The Leeds Enterprise Centre has been showcased this week during a visit by Lord Young, adviser to the Prime Minister on small business and enterprise.
The visit formed part of the Government’s ‘Small Business Charter’ proposal, aimed at challenging and incentivising business schools to play a more active role in both helping small businesses and encouraging students to be entrepreneurs.
Lord Young established a number of successful businesses before entering the Cabinet in 1984. He went on to become Secretary of State for Employment in 1985 and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in 1987 before resuming a career in the private sector.
Professor Nigel Lockett, Director of the Leeds Enterprise Centre at the University of Leeds, recently visited 10 Downing Street to join the Management Board to take part in the development of the ‘Small Business Charter’.
Lord Young, who was introduced to University academics, students and alumni involved in enterprise, said: "We are rapidly becoming a nation of small businesses. Over 95% of all business employ fewer than 10 people and I want to ensure that these enterprises seize opportunities to develop into ambitious and growing businesses.
“I believe business schools like Leeds have an important role to play in helping local small firms acquire the skills and help to do this, and to encourage their students to be their own boss."
The visit coincided with the Entrepreneurs and Education Programme (EEP) Challenge Workshops, also being held at the University on Monday 18 November. Speaking at the workshops was Doug Richard, founder of School for Start Ups, the event organisers. Its aim is to challenge participants’ knowledge of entrepreneurship and showcase the advantages of securing enterprise at the heart of education institutions.
Professor Lockett continued: “Lord Young’s visit played an important role in raising the profile of enterprise and entrepreneurship on the campus and in the city region. We are delivering exceptional enterprise opportunities to our students and graduates and Lord Young’s visit gave us a welcome chance to showcase what we offer.”
For further information:
Please contact Guy Dixon, Senior Press Officer, University of Leeds, 0113 343 4031 or email g.dixon@leeds.ac.uk