Small Business Charter recognises SBS’s commitment to SMEs
Strathclyde Business School (SBS) has been successfully reassessed by the Small Business Charter with an accreditation award for a duration of five years, in recognition of the business school’s continued commitment to fostering small business growth and innovation.
The assessment took account of SBS as a whole, and the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation in particular, with assessors looking at how the work of SBS and HCE is integrated into the wider work of the University.
The SBC assessment report stated, “SBS have demonstrated a continued commitment to integrating practical learning experiences with academic rigour. Through a strategic blend of enterprise modules, industry collaborations, and community engagement, SBS have created a dynamic and enriching environment that prepares students for real-world challenges while fostering entrepreneurial and social responsibility. The engagement with SMEs is impressive which is to be commended.”
Executive Dean Professor David Hillier said of the award, “We are delighted to achieve this award for a further five years. SME engagement and relationship management is a key strategic focus for SBS. Every academic is expected to engage with industry which is critical in enhancing the already robust SME ecosystem we are a key part of.
We also work closely with Strathclyde Inspire, the university’s flagship entrepreneurship programme, the aim of which is to create opportunities for every member of the University community.
The Small Business Charter assessment highlighted the way in which the business school kept SME leaders engaged through a range of outreach methods and noted the strong and dedicated team of staff who deliver value to the SMEs who engage with the business school through the programmes, events and opportunities on offer.
The assessment also noted the positive feedback from the SMEs they approached for feedback.
Professor Niall MacKenzie, head of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation, said, “The Small Business Charter Award is an indication of our commitment to supporting SMEs at all levels of the University.
“Strathclyde has a very long and proud history of supporting entrepreneurship and small business, and we are delighted that our staff expertise and welcoming culture were both picked out for particular praise in the assessors’ report. This is testament to the hard work and commitment we display to supporting this foundational component of the Scottish economy.”
Executive education programmes such as the Growth Advantage Programme (GAP), Help to Grow Management and the Scottish Impact Investor Readiness Programme (SIIR) were all singled out for praise, as was the client relationships the Strathclyde Executive Education and Development (SEED) team has with those on the programmes.
Strathclyde Business School was the first business school in Scotland to be awarded Small Business Charter accreditation in 2014 and has held the highest levels of accreditation since, recognising our deeply embedded commitment to supporting SMEs.