Cobra Beer Founder, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Appointed as Patron of the Small Business Charter

Cobra Beer Founder, Lord Karan Bilimoria, Appointed as Patron of the Small Business Charter

Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL has assumed the role of patron for the Small Business Charter, a hallmark of distinction for business schools excelling in aiding small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local economic development. In this capacity, he is urging UK business schools and the government to foster their partnership in propelling economic growth.

Lord Bilimoria, a cross bench peer and the founder of Cobra Beer, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He also serves as the Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and Ambassador for Cambridge Judge Business School.

The Small Business Charter, initially developed by the late Lord Young of Graffham, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and the Chartered Association of Business Schools, is a national accreditation held by 66 business schools across the UK and Ireland. It has been instrumental in delivering various business support programs for the government, including the Small Business Leadership Programme, Business Basics, and the recent Help to Grow: Management Course.

This charter serves as a catalyst for growth by connecting top-tier local business schools with small businesses, government entities, and local economic stakeholders. Lord Bilimoria’s role as patron includes overseeing one of its flagship programs, the Help to Grow: Management Course, which is a 12-week collaborative initiative between Small Business Charter-accredited business schools and the government. This program focuses on enhancing productivity and driving economic growth through high-quality management and leadership training, benefiting 5,500 SMEs in its first two years.

The Small Business Charter’s effectiveness is evident, with a nationwide evaluation revealing that 91% of participants in the Help to Grow: Management Course reported greater confidence in leading and managing their businesses. 90% felt more informed about factors driving productivity, and 85% left with a better understanding of how to innovate their business models.

Lord Bilimoria’s appointment as patron was declared at the London South Bank University Business School, where he engaged with small business leaders participating in the Help to Grow: Management Course. In his words, Lord Bilimoria emphasized the critical role of business schools in supporting small businesses and spurring economic growth. He follows in the footsteps of Lord Young of Graffham, who was a remarkable figure in the business world.

Michael Hayman MBE, Chair of the Small Business Charter, lauded Lord Bilimoria’s appointment and highlighted the importance of small businesses in fostering a prosperous society. He noted that Lord Bilimoria’s impressive business background and advocacy align perfectly with the charter’s mission.

Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, expressed her enthusiasm about Lord Bilimoria joining the mission to empower entrepreneurs and small businesses across the UK and Ireland. The Small Business Charter remains dedicated to spurring local and national economic growth through top-tier management education and business support. Lord Bilimoria’s involvement comes at a crucial juncture for small businesses.