Edinburgh Business School, University of West Scotland School of Business and Creative Industries, and Lincoln International Business School have each been reaccredited with the prestigious Small Business Charter recognising their exceptional and sustained impact on small businesses and regional growth.
Edinburgh Business School
Edinburgh Business School (EBS) has been awarded the accreditation for three years. The panel of independent assessors commended the school for its strong track record of supporting SMEs, making exceptional contributions to economic growth in Scotland, and for its ongoing contribution to enterprise education.
Professor Angus Laing, Executive Dean, Edinburgh Business School said:
“Achieving Small Business Charter reaccreditation is a significant milestone for Edinburgh Business School. It recognises our enduring commitment to responsible business, to our partners in industry, and to engaging meaningfully with our local and global communities. This reaccreditation reflects who we are: a business school that translates knowledge into practice, fosters inclusive economic growth, and empowers organisations through accessible, impactful education.”
University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) School of Business and Creative Industries
UWS School of Business and Creative Industries has been reaccredited for five years, a reflection of its sustained and meaningful engagement with SMEs. The assessors praised the school’s long-standing partnerships with local and regional stakeholders, and the tangible impact of its enterprise activity. Its dedication to student experience, proactive support for small business growth, and strong evidence of outcomes across stakeholders stood out as exemplary.
Professor Kasim Sheikh, Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries at UWS, said: “We are delighted to see our accreditation from the Small Business Charter renewed. It demonstrates the commitment we have to ensuring our business degrees reflect the needs of industry, enabling us to equip our students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the demands of a range of organisations. As an anchor institution within our communities, not only do we educate the next generation of business professionals, but we also play a key role in supporting and championing our local businesses – small, medium and large – and this accreditation only continues to strengthen our reputation in this area.”
Lincoln International Business School
Lincoln International Business School has been reaccredited for three years. The panel highlighted the school’s meaningful engagement with SMEs through the school’s delivery of the Help to Grow: Management course, the school’s collaborative relationship with external stakeholders, and the opportunities afforded to SMEs due to the proximity of the school and wider university to the local community.
Dr. Natalie Wilmot, Dean of Lincoln International Business School said:
“I am delighted that Lincoln International Business School has received re-accreditation from the Small Business Charter. We are proud to showcase our continued commitment to supporting small businesses, in line with the University’s civic mission. Our work with small businesses has had a transformative effect on the organisations with which we have worked, and we are excited to continue this work in future with the continued hallmark of quality from the SBC.”
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:
“It’s fantastic to see Edinburgh Business School, UWS School of Business, and Lincoln International Business School reaffirm their commitment to small business growth through reaccreditation. These schools play a vital role in their communities and within the wider economy and we’re proud to continue working with them as part of the Small Business Charter network.”
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.
There are 67 business schools across the UK and Ireland that hold the Small Business Charter accreditation.