As the cost of living rises, key considerations regarding sustainability for SMEs can be found in recent research conducted by experts at Aston University. Professor Mark Hart's "What Can SMEs Do To Accelerate Their Journey To Net Zero?" blog was recently featured in the Business Influencer, and a new University-led study shows how small businesses can achieve a high environmental performance through circular economy (CE) adoption.
 
Micro-enterprises at the early stage of growth have the opportunity to apply for the fully-funded Aston Programme for Small Business Growth. The programme is open to businesses trading in Greater Birmingham and Solihull or Coventry and Warwickshire LEP areas. Find out more about the programme at our online information session on the 13th May.

The national Help to Grow: Management Course, launched at Aston Business School, supports senior business leaders to deliver more efficient operations, boost productivity and maintain growth. Our next cohort of the course begins in September - registrations are now open!
 

Aston Programme for Small Business Growth - FREE Information Session

• Gain relevant knowledge to apply directly into your business from experts in SME leadership and management
• Receive one-to-one support form an experienced business mentor
• Build a targeted growth strategy for your business
• Receive guidance on financial options available to you with an opportunity to pitch your growth strategy to external finance experts
• Network with other early-stage business owners from the Midlands
• Have access to Aston University’s wider support network and be invited to exclusive Business School events.

Help to Grow: Management Course
 Expert Support for Senior Business Leaders

The Help to Management: Course is a 12-module management training programme, 90% funded by the Government and participants can complete it alongside full-time work, giving 30,000 SMEs access to world-class business expertise on everything from financial management to marketing. The course combines a practical curriculum, with one-to-one support from a business mentor, peer-learning sessions and an alumni network.

 The Magic of a Mentor:
Free 1-2-1 Mentoring Support Available 

"SMEs are Likely to Achieve Higher Environmental Performance through Circular Economy Adoption"

New findings from an Aston University-led study have found Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are likely to achieve higher environmental performance through circular economy (CE) adoption.

CE is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. In contrast to the 'take-make-waste' linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources.

The project was led by Professor Prasanta Dey and Professor Pawan Budhwar from Aston Business School along with Soumyadeb Chowdhury (Toulouse Business School), Krishnendu Saha (Birmingham City University), Debashree De (University of Essex) and Chrysovalantis Malesios (Agricultural University of Athens).

Aston MBA students Take Top Prize at Universities Business Challenge Global Masters 2022

A team of Aston MBA students has taken the top prize at the Universities Business Challenge (UBC) Global Masters 2022.

Team GE7, which included Aishwarya Nagath Menon, Nashit Khalifa, Vasilijs Garbacevics, Divya Krisitipati led by Mithun Joy and mentored by Aston Business School’s Dr Julius Stephan, will receive a trophy on campus on 12 May.

Aston’s MBA students come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, representing diverse nationalities, offering a unique mix of talent. 

Find out how your business could work with our award-winning students on a consultancy project or internship via the link below.

'Diversity in Tech' Interview Opportunity

Aston Business School’s Department of Work & Organisation would like to get your thoughts on diversity in tech, as well as the challenges and opportunities diverse groups in tech face when it comes to using technology, developing their careers, or starting and growing their business. If interested, you would be required to take part in a short interview, which will help to form a report informing strategies and norms that need to be changed/considered within the sector.

Participants will receive free admission to a workshop that will be conducted towards the end of the research, focusing on recommendations for practices of diversity, inclusion and policies in the sector. Contributors will also be provided with comic strips that could be used as part of their organisational diversity training and an Amazon voucher for their participation.

Conference: International Perspectives on Migrant Entrepreneurship

Do you Have an Exciting Idea for a Digital or Tech Based Business?

UK Retail Sales Dropped in March due to the Rising Cost of Living 

Figures showing that UK retail sales dropped in March due to the rising cost of living have been branded “disappointing” by the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira). According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales fell by 1.3 per cent in March, while February sales figures were also down.

Will your Credit Score Affect your Ability to Access Business Loans?

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