Leeds Beckett wins prestigious Small Business Charter Award

Leeds Business School, part of the Faculty of Business & Law at Leeds Beckett has been awarded a Small Business Charter award in recognition of its engagement and activity to support SME’s, and their strong ties and rewarding links with a wide range of stakeholders.

The Small Business Charter is an award developed by Lord Young, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Chartered Association of Business Schools, to raise awareness of the role business schools play in supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship.

In order to achieve the Small Business Charter award, business schools undergo a rigorous assessment to determine the depth and effectiveness of their business engagement and business support with 33 business schools across the UK now holding the Small Business Charter. Leeds Business School at Leeds Beckett University has joined the existing group of Small Business Charter award holders in recognition of their valuable and continual contribution to enterprise and support to SME’s, and for influencing the policy of the local region in creating a supportive enterprise environment.

Speaking about the award, Professor Chris Prince, Pro Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Leeds Business School working with colleagues from across Leeds Beckett is very proud to receive this prestigious award. The Small Business Charter recognises the long standing and significant contribution the University has made in delivering enterprise education. This accreditation also highlights our University’s leading role in supporting the growth and expansion of Start Ups within the Yorkshire Region.”

Anne Kiem, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, added: “The Small Business Charter is delighted to announce that the Leeds Business School has been successful in achieving the Small Business Charter award. The knowledge and expertise delivered by Leeds Business School has provided business support and growth opportunity and has contributed enormously to the local and regional economy. It is encouraging to see that LBS are contributing not just to the businesses but also providing start up support to students across the University.

The Small Business Charter award-holding schools have directly supported more than 18,750 small businesses providing them an opportunity to network with local authorities, business organisations and firms.