LEIGH companies demonstrated their healthy appetite for in-house development and training at the launch of a new Leigh Business Academy.

More than 100 employees attended the early morning meeting at Hilton Park where one of Leigh's biggest new companies Patak's Foods provided an Indian and England breakfast.

Chaired by Richard Waterfield, managing director of Waterfields Bakeries, the Academy is part of the Management Centre at Wigan and Leigh College and offers a range of services to support all businesses in the Leigh, Atherton and Tyldesley areas.

Support for the scheme is growing fast and its management trainers have already provided guidance on a variety of workforce development programmes, many of which were quickly filled.

Guest speaker, Wigan Council Leader Lord Smith, said he was delighted by the high level of support for the Academy and its aims.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham, absent because of parliamentary business, sent a supportive message.

He said: "By providing Leigh business and voluntary organisations with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills of their staff, the Academy will help to strengthen our local economy.

"Because it is focused on the needs of the Leigh area I hope it will continue to foster a sense of local pride in the work of Leigh companies."

Mr Waterfield added: "Leigh has some of the most innovative businesses in the north west and the people who have attended the launch are truly representative of the best of those businesses. Being part of the Management Centre is our guarantee of the high quality of the training support we deliver."

New associates are welcome. To find out more contact Donna Morris or Malcolm Howells at the Management Centre on 01942 761885 or email do.morris@wigan-leigh.ac.uk