Small business support recognised

Cardiff University’s support for small businesses through research, innovation and student entrepreneurship has been recognised by the Small Business Charter (SBC).

The prestigious SBC award, presented to Cardiff Business School, is a national kitemark which recognises business schools that demonstrate excellence in supporting student enterprise, engagement in the local economy and business support.

One of only 36 schools across the UK and Ireland to receive the mark of excellence, Cardiff will add its unique expertise to the SBC network by sharing knowledge, ideas and developing best practice in the fields of enterprise, entrepreneurship and business engagement.

The award follows an application process and site visit where the School showcased its support for small business growth, including its role in assisting small manufacturing firms through ASTUTE 2020, its Executive Education provision and involvement in the Grangetown Community Gateway project.

Wider stakeholder engagement through partnerships, internal and external networks and supporting representative bodies with research and policy analysis further contributed to this measure.

The visit also gave SBC panel members the opportunity to meet the School’s student community.

The panel heard how students engage with SMEs and social enterprises through integrated placements and internships and opportunities provided by Cardiff University’s Enterprise and Start-up Team. They also learned about the School’s active support for the Enactus Society Team at Cardiff University, with its focus on supporting communities through social enterprise.

Professor Kitchener added: “Running a small business or developing a new commercial or social enterprise is a significant undertaking which presents a unique set of challenges and demands.

“We therefore focus on providing targeted support and development opportunities, which are accessible to the small business community, through our teaching, research and engagement activities.”

Anne Kiem, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “We are delighted that Cardiff Business School has joined the growing number of business schools to be awarded the Small Business Charter award...”

The SBC connects small businesses through its website, a hub which provides business advice and support from the 36 business schools which have achieved their award.

The award follows the School’s strong track record of securing approval and endorsement from major international assessors and accreditation bodies, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. This hallmark of business school excellence is awarded to less than 5% of the world's business schools.