University of Cumbria wins leading business award

The University of Cumbria’s efforts to support small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and the local economy have been recognised with a leading business award.

The Small Business Charter, which brings together leading business schools and SME communities across the UK, has given the University of Cumbria’s Business School a Small Business Charter bronze award in recognition of its active participation in supporting start-ups and small businesses in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

“Whilst, as one of the UK's newest universities and we are still a relative new start-up ourselves in the world of business and enterprise, this award recognises our commitment and the strength of our broad-range of programmes to support business enterprise and growth. Particularly, amongst small businesses who are the backbone of the Cumbrian economy.

University business schools awarded with Small Business Charter awards have already directly helped over 18,750 small businesses – working with them through a range of support including on-site incubators with dedicated space for students and small businesses to start up and grow; dedicated Small Business Growth & Leadership programmes; and strong full time support networks of alumni and local business experts supporting both students and small businesses.

“We continue to be impressed by the level of investment and innovation showcased by schools passionate about providing core services and consultation programmes to SMEs and start-ups. “Business schools are vital to the local lifeblood of the economy – their world class business expertise can have a huge positive impact to regional and national economic growth. Our 31 award-winning business schools are dedicated to making long-lasting change to the productivity and vibrant initiatives happening across the country.”