HIE Shetland is looking for senior managers and company directors to join its latest development programme for top business people in the islands.

Last year several local business figures completed an 18 month course with the Institute of Directors (IOD), during which they formed a business network to help each other improve their management skills.

Now the local enterprise company is looking for more motivated managers to come forward and sign up for its second IoD development programme, which will start within the next two months.

The IoD has been running director development courses in the Highlands and Islands for the past few years to help firms overcome the isolation of working in remote locations, giving them access to good quality, high level management training and business networking.

A skills survey in Shetland confirmed that management training is high on the wanted list in the islands.

"The programme has certainly been well received by everyone who has been on it. What staggers me is that more people don't jump at the opportunity when it appears." said Nigel Scott, who runs the development network in Shetland.

The course is designed for people in influential or strategic positions within their organisation, or "high flyers" who are likely to be joining the company boardroom in the future.

During the 18 month course the network meets up for a total of nine days, with some all day sessions and the occasional residential two day get together.

There are presentations from high calibre professionals and each participant has an experienced coach to mentor them through the process. The group also gets its own password protected website where members can hold forum discussions and access useful information.

The programme ends with a Dragon's Den style presentation before the rest of the group and their trainers, giving everyone the chance to comment on each other's performance.

John Henderson of Ocean Kinetics, one of last year's participants, expressed enthusiasm about the programme. "This course benefited me personally and because of this it has benefited my company. Being more focused and finding out my own strengths and weaknesses and acting on these has been extremely good for my business."

Rachel Hunter, HIE Shetland's senior development manager, said: "The course costs £6,000, but with HIE Shetland providing £4,000 for each participant, it becomes more accessible as the expected efficiency gains from the course will pay back the investment many times over.

 "Business people in Shetland share the same issues, whether they are working in food and drink or in engineering. A course like this builds people's confidence.

"This is not just about the Institute of Directors teaching people, it's about networking and sharing knowledge, and opens up opportunities for new business deals."

If you would like to know more or you are interested in participating in this programme please contact HIE Shetland on 01595 693177, or email rachel.hunter@hient.co.uk