BOLTON Business School's innovative Master of Business Administration Course for small businesses has received official Government approval.

The programme is praised as an example of co-operation between industry and academe in a White Paper issued by the Department of Trade and Industry.

The Bolton MBA programme for senior managers of small businesses, which was launched in 1996, uses action learning sets, individual tutor support and management learning contracts.

Professor Alan Kitson, Dean of Bolton Business School, said: "This course is recognised across Europe as a trailblazer.

"It has been commended by Sir John Harvey Jones and many UK and European universities have contacted us to ask us to tell them how it is done."

Mr Richard Hurst, Chairman of GB Silicones Ltd, joined the course in July, 1997.

He said there were clear, demonstrable benefits to his business at every stage.

"I think it is just what small businesses need," he said.

Professor Kitson added: "Bolton Business School is very much a part of the local business community and the recognition of our work by the Government gives confidence to the local business community that they now have a Business School of high quality in their midst."

THE Centre for Enterprise and Management at Bolton Business School is currently recruiting for the two-year, part-time course.

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