Support for entrepreneurship and small businesses at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has been recognised with a national accolade.
Leicester Castle Business School has retained its Small Business Charter (SBC) Award, given to those institutions which offer a high standard of support for medium sized, small and micro businesses and the local economy and develop entrepreneurial skills in students.
It is one of six business schools whose re-accreditation was announced this week. Anne Kiem, executive director of the SBC, said each institution had helped to set the standard for business schools in the UK.
Assessors praised DMU’s commitment to student employability, its work helping businesses to improve staff diversity and research promoting SME supply chains. It also works to increase the numbers of graduates who remain in Leicester to live and work after leaving university, combating the so-called ‘brain drain’ of graduates from the city.
Heather McLaughlin, PVC Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law, said: "The SBC accreditation has been a cross-university endeavour which demonstrates how effectively we can work together for the benefit of small businesses. I am very grateful to Dr Dyneshia Johnson and Steven Baguley who have led the team of dedicated colleagues to this significant achievement."
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Leicester Castle Business School works closely with stakeholders to support the economic development of Leicester, working within the region to provide more support to local businesses and the wider community.
Assessors spelled out why DMU was awarded the charter mark in their comments. They said: “LCBS is deeply committed to supporting their students’ whole experience, particularly in finding employment and working with the local community – of which 96% are micro businesses.
“There is excellent work from DMU on the support of diversity in business using their expertise with BAME students. Academic research also plays a critical role in the local region, particularly with the work on the use of SME as suppliers as well as their work with the local council on skills and employability development.”
Anne Kiem, executive director of the Small Business Charter, said: “It is our pleasure to once again award these schools with the Small Business Charter, a kitemark that celebrates their expertise in their support for business and student enterprise, as recognised by small business themselves.
“The reassessment process invites the schools to reflect on the progress they have made since first receiving the award. We look forward to seeing how these schools continue to set the standard for the sector and support the community in meeting the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Posted on Wednesday 12 February 2020