Hull University Business School has been awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of its commitment to supporting student entrepreneurship, the local economy, and small businesses.
The panel were particularly impressed by Hull University Business School’s student start-up support, through its high-quality Ba business management with entrepreneurship degree, SME employment support such as workshops and seminars, and innovative extra-curricular societies and involvement of SMEs in the business school’s modules.
Hull demonstrates its commitment to student entrepreneurship and authentic business learning through a number of initiatives including the Hull University Business School Small Business Clinic. The Clinic partners students with local SMEs to run projects, with students initiating and leading on project deliverables and recommendations. Further to this, students are encouraged to gain ‘real-world’ experience in the small business community, with live projects embedded in course modules and placements such as work experience and graduate internships supported by the school.
It is clear that Hull University Business School places small business support at the front and centre of its work; the schools SME Engagement and Entrepreneurship Strategy has been crafted with input of local small business owners, with many local SMEs sitting on the university advisory board to help shape student support and provide focus for the business school’s extensive partnership work with local businesses, stakeholders and region.
The Small Business Charter Award 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. Hull University Business School will hold the award for five years. There are now 54 business schools that hold the SBC Award in the UK and Ireland.
Professor Stephen Hardy, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Politics said:
“We are delighted to be awarded the Small Business Charter in recognition of our work with business, stakeholders and our students. Having an SBC accredited Business School in the region is great news for the Humber business community. SMEs will be able to easily access nationally recognised world-class business expertise, training and facilities at Hull University Business School. This will enable us to fulfil our mission to help rebuild our region and to support local businesses to grow and prosper in 2022 and beyond.”
Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools said:
“We’d like to congratulate Hull University Business School on their attainment of the Small Business Charter Award, given in recognition of their support for student entrepreneurship, small businesses and their local economy. Hull take an impressive approach to supporting students, graduates and alumni, by building long lasting relationships which impact favourably upon local SMEs and student start-ups.”