Essex Business School has been awarded the prestigious Small Business Charter accreditation for five years.
The school was praised for its strong track record in fostering student enterprise and startups, as well as its support for small businesses. Assessors also highlighted its growing involvement in the Government’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme and its contribution to driving research impact.
The school has established itself as an innovation hub for small businesses, providing tailored, research-informed advice that responds directly to business needs. The creation of the Enterprise Zone at the Colchester campus reflects this commitment and plays an active role in supporting SMEs across the regional economy. The school has also demonstrated a clear ability to maintain SME engagement through follow on support, whether via CPD or other programmes, underscoring the close relationships it has built with local enterprise.
The school's holistic approach to supporting local enterprise was also commended, particularly its efforts to build strong connections between professional support and academic staff, and its proactive integration of academic staff into industry facing research contracts.
Professor Claudia Girardone, Dean, Essex Business School said:
“The outstanding feedback in the Small Business Charter report is a powerful affirmation of the value Essex Business School offers to SMEs. It reflects an energised community of academics and professional staff working side by side to support small firms, accelerate innovation, and create opportunities for our students and region.
“We look forward to using this milestone to build on this success, sharing our practice across the sector, and continuing to shape the future of enterprise and innovation.”
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
"We are delighted to welcome Essex Business School to the Small Business Charter network. The school has demonstrated an impressive commitment to student enterprise, small business support, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. The school has truly established itself as an innovation hub for small businesses in the region, and has built lasting relationships with local enterprise. This accreditation reflects that commitment, and we look forward to seeing its continued impact on small business."
The Small Business Charter is an accreditation assessed by small business leaders, to recognise business schools which are centres of excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy.
There are now 69 business schools in the UK, and two internationally in Ireland and Australia, that hold the Small Business Charter accreditation.
Find out more: Essex Business School, University of Essex | Small Business Charter