A NEW Advisory Council is in place at Bolton Business School -- part of Bolton Institute. It discusses issues which concern small businesses and looks at ways in which the Business School can help them.

Professor Alan Kitson, Dean of the Business School said: "We are delighted that such busy and high profile professional people have committed some of their time and energy to help us develop an excellent Business School."

He said he was pleased with the quality of the debate at meetings and the ideas put forward by the members.

The council is chaired by Andrew Thompson, Managing Director of Miller Metcalfe Ltd, estate and land agents.

He said: "I see the Advisory Council as a conduit between the business community -- in particular small business -- and the academic community of Bolton Business School.

"I am sure it will prove to be a benefit to both."

The Business School is proud of its collaborative links with industry and commerce to ensure the courses continue to have relevance and provide students with the tools needed for future employment and lifelong learning.

The pioneering MBA for Small Businesses continues to be popular and Bolton Institute is a lead partner in the development of a unique course for SMEs -- Masters in Enterprise.

The portfolio of courses has been expanded to develop new methods of delivery, including distance learning courses using the internet.

For more information about the services on offer at Bolton Business School contact Professor Alan Kitson on 01204 903110.

The Advisory Council members are: Andrew Thompson (Miller Metcalfe), Paul Dickinson (Fluidair Compressors Ltd), David Gavan (EEF Lancashire), Paul Davidson (Bolton Business Ventures), David Guthrie (Alliance Learning), Keith Harris ( Eurodis HB Electronics).

Peter Weidenbaum (Trumeter Co. Ltd), Richard Hurst (Richard Threlfall Ltd), Jan Barnes (Boardmans), John Regan (British Trimmings), Malcolm Dean (Institute of Financial Accountants), Neil Wharmby (BT Cellnet), Terry Cooke (Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Paul Henly (Federation of Small Businesses), Mrs Rahana Muneer (Gorsi's Indian Frozen Foods Ltd), Martyn White (HSBC Bank), Stephen Crow (retired), Sheldon Phillips (Sport England), Susan Yates (Precise & Unique Communications Group).

The Institute staff involved are: Alan Kitson, John Napier, Mark Allanson, Peter Wyer, Frank Dawes, John Blower, Dan Morgan and Kathryn Wilde.