Teams will bond over the latest Stock Market Challenge

Mar 3 2010 by Karen Dent, The Journal

THE winners of the last Stock Market Challenge have confirmed they will be back this year to defend their title.

The Junk Bond Junkies -– aka the team from Newcastle Building Society – have thrown their hat back into the ring for the competition that was last held in 2008.

The event, which will be staged at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead next month, is set to be the usual mix of mirth and mayhem as teams from across the North East compete to make the most from trading virtual shares in a fundraiser for The Children’s Foundation.

The Junk Bond Junkies won the last competition after turning £15,000 of Bank of Stockland fantasy money into £666,600 worth of stocks and shares.

Team captain Tony Pierce said: “We were absolutely delighted to win given the other big names involved and the intensity of the contest. When the closing bell rang at the end of the competition we really felt like we'd experienced a gruelling week on the trading floor.

“The Stock Market Challenge has certainly become one of the most prestigious corporate events in the North East and it's great knowing you're helping a worthy charity.

“We felt great pride in showing that Newcastle Building Society can mix it up with the best in the region and even more pride when we won. We're certainly looking forward to the opportunity to defend our title.”

Libby Nolan, fundraising manager of The Children's Foundation, said: “We are delighted Tony and his team are taking part in the Stock Market Challenge again and would urge others to come forward and experience this truly exhilarating corporate event. "

The competition is now taking entries from wannabe stockbrokers who are prepared to put their (fantasy) money where their mouth is.

There are spaces for 25 teams of six to test their mettle buying and selling shares over a virtual week of trading in a specifically designed London Stock Exchange set, complete with TV monitors and breaking news adding excitement to the atmosphere.

The team which amasses the highest value portfolio will receive bottles of champagne and the obligatory red braces, courtesy of competition backers The Journal.

All proceeds from the Stock Market Challenge will be donated to The Children's Foundation's Happy, Healthy, Safe appeal which was launched in January to raise money for projects covering children’s mental health, disability and safety.

It costs £450 per team to enter the event, which is once again sponsored by Sintons solicitors. It takes place on April 21 and spaces are likely to fill up fast.

:: To enter, contact Libby Nolan at The Children's Foundation on 0191 282 0896 or email libby.nolan@nuth.nhs.uk