ENTRIES are open for the 2012 Manx Executive Challenge.

The challenge, organised by the Chartered Management Institute's Isle of Man branch, is held every two years and offers the opportunity for competitors to demonstrate senior management potential by working in a team to address an issue which is topical, relevant and of strategic importance to the Island.

In November last year the Manx Executive Challenge was awarded an Isle of Man Newspapers Award for Excellence for People Management and Development.

Participants are drawn from a cross section of the Island's private and public sector and formed into teams. 

Each team is allocated a project related to the economy or social infrastructure of the Isle of Man and has eight months in which to research the issue and present solutions which are realistic and capable of implementation. 

Teams are tasked with compiling a report summarising their findings and the competition culminates with the final where the teams present their recommendations to a panel of judges and an audience which includes government ministers and business leaders.

Chair of CMI Isle of Man branch Craig Allen said: "The Manx Executive Challenge represents a unique personal development opportunity and many past participants have felt that completing the challenge has given them an advantage in their career.

"I would urge those people who feel that they have the potential to become a senior manager to apply. Similarly I would ask Isle of Man employers to encourage their senior managers of the future to look at what the challenge can offer them."

Anyone interested in taking part should go to www.mec.im and download an application form.