Business School recognised at the Small Business Charter (SBC) Excellence Awards
Leeds University Business School has been highly commended in the Outstanding Stakeholder Engagement category at the 2026 Small Business Charter (SBC) Excellence Awards.
The recognition celebrates the impact of the Business School’s “Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme” and its partnership-led approach to supporting business growth across West Yorkshire.
The School was shortlisted in two categories at the awards: Outstanding Stakeholder Engagement and Outstanding Support for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. The highly commended award represents second place in a highly competitive national category.
This highlights the success of the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme, which brings together regional partners to support and scale early-stage founders, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive growth across the region.
Niall Hayes, Deputy Dean of Leeds University Business School, commented:
I am delighted that Leeds University Business School has been highly commended in the Outstanding Stakeholder Engagement category at the 2026 Small Business Charter Excellence Awards. This reflects the strength of our partnership-led approach, exemplified by our leadership of the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme, which brings together regional partners to support and scale early-stage founders. It is a testament to the commitment and impact of our colleagues and partners, and to our shared ambition to widen access to opportunity and deliver meaningful impact for our region and beyond.
In addition, the nomination for the Outstanding Support for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship award further positions the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies (CEES) as the umbrella for all student enterprise and entrepreneurship activity. Dr Richard Tunstall, Academic Director of Enterprise at the University of Leeds added: “Being shortlisted for Outstanding Support for Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship is a powerful endorsement of the way enterprise is woven into the student experience across the University. Our focus is on giving students the space to experiment, learn through doing, and turn ideas into action. This recognition reflects the dedication of staff who champion enterprise education and the ambition of our students to shape their own futures.”
Altogether the awards celebrate excellence in business engagement, enterprise education, and support for entrepreneurship across the UK's Small Business Charter accredited business schools. The commendation follows the School's continued commitment to working collaboratively with businesses, entrepreneurs and stakeholders to create opportunities for innovation, growth and positive regional impact.
Find out more about how the Business School is working with businesses here.
