The event came out of a project in which FSB members were invited to share their social media problems in a Practice Week for a group of students to solve as part of their studies. The event gave the students a chance to feedback on the progress that was made as well as to give businesses some tips and advice.

Stephen Hyde, Professor in Management Practice at the University, said: “This sell-out event attracted over 100 businesses and very positive feedback. Our students demonstrated how they helped a small business through a Social Media project. We also shared our expertise in social media and Google Analytics with students from our course.”

"There was also a chance for businesses to get to know each other and the work that the University does to help small businesses. This was the first event that we have held since the University was awarded the government’s Small Business Charter for excellence in our work with small and medium enterprises. We are looking forward to working with the FSB again."

Ian Cording, chair of the Bedfordshire branch of the FSB, said: “Our members really valued the chance to hear from students and specialists about these very important business tools. We are the organisation that looks after the interests of small businesses and we like to see the partnership between business and education prosper. There is much that they can learn from each other. We need our graduates to be more entrepreneurial and projects like this will really help.”

Executive Dean, Dr Gordon Mellor, commented. “This evening demonstrated our commitment to working with small businesses and bringing organisations and communities into the Business School. Students need varied work contexts to learn from public and private sector practitioners. In this way, practice drives the student experience and the employment prospects of graduates.”