MANAGERS have been given a royal seal of approval in an historic move designed to boost performance and enhance the reputation of management as a profession.

After receiving a royal charter of incorporation, the organisation previously known as the Institute of Management has become the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

More than four million managers in the United Kingdom will be eligible for chartered status if they can show they are experts in their field. To mark the new accolade, Kent CMI branches are holding a breakfast launch on October 16 at the Holiday Inn in Ashford.

The grant of a Royal Charter recognises the Institute's work in supporting the lifelong development of managers and raising standards of management performance.

It also demonstrates the Institute's national commitment to improving the quality of management and enhancing UK competitiveness.

In welcoming the award, Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary, said: "It is an important recognition of the vital need for the UK to be led by world-class and professional managers.

"Better managers and leaders will ultimately improve the productivity of all organisations contributing to our national competitiveness and the effective delivery of the public services."

Research has found that chartered status is a big attraction, with 60 per cent of managers believing that chartered organisations have a greater standing in the business community.

A similar number feel that becoming a chartered manager would enhance their own professional standing.