The final part in the Small Business Charter’s 10th anniversary celebrations concluded with the first-ever SBC Annual Conference held at One Great George Street in Westminster.
Bringing together over 100 senior leaders, Deans, and stakeholders from across the UK —all committed to the highest standards of small business support, enterprise education and local economic development, the event focused on sharing best practice and insights about advancing the role of business schools in driving economic growth and maximising the impact of the SBC accreditation.
Across two plenary sessions and six themed breakouts sessions, guests were invited to build on their knowledge and learn more about the different elements of the charter.
Some of the sessions included speakers from SME businesses who were able to share their experience of engaging with business schools to improve their strategy and growth.
With 66 business schools across the UK, the event reflected the breadth of the SBC network with perspectives from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The conference was followed by the SBC Summer Reception which brought together key figures in academia, entrepreneurship, and business groups with keynote speeches from Isobel Stephen, Director General for Domestic and International Markets and Exports, Department for Business and Trade, and Martin McTague OBE, National Chair, Federation of Small Businesses.
Small Business Charter Chair Byron Dixon OBE launched the findings of the SME research in a new report, ‘Empowering Small Business Success: The Gateway to Knowledge, Innovation and Growth’ which highlights how SBC-accredited schools are building lasting partnerships with SMEs and delivering long-term impact across the UK.
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, commented:
“I speak on behalf of the Small Business Charter Management Board as its Executive Director when I say how delighted we are to have so many people with us tonight to hear more about the work that goes on at the centres of excellence provided by our 66-member business schools across the UK.
“Together they are supporting and driving enterprise development, engaging SME businesses within their universities and across their local stakeholder communities.”
