Edge Hill University Business School (EHUBS) has been awarded the prestigious Small Business Charter accreditation for five years.
The panel of independent assessors commended the school for its outstanding impact on SMEs and students and praised its pivotal role in the West Lancashire economic ecosystem.
The school actively engages with local SMEs through its Innovation Sprint programme and collaborates with intermediaries such as Chambers of Commerce and Business Engagement Leads in surrounding local authorities. EHUBS also delivers entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation programmes funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.
The Small Business Charter is a national accreditation, assessed by small business leaders, to recognise business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy.
Professor Jay Cullen, Director of Edge Hill University Business School, said:
“Achieving a five-year Small Business Charter accreditation is a landmark achievement for Edge Hill University Business School. One of our missions is to support growth in the regional economy, and the business school contributes to this through award-winning scale-up programmes for SMEs, knowledge transfer activity, student entrepreneurship, and staffing expertise in running small enterprises. We are delighted that our dedication to SME growth and support has been recognised by the Small Business Charter and we look forward to working with all stakeholders as part of the wider SBC family.”
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Edge Hill University Business School into the Small Business Charter network, they have demonstrated real expertise, a trusted approach to supporting SME growth, and their accreditation reflects a deep understanding of the needs of SMEs. We look forward to working together and seeing their continued impact on SMEs across the region."
There are 68 business schools across the UK and Ireland that hold the Small Business Charter accreditation.