Salford Business School awarded maximum five-year Small Business Charter accreditation
Salford Business School has been awarded the maximum five-year accreditation from the Small Business Charter (SBC), the national kitemark recognising excellence in how business schools support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The award recognises the School’s sustained impact across business support, student enterprise and stakeholder engagement, and places Salford among a national network of accredited business schools working to strengthen the UK’s SME ecosystem.
Salford Business School was one of the first institutions to achieve SBC accreditation when it was introduced, but this is the first time the School has secured the full five-year award, reflecting the scale and maturity of its enterprise and innovation activity.
As part of the assessment, the School applied for 28 SBC dimensions, all of which were successfully awarded following a rigorous independent review.
Supporting growth, skills and innovation
The accreditation confirms Salford Business School’s role in supporting SMEs through practical education, research, collaboration and knowledge exchange. It also enables the School to continue delivering Help to Grow: Management, a programme designed to help senior decision-makers step back from day-to-day delivery and focus on productivity, leadership and long-term growth.
Delivered through the University’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation, the programme combines academic insight with real-world business experience, one-to-one mentoring, peer learning and access to a national alumni network.
During the assessment visit, three independent assessors met with SMEs, students, alumni and regional partners to validate the School’s work and impact. Their feedback highlighted the breadth and value of the School’s contribution, stating: “The breadth and impact of Salford Business School on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the community and its students are a credit to the School and broader University. It’s evident that Salford Business School plays an important and holistic role in supporting the SME infrastructure within Greater Manchester.”
Professor Katy Mason, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Salford Business School, said: “We are delighted to have secured five-year Small Business Charter accreditation. It recognises the commitment of our colleagues, students and partners, and the practical, inclusive approach we take to supporting SMEs to innovate, grow and build resilience as we transition to a green economy.”
Professor Francine Morris, Associate Dean for Knowledge Exchange, added: “This accreditation reflects the trust placed in us by businesses and partners across the region and beyond. It reinforces our role as a collaborative partner for SMEs and our commitment to delivering real-world impact through education, enterprise and research.”
By supporting SMEs to innovate responsibly, develop leadership capability and build long-term resilience, the accreditation reinforces Salford Business School’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive economic growth, locally and nationally.
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