Bristol Business School at the University of the West of England (UWE) has retained the Small Business Charter Award for another five years following a successful reassessment.
The Small Business Charter is a national accreditation, assessed by small business leaders, which recognises business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and their local economy.
The panel of assessors were impressed by the comprehensive integration of start-up programmes within the curriculum. Initiatives like the Team Entrepreneurship programme and participation in the NatWest Accelerator Bootcamp equip students with essential skills, as evidenced by the number of graduates starting their own businesses and securing funding.
The school was also commended for its outstanding impact on SMEs in the West of England economic ecosystem. It actively engages with local SMEs through initiatives like the Digital Skills: Workforce for the Future scheme and collaborates with intermediaries such as the West of England Combined Authority and local Chambers of Commerce.
Professor Andrew Simpson, Dean and Head of Bristol Business School at UWE Bristol said: “At Bristol Business School we are proud to be reaccredited by the Small Business Charter. This is testament to the impactful work we do supporting the regional SME community and our students who wish to develop entrepreneurial activities. We support SMEs through the ‘Help to Grow: Management’ programme and through multiple knowledge exchange initiatives. We believe in ensuring our students are ready for the world of work by providing them with access to real world experience through live projects with SMEs. Achieving reaccreditation from the Small Business Charter demonstrates our success and spurs us on to greater ambition.”
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “We would like to extend our congratulations to Bristol Business School at UWE Bristol on their well-deserved reaccreditation. They have clearly demonstrated their dedication to creating a robust framework of support for SMEs in the local region, as well as their commitment to preparing students for entrepreneurial success. Through initiatives like the Help to Grow: Management programme and their strong partnerships with local businesses, they have made a lasting impact. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship and supporting their ongoing efforts to drive innovation and growth in the SME community.”
There are 68 business schools across the UK and Ireland that hold the Small Business Charter accreditation.