UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 13 JUNE 2017
Staff and students at Birmingham City University’s Business School are celebrating after being granted the Small Business Charter award, in recognition of the School’s work and commitment to supporting small businesses and students in entrepreneurial activities.
The Small Business Charter award recognises business schools across the UK and is a nationally recognised kitemark, providing a platform for business schools to share best practice on what works best in supporting small businesses.
The assessors highlighted the very strong links Birmingham City Business School has with small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) representative organisations, including in aspects of governance.
The School’s active approach to providing SMEs with events and workshops centred around international business and post-Brexit opportunities, was also praised.
“We’re delighted to receive the Small Business Charter award in acknowledgement of the support we provide to businesses and the work we do in developing the employability of our students by encouraging their ambitions to become entrepreneurs and start their own business”, said Mark Gilman, Professor of SME Growth and Development at Birmingham City Business School.
“We take pride in Birmingham City Business School playing a pivotal role in the University’s vision of being a university for Birmingham.”
Also noted was the School’s ‘SME Growth and Leadership’ programmes, and their commitment, enthusiasm and knowledge in working with SMEs.
Dr Dawn Albery, Head of Birmingham City Business School, added: “To be awarded the Small Business Charter is a fantastic achievement for the School.”
The University’s business growth service, BCU Advantage, was also recognised by assessors for the support they provide to Birmingham City Business School and the work they undertake with expert partners to help businesses achieve their goals.
Anne Kiem, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “The Small Business Charter is delighted to see the positive and far-reaching impact award-winning schools are delivering in supporting their local economies. We welcome Birmingham City Business School to our consortium of 36 award-holding business schools, all of whom do fantastic work supporting growing businesses.”