A NEW-STYLE training day to be held in Bolton will attempt to tackle major staffing problems facing the tourism industry.

North West Tourist Board and Cumbria Tourist Board have combined to organise Interchange at the Reebok Stadium on Wednesday, October 3.

The event, which will be co-ordinated by the North West Skills Network, will focus on the recruitment, training and retention of staff -- a main area of concern for the industry.

The cost to companies taking part is said to be "minimal." It is designed to help large and small companies increase their profitability by improving staff-cost efficiency.

Interchange will be chaired by Lord Thurso, Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.

Targeting

He is a former general manager for the Savoy Group in Paris and later ran Cliveden and Granfel Holdings before becoming managing director of Fitness & Leisure Holdings (Champneys).

The Tourism Skills Network is specifically targeting smaller businesses which find other training options too expensive.

There will be 19 practical sessions including:

Attracting the right staff and developing loyalty

Flexible working practices that work for both employer and employee

Training options

Skills development

Legislation and accessibility issues.

Sessions will be led by representatives from leading hotels, the private sector and statutory bodies including ACAS, Berkeley Scott, British Council, Co-op Bank, Employment Service, Marriott Hotels and the Trafford Centre.

Mr Paul Dermody, of the De Vere Hotels Group and chairman of the North West Tourism Skills Network, said: "This is an essential evolution in the work of the Skills Network and I am delighted to see this type of practical support realised." Details of the event from the organisers on 01925 752078.