricacies of the stock market. Armed with virtual capital totalling £100,000, teams bought and sold within the FTSE 350, in an attempt to outperform benchmarks and secure substantial returns.

Among the standout performers were Team Kaizen Investments, comprising five BA (Hons) Business Management with Enterprise students: Charlie Allen, Cassius Bryant, Patrick Flannigan, Ethan Briley, and Noah McKennon. Their investment strategies culminated in a market-beating profit of 11.4%, surpassing the FTSE 350 benchmark of 4.8%. Members of the winning team each took home a £100 prize.

James Varney, a third-year BA (Hons) Business Management with Finance student and member of the second-placed team, ROI Rangers, said: "I'd really recommend taking part in the Student Investment Club. Getting the chance to learn how to invest like this has been invaluable."

The culmination of the competition was marked by the prize-giving event hosted at Leeds Beckett University's city campus, with guests from partner organisation Redmayne Bentley in attendance. David Loudon, Redmayne Bentley's Chair, presented the students with their certificates.

Rachel Scarf, Senior Compliance Officer at Redmayne Bentley and Leeds Beckett graduate, who has supported the initiative for several years, said: "It's rewarding to share our knowledge and experience with students at Leeds Beckett University.

"Our partnership with the university offers an opportunity for students to gain insight and knowledge of investing in the stock market, including the factors that can influence market impacts and fluctuations. We are pleased to provide valuable experience to those interested in investment management and stockbroking."

Lois Hargreaves, Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett, reflected on the competition's success: "This year's investment club has been a huge success. Everyone who took part has said how much they enjoyed it and how much they have learned from working together to research companies, select investments and follow their progress."

Professor George Lodorfos, Dean of Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett added: "The Student Investment Club is a great example of how LBS and Redmayne Bentley worked together to give our students the opportunity to learn how to invest within a safe environment while improving their employability and graduate prospects."

Please note the value of investments and any income derived from them may go down as well as up and you could get back less than you invested.