Small Business Charter reaccreditation success
The School has been re-accredited with the prestigious Small Business Charter (SBC) for a further three years, recognising its sustained excellence in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SM
Leeds University Business School has been re-accredited with the prestigious Small Business Charter (SBC) for a further three years, recognising its sustained excellence in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurship, and regional innovation.
The Charter celebrates the School’s significant impact through leadership development programmes, knowledge exchange initiatives, and dedicated student enterprise support. This reaccreditation reflects a continued commitment to supporting the SME community across the region and nationally, alongside strengthening enterprise learning for students at all levels.
I am delighted that we have been re-accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC) for a further three years. Many thanks to the team from Leeds University Business School and the wider university that participated in the visit. Through this charter, we can run the Help to Grow (H2G) programme, which supports start-ups with some foundational business management skills and knowledge. However, beyond that, our deep engagement with enterprise and SMEs is evident in our taught educational offering and through our world leading research, impact and knowledge exchange. We are proud of our full spectrum work with SMEs; and the Small Business Charter is a testament to it.
A Hub for Business Growth and Innovation
The panel of assessors commended the Business School’s dynamic staff, who bring passion and expertise to a wide range of programmes designed to stimulate growth in the SME sector. In particular, the School’s commitment to delivering the Help to Grow: Management programme was praised, alongside its partnerships with high-impact initiatives such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, the Exceptional Non-Executive Director Programme, and the Peer Network Scheme.
With over 100 local business leaders having already completed Help to Grow at Leeds, the School is set to deliver over 22 cohorts by the end of 2025 – presenting a rich legacy and continued opportunity for knowledge exchange and business transformation.
Research-driven, practice-inspired
The School’s approach is deeply research-led, with faculty members integrating real-world insights from their studies into teaching. Areas of strength include constrained entrepreneurship, rural enterprise, digital transformation, and inclusive innovation. Notably, the School’s knowledge transfer partnerships (KTPs) with regional SMEs have delivered measurable impacts, supporting innovation and growth.
The School’s strong collaboration with the University’s enterprise hub and external stakeholders—such as the Chamber of Commerce and Department for Business and Trade—further positions it as a pivotal connector in the local economic ecosystem.
A launchpad for student entrepreneurs
The Spark programme and incubation space were recognised as highly effective platforms for nurturing student start-ups. Student entrepreneurs praised Spark’s flexible workshops, mentoring opportunities, and collaborative community. The School’s enterprise modules also earned positive feedback, enhancing students' confidence and practical capabilities.
Looking ahead
The Small Business Charter report acknowledged the enthusiasm and fresh perspectives brought by new staff, as well as the strategic investment in external engagement and executive education.
As the School continues to scale its support for SMEs and deepen its enterprise ecosystem, the reaccreditation is both a marker of success and a springboard for the future.
Find out more about our accreditations here.
