Kent Business School (KBS) has officially received its Small Business Charter (SBC) in recognition of the support it provides to small businesses and student entrepreneurship across the University.
The award was presented by Lord Young to a delegation from the University of Kent led by Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Karen Cox at an event at the House of Lords. Others in attendance at the ceremony were:
- David Williamson, Director of External Services
- Professor Martin Meyer, Dean of KBS
- Floortje Hoette, Business Advancement and Enterprise Officer External Services
- Matt Cook, Employability Points Officer.
The Small Business Charter award is a national kitemark, recognising business schools which demonstrate excellence in supporting student enterprise, small businesses and the local economy.
Several elements of KBS’ work were noted as impressive, in particular, ASPIRE, for providing an excellent networking space for students and graduates starting up their own businesses and for further development through mentoring and skills workshops. It said too that students benefit from the experience of being able to start their own business as part of their course.
“The progress made by KBS in building their relationships with local small businesses is bearing fruit and, given the strong relationships built with other stakeholders, is likely to bring effective support to even larger numbers of local businesses.” – Anne Kiem, SBC Executive Director and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools
Also mentioned was the support for small businesses by KBS and the University, which has a significant economic benefit to the region. KBS assists small businesses to recruit fresh talent by helping them to write job advertisements and then market them to graduates.
The Kent Business Summit, another excellent initiative cited, showcases the close working relationships with local small business representative bodies such as the FSB, IoD and Locate in Kent. The cohesion of these relationships is very effective in delivering for local businesses.
“This is great recognition will help further promote and enhance our work supporting our students, local businesses and the economic prosperity of the South-East.” – Professor Karen Cox
Learn about starting up your own business with one of our undergraduate or postgraduate programmes