The University of Sunderlandโs Business School has been re-accredited with the Small Business Charter, recognising its work to support small businesses, student entrepreneurship and the local economy.
The panel were particularly impressed by the Schoolโs โdepth, coherence, and maturity of their enterprise ecosystem, with the scale of engagement, the quality of provision, and the demonstrable impact on students, graduates, and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) collectively positioning the institution as a strong exemplar of embedded entrepreneurial practice within higher education.โ
The Small Business Charter is a national accreditation, assessed by small business leaders, to recognise business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise, and the local economy.
Sunderland Business School will hold the award for five years.
Professor Alex Hope, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Technology at the University of Sunderland, said:
Securing Small Business Charter re-accreditation for five years, following our previous three-year award, is a significant achievement for Sunderland Business School and the wider University.
It recognises the strength of our relationships with small businesses and the difference we make together for our students, graduates and regional economy.ย Iโm particularly proud of the colleagues and business partners whose commitment has made this possible.
This award gives us a strong foundation to expand that work, helping more businesses to thrive and more students and graduates to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said:ย
Weโre delighted to reaccredit Sunderland Business School with the Small Business Charter.
They have placed SME support and student entrepreneurship at the heart of their strategy, with a demonstrable impact on SMEs and their local community. We look forward to seeing that impact continue to grow.