Phil Pounder, February 26th, 2009

By Iain Laing, The Journal

MORE than 100 players have already started to pit their share trading skills in the first day of nebusiness.co.uk’s exciting online game.

The fantasy stock market game Taking Stock looks to be a hit as more sign up to experience the thrill of buying and selling shares without the risk of losing any money.

Players who sign up on our website will be given £100,000 in virtual cash to gamble on real stocks in real time and see how their investments progress.

As well as picking up some skills that may earn a real million on the markets, the “trader” who has built up the richest portfolio by May 29 will win a luxury two-day break at Matfen Hall in Northumberland.

The Journal’s editor Brian Aitken introduced Taking Stock to an audience of leading business people at the launch yesterday at the Newcastle offices of investment manager Brewin Dolphin, which sponsors the game.

He said: “This is a very compelling game which can be surprisingly addictive.

“It gives you the chance to gamble on the stock market without risking any money. It is fascinating to see how you can make money trading in shares and thanks to the amazing technology from the game’s creator Scott Logic, it is very realistic.”

Brewin business development and marketing manager John Duns said: “The stock markets may be going through a difficult time at the moment, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t money to be made and this game gives everyone the chance to try their hand. We already have a number of our traders signed up to play and it will be very interesting to see how they fare when faced with competition from people who are not professional stockbrokers.”

Brewin Dolphin divisional director Vinay Bedi said: “This is an ideal time to be launching a game like this, as at some point, the market will have a bounce. Some say it could come shortly, though certain pessimists say not for up to a year yet.

“In the last two recessions, in the early 80s and early 90s, the stock market fall bottomed out early, and the recession ended roughly 12 months after the stock market had turned.”

Newcastle firm Scott Logic originally created the technology that powers Taking Stock for sales and marketing.

Its web-based stocks analysis system illustrates in a clear and accessible way the performance of shares in different companies and sectors. It can be used on nebusiness.co.uk.

You can start playing the game and get some expert tips at http://takingstock.nebusiness.co.uk/

Copyright The Journal 2009