As we kick start our article series focusing on the six universities shortlisted for the THE Awards Outstanding Entrepreneurial University 2021, we look at how last year’s winner Aston University is going from strength to strength.
Aston University lifted the Outstanding Entrepreneurial University trophy at the THE Awards last year. The judges were impressed by their ‘strategic and inclusive” cross-institutional approach to supporting businesses, the West Midlands region and student entrepreneurship’.
This strategic and inclusive approach saw Aston welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer in August to launch Help to Grow: Management, a scheme to support senior managers of small and medium-sized businesses to boost performance, resilience, and long-term growth. The 12-week programme is 90% funded by the Government and participants can complete it alongside full-time work.
Rishi Sunak joined a class taking part in the Government-funded management scheme at Aston Business School alongside small business owners to see first-hand how it is giving them the tools they need to innovate, grow and help drive the recovery from Covid.
Paula Whitehouse, curriculum director for Help to Grow: Management and associate dean enterprise of the College of Business and Social Sciences, said:
“It was a pleasure to host the Chancellor at Aston Business School today. As a small business leader you have to know about all the key business functions and how to optimise them to drive high performance in your business.
“Help to Grow: Management will combine this essential business education with the creation of a like-minded business network and support for the practical application of the learning to ensure businesses get immediate results.
“I am excited to be working with business school colleagues all over the country to roll out the Help to Grow: Management curriculum and ultimately to be introducing many more business leaders from the West Midlands into Aston’s vibrant entrepreneurial community.”
As winners of the Outstanding Entrepreneurial University of the Year Aston’s profile has certainly increased and there has been greater recognition for their work.
Follow our article series over the next couple of weeks, which will focus on what makes those shortlisted for this year’s award an entrepreneurial university.