Traders battle it out to hit the shares jackpot

Apr 28 2010 by Andrew Hebden, The Journal

FOR an evening at least, it seemed like the financial crisis had never happened. Excitable traders were buying and selling as if there was no tomorrow - and bagging impressive gains to boot.

But before you go bemoaning the activities of traders reverting to their old ways so soon after Britain finally came out of recession, rest assured it was all for a good cause.

Teams from businesses across the North East came together last week for an evening of trading shares at the Children’s Foundation Stock Market Challenge at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, sponsored by law firm Sintons.

All of the teams turned their initial £10,000 in fantasy cash into a sizeable profit by trading shares in nine imaginary companies which saw their values rise and fall during the course of the night.

Ultimately, expertise proved the key to success, with the team from the Newcastle base of stock brokers and investment managers Brewin Dolphin coming out on top. They managed to turn their initial £10,000 into an impressive £475,800.

Libby Nolan, fundraising manager for the Children’s Foundation, said: “Yet again our Stock Market Challenge was a roaring success and upheld its reputation as one of the most intense and thrilling corporate events around.

“Everyone who was there had a fantastic time and really got into the swing of things, keeping the adrenalin flowing around the room all night.

“We are delighted for Brewin Dolphin, who were crowned this year’s winners with an impressive portfolio of £475,800.

“Thanks to Sintons for their continued sponsorship of this event and also to The Journal for being our media partner once again. All money raised at the event will go towards our Happy, Healthy, Safe appeal.”

Lucy Winskell, partner at Sintons and a trustee of the foundation, said it was a fun evening that had raised a lot of money for a fantastic cause.