The BullBearings website offers insights into City of London markets and practices, and invites participation in simulated trading games. As well as macro simulations in which teams and individuals can take part without restriction, the British software specialist also develops bespoke games for companies, universities and societies. Recruiters (and particularly recruiters of numerate graduates) can be involved in a range of sponsorship and other communications opportunities, which offer access to an interesting-sounding and growing undergraduate database, reckoned to total some 15K in the UK. With big travel prizes on offer to students this year and an extensive on- and off-campus marketing drive, BullBearings predicts membership to exceed 40,000 next season.

BullBearings’ following in university societies is increasing because its games combine learning with fun – and sponsorship. As an example, a new trading competition has been commissioned, which will involve the investment and the finance society at the London School of Economics facing off across the markets. With existing membership of 4,000 and heavy on-campus promotion, sponsor HSBC is hoping for a big turn out. Jonathon Stewart of HSBC is looking forward to the events: “It’s a great way to create a fun atmosphere and watch top students prove how good they really are.” There will be two on-campus events, with £1,750 in prizes up for grabs. Students take ownership of the game, but work closely with the sponsors and BullBearings to make it a success. BullBearings is also introducing some new tools to allow students to benchmark their performance against the markets and their fellow students, so recruiters should be on the look out for this.

BullBearings is attending the AGR conference and, we are told, sponsoring lunch and breakfast. Delegates should look out for a mannequin, dipping a fishing rod into talent pools while they are eating: the theme is ‘get on campus without leaving your desk’. For further information contact – mark@bullbearings.co.uk