THE Chartered Management Institute and the Institute of Management Consultancy (IMC) have announced plans to join forces.

The merger, ratified in a ballot of IMC members, enables the new, larger organisation to advance professional standards for both the management and consultancy professions.

Calvert Markham, president of IMC, said: "There is a natural alliance between IMC and the Chartered Management Institute, with a shared interest in promoting and developing excellent management performance.

“Together we will strive to raise the capabilities of individuals and their organisations and by joining forces we will have a stronger base from which to add to the debate on corporate governance and business ethics."

The merger will lead to a series of combined programmes designed to raise performance levels and encourage the promotion of best practice in each discipline. Integration will also provide access to wider information resources and a greater array of learning and networking opportunities.

Mary Chapman, chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, said: "As a combined entity with IMC, we will be in an even stronger position to develop respected, influential and professional leaders and form a community of practitioners committed to improving corporate performance.

Integration will begin during summer 2004 and it is anticipated that the combined structures will be in place by January 2005.