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UoG gains national award for delivering excellence in support of business and student enterprise

University of Gloucestershire has won the endorsement of a national scheme in recognition of its continuing success in delivering excellence in the support of student entrepreneurship, small businesses and the regional economy.

The University’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences has been reaccredited for three more years by the Small Business Charter, which celebrates world-class business schools across the UK and Ireland.

The Charter was established to advise entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local economic stakeholders about business schools in their region with the expertise to help them thrive.

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. 

The University’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences includes a wide range of programmes in accounting and finance; hospitality, tourism and events; and business and marketing.

Benefits of the programmes include paid 12-month placements and opportunities to join a student-led consultancy providing support and advice to businesses and entrepreneurs, where students can put academic learning into practice.

Cathia Jenainati

The University’s key role in driving regional business growth and regeneration had already been highlighted in the latest Knowledge Exchange Framework, which recognised the growth of its apprentice degree provision, support for graduate start-ups, and impact in boosting growth and regeneration through the services provided by its award-winning Growth Hub.

Professor Cathia Jenainati (pictured left), Head of the University’s School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences, said: “We’re extremely proud to have been reaccredited for three more years by the Small Business Charter because it validates our approach to promoting student enterprise and supporting small businesses and the regional economy.

“Our partnerships within the business community contribute to the prosperity of our region through the range of services provided by the Growth Hub and by adapting our course portfolio to meet the skills and recruitment needs of employers.”

Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “The University of Gloucestershire School of Business has consistently demonstrated its expertise and deep commitment to supporting small businesses and student entrepreneurs.

“Their innovative programmes and research-led initiatives have made a tangible difference to the regional business landscape. We are glad to see their impactful work recognised once again through their reaccreditation with the Small Business Charter.”