Sixth formers at Christ the King College (CtK) have been successful in putting a city investment fund manager through its paces following a period of research into their choice of holdings.
Six students from CtK Sixth Form have been working alongside Isle of Wight-based ethical and sustainable investment management company, Ayres Punchard, as part of an engagement project.
Six months of research
Ayres Punchard involved the students in researching paper manufacturer and recycler, Smurfit Kappa.
The specific research covers transgressions of the United Nations Global Compact and behaviour / activity by the company that could impede the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Presenting their findings to the fund manager
Over a period of six months Peter Abbot, Syria Townsend, Sienna Hobbs, Suzanne Richardson, Tabitha Rashely and Amelia Varney were all involved in researching Smurfit Kappa, with the first four students then presenting their findings to a sustainable, impact investment fund manager called WHEB.
In possibly a first for any Isle of Wight sixth former, the students had to make their case for why Smurfit Kappa could be an inappropriate holding for the asset manager, even though it has been making great strides in the recycling sector.
Welsford: It’s been worth it
Chris Welsford of Ayres Punchard told News OnTheWight,
“We’re really proud of this. It’s taken ages to get to this point, mostly because of the pandemic. But it’s been worth it.”
The process the students worked through is something that Ayres Punchard regularly carries out themselves – researching a specific company held in their Key to the Future sustainable and impactful investment portfolio.
Once the report has been presented to the fund manager, Ayres Punchard will often take the matter to the financial media to let them report on their findings, which puts further pressure, if this is needed, on the fund manager and the investee company.
Passion shone through
Following the students’ presentation to WHEB, they headed over to the offices of Citywire — London-based media group covering the global asset management industry — where they were interviewed by journalist, Alicja Hagopian. You can read her article on the Citywire website.
She said,
“If the next generation is as passionate about investing for good as Sienna, Suzanne, Syria and Peter, sustainable asset managers need to prove their sustainable investments do what they say on the tin.”
Tabitha Rashely and Amelia Varney, who contributed to the report, but were unable to attend the presentation, were also thanked.
Torrington: A fantastic opportunity for students to their voices heard
Rob Torrington from Christ the King College told News OnTheWight,
“This was a fantastic opportunity for students to participate on their own terms and have their voices heard by those in high-powered roles in the world of finance.
“It’s given them a perspective on these issues far more advanced than the average person, let alone young people at their age and stage.”
Well done to all the students and staff involved in the project, and to Ayres Punchard for providing the opportunity. Our thanks to Alex Tecson at Citywire for use of their photos.
