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The University of the West of Scotland’s (UWS) School of Business and Creative Industries has been awarded a highly-sought after accreditation, recognising the UK’s world class business schools.

The School is now one of just 55 in the UK to hold the Small Business Charter, awarded to institutions which demonstrate excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise and the local economy.

A panel of small business leaders recognised the School’s “demonstrable” history of creating strong connections with the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) community, its involvement in impactful Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and its “clear commitment” to enterprise education, experiential learning, and the student experience.

“It is a reflection on our commitment to creating an environment where business and enterprise are embedded in everything we do, and support our vision to become the business school of choice for the communities we serve.”
Dominic Elliott Professor Dominic Elliott, Dean of the UWS School of Business and Creative Industries

Professor Dominic Elliott, Dean of the UWS School of Business and Creative Industries, said: “The Small Business Charter Award recognises our commitment to excellence. I’m delighted that our curricular enterprise education and our KTP capabilities and achievements have been acknowledged in this way.

“It is a reflection on our commitment to creating an environment where business and enterprise are embedded in everything we do, and support our vision to become the business school of choice for the communities we serve.”

As part of the curriculum, students at the School work closely with local SMEs on a range of live projects, with businesses benefitting from the knowledge pool and skillset the students provide.

The School was engaged in Scotland’s first international KTP, and the growth of the KTP portfolio at UWS has been transformational, helping stimulate the School’s research culture, to the benefit of both businesses and local economies.

Many reported an increase in annual turnover; leading to an increase in hiring capacity; subsequently leading to employment opportunities for local communities.

“We are delighted that the University of the West of Scotland School of Business and Creative Industries has joined the Small Business Charter’s network of nationally accredited business schools."
Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter

Anne Kiem OBE, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, and Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools said: “We are delighted that the University of the West of Scotland School of Business and Creative Industries has joined the Small Business Charter’s network of nationally accredited business schools.

“This award demonstrates their commendable approach to student enterprise, impactful research, and SME engagement, and we look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

The UWS School of Business and Creative Industries will hold the prestigious accolade for three years.