A STOURBRIDGE pub manager is toasting the success of being one of the first ever cohort of graduates from in his company’s higher education foundation degree.

James Doughty, general manager of The Old White Horse, recently graduated Mitchells & Butlers’ ‘Managing in Service Industries’ course.

Developed in partnership with University College Birmingham, the three-year course is an online degree featuring a range of interactive learning, designed to enhance managers’ performance, boost their operational skills and develop the knowledge required to become successful in their job.

Nicky Millard, assistant dean for University College of Birmingham’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management, said: “We are delighted to have teamed up with a high-profile company like Mitchells & Butlers, helping to further improve employees’ management skills.

“Learning is a lifelong process and our e-learning schemes are a great opportunity for employees to achieve a university qualification without giving up work.”

James was one of five general manager graduates who were honoured at a ceremony held at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall.

Jan Smallbone, director of learning and talent development at Mitchells & Butlers, added: “As we continue to urge young learners to consider a career in hospitality, providing our current general managers with training and development opportunities that will mean they can inspire the future leaders of our business is a huge benefit.”