The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) has won a silver award in recognition of its work supporting small businesses.


The Bristol Business School at UWE has been successful in winning a silver Small Business Charter Award from the Chartered Association of Business Schools.


The awards recognise outstanding work by universities in supporting small businesses, start-ups and their contribution to local economic growth.


Deputy vice chancellor professor Jane Harrington said: “Enterprise is at the heart of everything we do here at UWE, from developing entrepreneurial graduates via our innovative Team Entrepreneurship degree to supporting local businesses through various initiatives such as the ‘Innovation 4 Growth’ programme.


“We are therefore thrilled to receive the Small Business Charter silver award as it is testament to the hard work of our students and staff in embracing entrepreneurship at all levels within the university.”


The Small Business Charter awards were established by the Chartered Association of Business Schools, Lord Young and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.


There are now 27 Charter awarded business schools across the UK who continue to help start-ups and small businesses.


Ian McNaught, executive director of the Small Business Charter, said: “The Small Business Charter management board is delighted with the latest awards and upgrades from across the country. Business schools are again showing their impact on small businesses through world class business expertise, programmes and advice.


“The 27 Charter awarded business schools continue to positively influence regional economic growth through engaging small businesses and supporting start-ups.

"They are key players in their local economies and they are rightly being recognised for that commitment.”


University business schools awarded with Small Business Charter awards have already directly helped over 8,000 small businesses, working with them through a range of support.