- The nominations recognise Aston University’s role in supporting SMEs in the local community
- The announcement follows Aston’s rise into the top 30 UK universities in the Guardian University Guide 2021
- The winners will be announced on 26 November
Aston University has been shortlisted in two categories in this year's Times Higher Education (THE) Awards: Outstanding Entrepreneurial University and Business School of the Year.
A celebration of UK higher education, the THE Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the sector. Despite the pandemic, the awards panel received hundreds of submissions from over 80 institutions.
The THE awards celebrate the initiatives and milestones achieved during the 2018/19 academic year. These include the five-year anniversary of the Aston Centre for Growth, which celebrated having supported over 1,000 small and medium sized businesses.
It also saw the move of the Centre for Research into Ethnic Minority Research (CREME), led by Professor Monder Ram to Aston Business School. CRÈME produces leading edge research on ethnic minority owned businesses as well delivering business support and advice to policy makers. Working alongside the Aston Centre for Growth, CREME established a unique, scalable model of inclusive business support to enable BAME (Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic) entrepreneurs and minority-led enterprises to flourish.
In partnership with University of Birmingham and Minerva, one of the UK’s largest angel investor networks, Aston Business School has helped bring more than £3,000,000 of investments to the region’s small businesses through the Minerva Birmingham Pitch Up event.
The shortlisting announcement follows news that the Guardian University Guide 2021 ranks Aston University in the top 30 universities in the UK.
Saskia Loer Hansen, deputy vice-chancellor (Engagement) said:
“It is an honour to be recognized by the THE awards in two categories. Both of these nominations recognise the scale and impact of our work with small and medium sized businesses in our community. This important work informs our research, which in turn influences policy. We are also proud of so many of our students and graduates, with the support of our outstanding staff who go on to start successful businesses.”
The awards celebration will take place virtually on the 26 November at 17:00. You can register for free to hear the winners announced live.
ENDS
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive.
For media enquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press and PR Officer, on 07557 745416 or email r.hume@aston.ac.uk
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