The University of Bath School of Management has received the Small Business Charter Award, a national accreditation which recognises business schools that demonstrate excellence in supporting small businesses, student enterprise and the local economy. The School will hold the award for five years.

“Engaging with the business community and fostering innovation through the work of our researchers and students is fundamental to the University’s mission. We are honoured that the School’s contribution has been recognised through the Small Business Charter Award,” said Professor Steve Brammer, Dean of the School of Management.

The SBC assessment noted that the School had demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting small businesses through research, teaching, and strategic partnerships, with academics “deeply engaged in addressing the needs of the regional SME community”. It also cited evidence from former students that the university was becoming more supportive of entrepreneurship at every level.

“This accolade reflects our commitment to supporting business success - whether through academic expertise shared with local enterprises or through the entrepreneurial education and guidance we provide to students embarking on their own ventures. We remain dedicated to creating an environment where ideas flourish, partnerships thrive, and the next generation of business leaders is empowered to make a lasting impact,” Professor Brammer said.

The award highlighted the University’s 12-week Help to Grow programme, which Karl Wiltshire, a financial services business owner, described as “transformative.” He has since become a mentor, guest lecturer and student interviewer as a result of the programme.

“I’ve had 36 years in financial services but have no formal qualifications and am not particularly literate – I never thought university was for ‘boys like me’ and did not consider stepping into this world until someone from the University invited me to a business breakfast. I signed up for Help to Grow, probably the best thing I’ve done in the last 20 years – it gave me a new sense of direction, confidence and purpose,” Mr Wiltshire said.

Help to Grow, which is supported by the UK government and SBC, is designed to be manageable alongside participants’ existing commitments while helping them develop vital business skills and learn about financial management, innovation, and digital transformation. It combines online sessions with face-to-face learning, alongside peer support and mentoring.

The SBC award also flagged the impact and effectiveness of the School’s Business@Breakfast monthly networking meetings, which bring together staff from the School of Management and professionals from Bath, Bristol and the surrounding areas for informative talks, networking and discussion around best practices and any issues facing businesses.

Held monthly from 8:30 to 9:45am, these sessions are designed for time-poor SMEs and blend informal networking with practical, focused content, from managing burnout to scaling products. This event is suitable for directors, senior managers, founders, individuals responsible for learning and development/HR within a business, and talent directors.

The meetings attracted the attention of Joe Cussens, a business consultant and former hospitality entrepreneur, who was motivated to become a mentor and guest speaker at the School: “These breakfast events are some of the best I go to – they are an excellent mix of expertise sharing, networking and support tailored to small businesses,” he said.

“I’m incredibly proud of the Business@Breakfast network. In just three years, it’s grown into a vibrant community that attracts over 40 professionals each month, connecting industry with the University in meaningful ways. It’s become a gateway for placements, collaborative projects, and initiatives like the Help to Grow Management programme. What’s especially exciting is seeing guests use the network to forge new working relationships and launch joint ventures,” said Michelle Pow, Business Development Manager in the School of Management.