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Business and community

Access support and opportunities

For over 60 years the School of Management has worked collaboratively with businesses and organisations, gaining insights into the challenges you face and how we can address them.

The school remains committed to this goal and with our strong industry experience and reputation for applied business research we can create mutually beneficial relationships for those we work with and our students.

Over the last 20 years we have welcomed more than 10,000 businesses to the school and have a continually growing community who we aim to provide regular opportunities for.

Whether you are a work from home entrepreneur and innovator, a regional SME, a larger company or community organisation we aim to always find solutions to your queries and challenges.

Bright Building in summertime shot from outside

Prof. David Spicer, Director of Business & Community Engagement

As the Director of Business and Community, I lead on the school's work to connect our students and academics with industry, business and the community through a whole range of collaborative activities, including workshops, projects, events and research.

I am delighted to invite businesses to work with us in this regard. Our business and community activities offer great opportunities for organisations to engage with our world-class academic expertise, cutting-edge research, and vibrant student talent.

By partnering with us, businesses, and all forms of organisations, can:

  • Tap into innovative solutions to your real-world challenges.
  • Gain insights to develop and support your business now and in the future.
  • Build lasting relationships with our students and future leaders.
  • Access specialised research insights to drive informed decision-making and support your growth and development.

I would be delighted to hear from businesses and organisations who share our values and are keen to explore the various opportunities available for collaboration.

David Spicer Portrait

Please reach out to Prof. David Spicer, Director of Business & Community Engagement, to explore opportunities for collaboration and access to support.

How we can work with you

Through the School of Management you can gain access to a range of support and opportunities which aim to provide solutions to the challenges you may face. Our aim is to develop a community made up of regional, community and alumni organisations as well as global business environments.

The work we do, including the research here at the School of Management, informs and influences the academic and professional development of graduates to ensure they become employees of choice. As one of the 1% of business schools globally who hold the Triple-Crown Accreditations and the Small Business Charter accreditation we have evidenced our commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes.

We have a range of schemes, projects, networks and more enabling you to get involved in the work we do and helping to contribute to the mutual success of our communities, businesses, students and graduates.

Innovative solutions

Innovation is also core to the values of the University of Bradford so we are always open to exploring new ideas and bespoke pathways that suit your organisation.

If you have a particular challenge at hand and wish to explore a new idea which isn't within the scope of our current offer then please reach out to David Spicer.

We will explore bespoke pathways and opportunities which allow you to collaborate in your own way.

Small Business Charter

The Small Business Charter recognises business schools playing an effective role in supporting small businesses, local economies and student entrepreneurship.

In 2024, the School of Management achieved re-accreditation for a five-year period showcasing the quality of our engagement within the business community with particular focus on our SME interactions.

Activities such as the Knowledge Transfer Network and access to support were highlighted which has enabled us to deliver the  Help to Grow Management programme to SMEs in the West Yorkshire region in association with Small Business Charter and HM Government.

Our business engagement team

Our facilities

Get in touch

If you want to join our network, make further enquiries or create your own bespoke pathway then contact us.