The stock exchange came to Congleton in November thanks to Cheshire-based financial specialists Franklyn Financial Management Ltd.

The Stock Market Challenge saw more than 150 students take part in a task designed to test and encourage financial skills and judgement.

Congleton’s Town Hall was transformed into a fictional stock exchange, filled with Year 7 students from schools across the region. Teams created their very own investment companies before investing a virtual sum of £10,000 into their choice of 25 fictional businesses.

To add an element of realism, fake news broadcasts relayed news reports that may have an impact on the global economy – such as natural disasters and economic events.

Eaton Bank Academy, Congleton High School, Macclesfield Academy, Brine Leas Academy, and Shavington Academy all took part. First place in the trading was the ‘Prime Investors’ team from Brine Leas Academy, who made more than a 50 per cent profit from their trading. The runner-up was the ‘Global Investments’, a team from the Shavington Academy. There was also awards for the most enterprising team, the most resilient, and the best brand.

The brainchild of Franklyn Financial Management, the event was delivered by the Inspirational Learning Group with support from leading marketing agency Thrive, Solicitors SAS Daniels, East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and supported by the Skills and Growth Company.

Franklyn Financial Management has long been an advocate for giving future generations an insight into the world of work; earlier this year, that policy led to success at the East Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise Annual Awards, with Franklyn picking up the Business and Education Engagement Award.

Andrew Chatterton, Managing Director of Franklyn Financial Management Ltd, said: “On behalf of the employers who have worked on the project, I would like to thank all the pupils for their enthusiasm and hard work throughout the day. Like our partners Thrive, Cheshire East Chamber and SAS Daniels, we’re passionate about helping young people gain new skills and first-hand experience of the business world.”

Ian Cottrill, Business Relationship Manager at Franklyn, commented, “Before joining the company, I worked for many years as a teacher. It’s fantastic that I can still help teach young people about things which are particularly relevant throughout their lives – such as the value of investing money wisely.”

With further activities planned in 2019, Franklyn are looking to partner with local businesses to deliver educational initiatives. If you would like to be involved, then please contact Ian Cottrill on 01260 291825

Franklyn Financial Management Limited
Registered Office: St. James’s House, 4-5 John Bradshaw Court, Alexandria Way, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 1LB, England.

t: 01260 291825 | e: franklynfm@sjpp.co.uk | w: franklynfm.co.uk