AN EXCITING new college project has been launched in the idyllic setting of Dam House at Astley aimed at benefiting employers, staff and the local economy.

On Friday an impressive guest list of VIPs helped Wigan & Leigh College management centre staff celebrate the launch of its very own "Fame Academy."

The Business Networking Academy (BNA), backed by the North West Development Agency to help improve the skills of managers in the area, will provide professional training consultancy services to local businesses.

The objective is to develop budding 'business stars'. Research carried out by the team, which reflects statistics from central government, found a significant demand for accessible management training in the Leigh area.

Geoff Critchley, who is heading up the new project, explained: "In today's competitive business environment, organisations need to make the most of their most valuable asset -- the staff. BNA has developed cost-effective training solutions for local employers, offering on-going support and business consultancy -- alongside a range of events to promote networking.

"Our aim is to help improve the bottom line performance of businesses; and you need look no further than the success we have already achieved with the companies we are working with!"

The Academy is housed in picturesque Dam House featuring a suite of training programmes with each course customised to meet the requirements of the manager being trained, and their employers. These are fully accredited and hosted by professional trainers -- with years of business experience behind them.

"This initiative will not be a success because of the college, the government's targets, or the funding that has been made available," says Jim Crewdson, Principal of Wigan and Leigh College.

"Its success will be secured through the commitment to partnerships between employers and college staff, who will work collectively to tackle problems and celebrate their successes, whilst constantly looking to move forward together."

At the launch, the Academy's Steering Group chairman Richard Waterfield of Waterfield's bakers, started proceedings with an overview of the bottom line effect training and development has had on his company.

He also highlighted the strong links the Academy's staff have already made with big employers, such as Pataks, Brandex, Royal Bank of Scotland, Leighton Packaging, CMP Batteries and Ankar Systems.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham, said: "I have been greatly encouraged by the work of the Academy; working to bring businesses together in the area, share expertise and develop networks for the good of our communities.

"After some hard years, the Leigh economy is gathering strength and initiatives such as this will help us build for the future.

"I warmly welcome the launch of the BNA and believe it demonstrates what we all know; that by working together, we achieve far more than by working alone. This venture has been made possible due to the support of the government via the NWDA -- showing commitment to regeneration and the recovery of areas like Leigh."

For further information about the Business Networking Academy, contact Bill Brown on 01942 894517/761885, or e-mail: enquiries@bnatraining.com