University awarded new Small Business Charter award
Solent Business School has retained its Small Business Charter (SBC) Award in recognition of its continuing support of students, small businesses and the local economy.
One of only 33 Business Schools in the UK and Ireland to hold the Small Business Charter, Solent was first awarded accreditation status in 2015 and will now retain it for a further three years.
The SBC assessor panel – made up of small business leaders - was impressed by the business school’s continued support of SMEs through the Higher level and Degree Apprenticeships. They also highlighted the University’s strong track record in embedded enterprise education - with particular distinctiveness in the creative, film and digital, and maritime sectors.
The panel noted how Solent has evidenced a strong new strategy, developed their leadership and management capabilities, and embraced opportunities such as the City of Culture 2025 bid.
Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, says, “We would like to congratulate Solent Business School for successfully attaining the Small Business Charter Award. It does vital work supporting small businesses and local economies, while its commitment to supporting student entrepreneurship and growth remains outstanding. We are delighted to continue working with Solent in the future, especially with the imminent roll out of the Help to Grow: Management programme.”
The assessors were particularly impressed by the dedicated faculty team and Solent Business School’s commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship and providing support to small businesses.
The panel also highlighted the business school’s partnership with Warsash Maritime School, which will stimulate growth by opening routes for leadership and management training for businesses in the maritime sector and their supply chains.
Caroline Walsh, Director of Solent Business School says, "We are delighted to have secured the Small Business Charter award for a further three years. As well as supporting our work in creating future-ready graduates, it will help us to continue our important work with the region’s SMEs. Knowledge exchange is at the core of Solent Business School and we’ll be expanding our reach through the Help to Grow: Management programme. We look forward to playing an even bigger part in leading the Covid-19 pandemic recovery with leadership and resilience capability across small businesses in the region".
