A SPECIALIST training provider has called on local businesses to invest in management training - after a survey claimed that one in 12 UK firms were badly managed.

A recent study of management practices and productivity conducted by the London School of Economics, McKinsey and Stanford University, found that one in 12 British firms were very badly managed'.

The study of more than 4,000 companies around the world blamed the poor performance of British businesses on a lack of management training and a high share of traditional family firms, where management positions were handed down to family members without appropriate training.

Horwich-based Alliance Learning, which provides training and development services to employers throughout the North-west, said local businesses should be concerned by the findings.

Ian Chadderton, the firm's management training co-ordinator, said: "These are alarming statistics and local businesses should take heed.

"Mismanagement costs businesses much more in the long run than training. Management training - whether it's for first-line managers or team leaders - is invaluable.

"Managers today need to be aware of and kept up-to-date with employment legislation, health and safety law, management practices and a whole range of issues in the workplace."

With national figures showing staff turnover is at its highest for five years, Mr Chadderton warned businesses that macho hiring-and-firing is not the answer.

He said: "The Alan Sugar approach may look good on TV but for any business, high staff turnover is counter productive.

"Businesses need to train their managers, not recycle them, and the benefits of having a properly trained management team are measurable in motivation, staff retention, quality and productivity."

Alliance Learning is based on the Horwich Loco Industrial Estate with centres in Leigh, Radcliffe and Bolton town centre.

Before joining Alliance, Mr Chadderton worked in construction for 17 years.

In 1982, he joined the civil service as a brick-laying instructor, before moving on to management training and since 1986 he has trained thousands of people in management and health and safety.