7th April 2014 Read time: 1 minute

The Small Business Charter today welcomed the keynote address from the Minister of State for Universities and Science, the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, at the Universities UK Conference, following their research that has revised upwards the estimated economic impact of the higher education sector.

What was said

In his speech, the Minister emphasised the importance of fostering links between education institutions and local businesses through the Small Business Charter to sustain the economic contribution of the HE sector. Last month, the Government also stressed the importance of the Small Business Charter in response to the Witty Review.

Sir Peter Bonfield, the Chair of the Small Business Charter Management Board said;

“Universities UK findings absolutely back up the importance of schemes like the Small Business Charter – which will cement links between the Business School sector and the small businesses that will be central to promoting sustainable growth.  We are making great progress launching the Small Business Charter and we are thrilled that so many Business Schools are linking up with businesses in their local areas improving life chances for individuals and contributing to greater community cohesion and social inclusion.”