THE University of Greenwich is giving professionals in the hair and beauty industry the opportunity to develop business and management skills.

It has teamed up with hairdressing experts L'Oreal to offer a new foundation degree in salon management at Bexley College.

The partnership offers the first degree of its type in the UK which focuses solely on the business side of the industry.

The course will provide students with the development of specific skills and knowledge essential in running a salon. Students will learn all aspects of how to manage a salon including staff, budgets, safety and attracting customers.

This will enable students to successfully manage salons in the future. Hairdressing or beauty therapy will not be taught on the course.

It has been subjected to extensive consultation to reflect the real needs of the industry with guidance from Habia, the government approved standards-setting body for the hair and beauty industry.

At the end of the two-year course students will be given the opportunity to progress onto BA (Hons) by further study in another business- related subject.

Doors opened last week to register the first group of students. For more information regarding this or any other business course, visit gre.ac.uk.