The University of Worcester’s Business School’s work to support local businesses has helped it to secure re-accreditation of its Small Business Charter.
The national accreditation is awarded to business schools which demonstrate excellence and impact in supporting small businesses, student entrepreneurship, and the local economy.
The Small Business Charter (SBC), renewed for another three years, also allows the University’s Business School to continue to run the Help to Grow management course for business leaders.
Dr Scott Andrews, the Head of the Business School, said: “We are delighted to receive news that the Business School has been successful in the re-accreditation of the Small Business Charter. This is so important to us and to the region because it recognises the University’s contribution in this field.”
He added: “We are able to offer small businesses important access to networks and opportunities to grow their impact, while helping SMEs find trusted expertise for tailored guidance, education, and support to drive growth.”
Established in 2014, the Charter was brought about by the late Lord David Young, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Chartered Association of Business Schools.
In order to achieve the Small Business Charter accreditation, business schools undergo a rigorous assessment by the Chartered Association of Business Schools to determine the effectiveness of their business support, entrepreneurship education, and engagement with their local economy.
The Charter status provides the opportunity to deliver programmes relating to business growth, paving the way for the University’s continued delivery of the UK Government-funded Help to Grow Management course.
This initiative is designed for senior leaders of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) to boost business performance and leadership skills.
Originally launched at the University in Autumn 2023, the University announced last summer that it will be delivering the Help to Grow Management Course for a further three years. It is the only Help to Grow Management course in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area.
The 12-week course covers strategies for growth and innovation. Course content also covers approaches to digital adoption, as well as financial management and responsible business practices. The course is designed to be studied around existing work commitments and can be accessed through a blend of online and face-to-face sessions.
Dr Andrews added: “Our seventh cohort of the hugely popular Help to Grow Management programme has now been approved for an April start. We are looking forward to welcoming SME business leaders and managers, following in the footsteps of more than 120 people from across the region who have already completed one of our programmes, many of which have reported significant boosts to their businesses since completing the programme.”
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “We are delighted to reaccredit Worcester Business School with the Small Business Charter. The school has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting small businesses and to fostering a dynamic environment for student enterprise. Worcester Business School clearly plays a vital role within its local economy, and we are pleased to continue working with them as part of the SBC network.”