A Bradford management programme called Business Masters has got off to a flying start after its launch last month.

The organisers of the programme, which is supported by the Telegraph & Argus, have allocated an extra 25 places to its assessment stage on top of the 50 places already planned.

A total of 60 managers from small to medium businesses in the Bradford district are already booked onto the assessment sessions. The decision to extend the number of places allows a further 15 to join. It follows a launch at the city's Stakis Hotel last month.

Business Masters is an initiative by Bradford & District Training & Enterprise Council and Business Link Bradford & District along with Bradford University's Management Centre and fds -- a local corporate development organisation.

It is designed to fill the gap between a business degree and a management short course.

The assessments are being carried out by experts at Bradford Management Centre on March 24 and 25 -with an extra one on April 2.

Managers attending the centre will be given a full-day's confidential assessment of themselves and their business.

Mohan de Silva, head of economic regeneration at Bradford TEC said: "We are delighted with the demand for places. As Business Masters is a totally new concept we did not know what to expect.

"The response we had at the launch indicated that we have struck a chord with many smaller companies in Bradford who are keen to develop and grow but need practical guidance and help. Business Masters will provide that."

He said the assessment centre was an added bonus for candidates.

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