Sheffield Business School successfully reaccredited under the Small Business Charter

Sheffield Business School has been awarded the maximum five-year continued accreditation status by the Small Business Charter, recognising the school’s sustained support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Press contact: Joseph Barker |  joseph.barker@shu.ac.uk

The Small Business Charter (SBC) accreditation, which operates under the Chartered Association of Business Schools, is a mark of excellence awarded to business schools that demonstrate outstanding dedication to support for growth of SME’s, stakeholder engagement to support local economic growth and encouraging student enterprise and entrepreneurship. 

Dr Sam Giove, Director of Sheffield Business School, said: “I’m delighted that we have been awarded continued Small Business Charter accreditation status by the Chartered Association of Business Schools. While awarded to the business school, the application reflects activity from across the wider university and our dedication to supporting the growth of SME’s, strengthening the regional economy, and fostering entrepreneurship among our students and graduates. We are extremely proud to receive this recognition.” 

The assessors’ feedback highlighted Sheffield Business School as one where “a culture of enthusiastic support of small business is evident... the school is an unambiguous enthusiast of SME’s and entrepreneurship and is engaged in enduring impactful work in support of students, alumni, and the local and regional business community. Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University is thoroughly deserving of reaccreditation and remains committed to the SBC mission.” 

Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: "We are delighted to reaccredit Sheffield Business School as part of the Small Business Charter network. The school has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting small businesses and student entrepreneurship by embedding enterprise across their teaching, research, and partnerships. We look forward to continuing to work with them." 

In order to achieve the Small Business Charter accreditation, business schools undergo a rigorous assessment to determine the effectiveness of their business support, entrepreneurship education, and engagement with their local economy.  

Sheffield Business School continues to play a pivotal role in supporting business growth across South Yorkshire, including through its delivery of the government-backed Help to Grow: Management programme, which has to date seen over 300 participants from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop leadership skills, strategic insight and innovation capability needed to scale their businesses sustainably.