Brixton kids got the memo: financial literacy is hot
This week, more than 90 students from three Brixton schools packed into Brixton House for the second annual #Merky Books x HSBC UK Futures Community Day. Forget boring PowerPoints and droning bank reps. This was a day of money smarts, career advice, and big entrepreneurial vibes.
On the mic? Author and financial adviser Bola Sol, creative entrepreneur Peigh Asante, and panels from Havas Global Communications Group and HSBC’s early careers team. Workshops came courtesy of Aim a Little Higher, proving that yes, you can actually make personal finance sound exciting to 14–16 year-olds (miracle workers, honestly).
From grime to grammar to growth
For those new here, #Merky Books is the publishing imprint launched by Stormzy in partnership with Penguin Random House. Since 2021, its HSBC-powered Futures programme has reached 20,000+ students in 175 schools, nabbed the 2024 Ethnicity Awards Social Impact Award, and racked up more than 5 million social impressions. Not bad for something that started as a grime star’s side hustle into books.
At this year’s Community Day, the message was clear: financial well-being and career confidence are survival tools. Or, as one teen was overheard saying between sessions: “I didn’t know credit cards could actually screw you over like that.” Mood.
Big names, big support
MP Helen Hayes, Chair of the Education Select Committee, even dropped by to show Parliament-level backing (imagine that: MPs supporting actual young people instead of yelling about each other on telly).
#Merky Books Marketing Director Rebecca Ikin called it “a fantastic opportunity to connect our brilliant authors and their ideas for building financial confidence directly with young people.”
Meanwhile, HSBC’s Glen McGowan was buzzing about the energy in the room: “They were curious, ambitious and engaged.” Translation: Gen Z are already five steps ahead of us, and probably better at TikTok budgeting hacks too.
TL;DR
- Second annual #Merky Books x HSBC UK Futures Community Day brought together 90+ Brixton students.
- Led by Bola Sol, Peigh Asante, Havas, HSBC and others with finance, creativity, and career workshops.
- Part of a programme that’s reached 20,000 students across 175 schools since 2021.
- Recognised with the 2024 Ethnicity Awards Social Impact Award.
- Attended by Helen Hayes MP, showing real political support.
Find out more about #Merky Books here.
It’s easy to be cynical about “corporate partnerships,” but this one has actual teeth. Stormzy’s crew and HSBC are building skills, opening doors, and proving that money talk doesn’t have to be dry.
Stay unruly.
