A BOLTON NHS manager is battling it out for a prestigious scholarship worth £16,750 as part of the annual Manchester Executive MBA Challenge.

Sixteen of the brightest business professionals are competing in a series of tests and trials as part of Manchester Metropolitan University’s MBA Challenge, sponsored by the Williams Group for the fourth consecutive year.

Jackie Bell, comm-issioning manager at Bolton Clinical Commission Group, is one of the finalists — drawn from the best business talent in the public and private sectors across the north of England — who are fighting through a series of challenges taking place in MMU’s £75 million Business School during July and September.

The challenges are designed to test candidates’ skills and reveal their management and leadership qualities.

Points will be awarded after each challenge and the person with the most points will be crowned winner.

And the tournament awards two runner-up MBA scholarships of £4,000 and 17 worth £2,000.

Ms Bell said: “I had been looking at MBAs when this challenge was brought to my attention, so I thought I would apply.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity, especially as health and social care takes a more business-like approach in how they work, so it would help me to develop new skills.”

MBA and masters development manager at MMU, Daniel Sheratte, said: “The MBA Challenge is a great opportunity for experienced professionals to find out what the demands and rewards of an MBA are, and test themselves in the company of similar leaders from a wide range of sectors and industries.”

The challenge is sponsored by Williams Group, dealers in BMW, Mini, Land Rover and BMW Bikes in the North West, and which has a base in Bolton. Group head of development, Alexandra Cook, said: “If the North West is to maintain and enhance its reputation for producing the brightest and best business executives from academia and industry and most importantly retaining that talent, initiatives such as the Challenge need to be championed by the corporate community of the region.

“We wish MMU Business School all the best with its latest Executive MBA Challenge and say ‘good luck’ to all the managers and professionals competing for the scholarships on offer.”

The course is designed to improve business professionals’ competitive edge by developing analytical skills and to enhance their leadership style. It also features residential weekends, an international study trip, seminars, commercial visits and guest speakers.