New schools minister Vernon Coaker has said he wants more headteachers to employ specially trained business managers (SBM) to help them cope with the recession. Speaking at the third annual International School Business Manager Conference this week, Mr Coaker said the role was “vital during these tough times”. “An SBM can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to ensuring the financial house is kept in order,” he said. About 500 SBMs and headteachers from as far a field as South Africa, Hong Kong and Canada attended the conference.