The University of Bolton’s Institute of Management is stepping up its drive to build strong relationships with the borough’s business community.

It has formed an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) with the aim of promoting the Institute’s mission to develop programmes that will prepare their students for the world of work.

The IAB is comprised of leading members of the local business community – from the commercial, professional, industrial, charitable and public sector - to bring a breadth of knowledge and skills.

They will work closely with the Institute to help develop relevant programmes to further improve student employability.

A major focus will be helping to secure internships and work experience opportunities for students in local businesses.

Kai Beswick, a Lecturer in Business and Management at the Institute of Management building in Great Moor Street, said: “Business Schools should be about getting students ready for the world of work.

Our philosophy is to produce successful students who will make a difference in the world of work and to do that we need to engage with industry.”

Kai added: “One of the Institute of Management and University of Bolton’s unique selling points is that we have many staff with a huge amount of experience in business to supplement the academic talent.

“All our accounting staff are qualified chartered accountants and we recently celebrated our 50th student studying and gaining qualified status here, which is a great achievement since 2012.”

The university group now includes Bolton College, which enables the IoM to offer provision from Level 2 (GCSE) all the way up to Level 7 (masters) and onto doctoral routes, including a range of apprenticeships.

The IAB will meet three times a year – February, October and May.