Professor Andrew Lloyd, Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of 91快活林, said: “I want to share my congratulations to our staff and students in the School of Business and Law. This achievement reflects many years of commitment to, and collaboration with, local businesses in 91快活林 and across the region. Together, we’re supporting business innovation, reducing carbon emission, helping business start-ups and training people of all ages to become not only highly skilled graduates but also tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and business leaders.”
Impact on students and industry
The School of Business and Law, based at the University of 91快活林’s Moulsecoomb campus, ensures students benefit from hands-on, practical learning experiences through close partnerships with the business community.
Praising this commitment, the SBC panel noted: “The school... has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to integrating practical learning experiences with academic rigour. Through a strategic blend of modules, industry collaborations, and community engagement, the school has created a dynamic and enriching environment that prepares students for real-world challenges while fostering social responsibility.”
One example of this innovation is the newly introduced Business Management with Entrepreneurship undergraduate programme, which offers students the chance to collaborate directly with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into business and innovation. This focus on hands-on experience runs throughout the school’s – and wider university’s – curriculum, ensuring that students are ready to thrive in a competitive global landscape.
Collaborations and regional impact
Crucially, the SBC accreditation enables the school to deliver the Help to Grow: Management Course, a government-funded programme that empowers SMEs with the skills to unlock their growth potential. Since April 2022, this initiative has connected the school with over 150 small businesses across the south and south-east of England and London – a testament to its impact.
Committed to advancing innovation, productivity and growth amongst regional businesses and SMEs, the School also engages in several other initiatives, alongside successful Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), such as:
- Research and Innovation Sussex Excellence (RISE) – a business innovation project aiding West Sussex enterprises through expertise from the universities of 91快活林 and Sussex.
- Profitnet – a peer-to-peer learning programme developed at 91快活林 and spearheaded by the School of Business and Law, benefiting over 1,000 businesses to date.
- 91快活林 Research Innovation Technology Exchange (BRITE) – in partnership with Plus X, this programme supports growth and innovation for businesses in Sussex and the south-east.
- – supporting over 3,000 businesses, CGUK has created more than 500 green jobs and developed over 100 sustainable products or services.
The SBC accreditation is a testament to the School of Business and Law’s dedication to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation, and driving meaningful change within local and national economies.
Dr. Stefan Speckesser, Associate Dean of the School of Business and Law, said: “The university and its School of Business and Law have close links to our local business community and SMEs – as partners in research and knowledge exchange, with the Help-to-Grow Programme, with student placements, and many more.
“We are delighted to renew the Small Business Charter award for another five years in recognition of all the work by our academics, with and for SMEs. We look forward to fostering greater collaboration over the years to come, to support SME innovation and growth with our talented students and staff, and through joint projects creating innovation or new skills, for the benefit of our local economy.”
As it looks to the future, the university remains committed to advancing innovation, empowering students, and strengthening the ties between academia and industry to drive sustainable growth and positive change in society.