The School of Business, Law, and Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Dundee School of Business have been reaccredited with the Small Business Charter (SBC) for three years in recognition of their contribution to small businesses and their local economies.
The panel of assessors said the School of Business, Law, and Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving businesses in the region through engaged research, knowledge exchange, and delivery of the Help to Grow: Management course. The assessors also praised the school for being a vital centre of SME support in Kent and the wider South East region.
Dr Belinda Siesmaa, Deputy Dean of the School of Business, Law and Policing at Canterbury Christ Church University said:
"Achieving the Small Business Charter accreditation is a prestigious mark of excellence and a proud milestone for the School of Business, Law and Policing. It reflects our unwavering commitment to serving industry in the region, championing small businesses and strengthening the connection between academic insight and industry practice. We are looking forward with confidence and are excited about the opportunities ahead."
University of Dundee School of Business has excelled in maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit, preparing students to contribute productively to SMEs in the area and encouraging them to employ an entrepreneurial mindset. The assessors equally praised the school for its support for SMEs and startups in the region through various programmes such as Help to Grow; Management and through its active involvement in supporting high growth firms in the region through Michelin, Scottish Enterprise & Dundee Council (MSIP).
Dr Alison Fordyce, Associate Dean (Accreditation), University of Dundee’s School of Business said:
“I have been delighted to lead the University of Dundee’s School of Business to a successful Small Business Charter 3 yr re-accreditation. Preparation for the accreditation team visit allowed us to showcase all of the exciting engagements that we have with local entrepreneurs, small businesses and economic stakeholders to help them innovate, thrive and grow. We are also thrilled by the extent to which our students empower and add value to these businesses thereby making a valued contribution to the local economy. These outcomes are driven by staff who are motivated and understand the direct influences that universities can have on the growth of our economic environment – these partnerships should make us all very proud.”
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
"These schools have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting SMEs and their regional economies, reflecting the vital role that SBC business schools play in the communities they serve. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with them as part of the SBC network."
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 67 business schools in the UK, and two internationally in Ireland and Australia, that hold the Small Business Charter accreditation.
Find out more
Canterbury Christ Church University, Christ Church Business School