City firms are set to save thousands of pounds off management training schemes thanks to a unique offer developed via the Birmingham Foundation charity.

The charity, which helps to fund around 700 local community organisations each year, has announced that Birmingham-based national training firm, Crimson, is set to offer a highly sought after management training programme to companies at less than half of market cost.

Crimson will absorb costs of running the popular course with any profits being donated directly to the Birmingham Foundation. Only those signing up via the charity will benefit from this heavy discount.

Derek Inman, chief executive of the Birmingham Foundation said: "Not only will this exclusive offer save firms thousands of pounds on their training budgets, it will also bring much needed funds into the Birmingham Foundation and as the amount payable is actually a donation it is subject to the usual charitable tax breaks too.

"We are the only gateway in the city that has a duty and immediate access to help thousands of local charities and the depth of breadth of those we assist is vast."

The Birmingham Foundation related management programme will run every other month from October 2007 through to April 2008. Attendance at one programme day every two months is required. There will be exposure to the material every week during the programme: fortnightly email joggers, unlimited email access to the coach, a Buddy system and workout logs all combine to maintain momentum, support and enthusiasm.

Mike Ames, chairman of Crimson and trustee of the Birmingham Foundation said: "Training and staff development is high on the agenda of all successful firms and is recognised as a key to running a successful business in today's marketplace. Most companies have an allocation of funds set aside to use against management training programmes or can even pay for the course using their charity budget.

"The Flair Business Coaching Programme, developed by Crimson, is a group coaching vehicle which combines entrepreneurial flair with corporate discipline to produce a down to earth and results driven programme for change. For anybody considering supporting employees through management training, this is a great opportunity to do so."

Those wishing to take advantage of the special rate of #1,500 per person compared to #3,500 need to contact the Birmingham Foundation on 0121 214 2080.