De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s support for small businesses and entrepreneurs has been recognised with a top industry accolade.
The Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) – the voice of the UK’s business and management education sector – has awarded DMU’s Leicester Business School a Silver Charter Award.
The award is testament to the impact which the business school, Innovation Centre and DMU’s business team have in the business community in Leicestershire and around the world.
To receive a silver award, DMU had to demonstrate significant expertise in areas including start-up support, engagement with business community, postgraduate expertise and placements.
Only four universities in the UK were awarded the silver grade after submitting an application for chartered status.
Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, Professor Cillian Ryan, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been awarded a Silver Award, one of a select group to achieve this level.
“This outcome is testimony to the great partnership we have with colleagues in and around the city and region and we look forward to continuing to serve the needs of the small business community.”
DMU’s work to support small business includes:
- Knowledge Exchange Partnerships, where postgraduates and academics work with businesses to solve problems
- Bespoke management training programmes for businesses
- A built-in focus on entrepreneurship at undergraduate and postgraduate level
- Close links with leading business figures
- Mentoring graduates who want to start their own businesses
- Regular networking events
The Small Business Charter was developed after the publication of Lord Young’s report ‘Growing Your Business’. This aimed to bring business schools, business and entrepreneurs closer together to deliver support for small businesses and drive local economic growth.
Delivered through the Association of Business Schools, and with the support of Lord Young and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the Small Business Charter Awards offers a springboard to unlocking support and investment for students, start-ups and small businesses.
CABS has more than 150 members, or which 122 are business schools and HE providers.
Ian McNaught, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, said: "We are delighted to award the Small Business Charter to four business schools after a further round of rigorous assessments.
“We continue to be impressed by the level of investment and innovation showcased by schools passionate about providing core services and consultation programmes to SMEs and start-ups.
“Business schools are vital to the local lifeblood of the economy – their world class business expertise can have a huge positive impact to regional and national economic growth. Our 31 award-winning business schools are dedicated to making a long lasting change to the productivity and vibrant initiatives happening across the country.”
Posted on Thursday 5 November 2015