Our Journey of Excellence

From IBIS Consultancy to Kent Business College: A legacy of wisdom, innovation, and academic excellence since 2016.

“We believe in empowering individuals through education that bridges academic theory with practical application, preparing them to lead with confidence and innovation in an ever-evolving global landscape.”

Excellence • Innovation • Global Perspective

Est. 2016

Our Story

Discover the evolution of Kent Business College from its founding as IBIS Consultancy to becoming a leading educational institution.

The Beginning (2016)

Kent Business College was established in 2016 by a distinguished group of professors from leading British universities, united by their expertise in Business, Marketing, Strategy, Leadership, Project Management, Project Engineering, and Project Control. With deep roots in academic excellence and a profound commitment to bridging theory and practice, the College was initially founded under the name IBIS Consultancy. Drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian civilisation, IBIS Consultancy embraced the symbolic ibis bird—representing Thoth, the Egyptian deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. This symbolism captured the essence of our foundational values: meditation, deep thinking, creativity, and inspiration.

Growth & Expertise (2016-2024)

In its early years, IBIS specialised in disseminating knowledge through professional publications, developing evidence-based frameworks, methodologies, performance dashboards, and key performance indicators (KPIs) across various sectors. From 2016 to 2024, IBIS Consultancy thrived as a leader in professional qualifications and specialised consultancy services. Our expertise spanned Project Management Offices (PMO), Transformation Management Offices (TMO), strategic planning, performance management systems, KPI-driven dashboards, and customised management frameworks and tools.

Educational Expansion (2024)

In 2024, IBIS Consultancy broadened its impact by becoming an approved Apprenticeship Service Provider, launching highly successful apprenticeship programmes in Project Control, Project Management, and Marketing. Demonstrating its commitment to regional development, IBIS successfully delivered a significant Skills Bootcamp programme in Derby and Nottingham, empowering over 60 learners with transformative skills.

Transformation (June 2024)

In June 2024, a significant milestone marked our evolution, as IBIS Consultancy proudly rebranded to become Kent Business College. Embracing Kent's historic and cultural emblem—the majestic horse—our new identity represents strength, empowerment, and forward momentum. The horse embodies our commitment to empowering learners, metaphorically guiding them to master their professional paths with confidence, vigour, and distinction, while retaining the original ibis-inspired values of thoughtful contemplation, innovation, and creativity.

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Kent AI 🤖
Our Heritage

Symbolism & Identity

The Ibis Legacy

Our original emblem, the ibis bird, symbolizes Thoth, the Egyptian deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. This reflects our foundational values of deep thinking, meditation, and scholarly pursuit.

The Kent Horse

Our new emblem, the majestic horse, represents Kent's cultural heritage while symbolizing strength, forward momentum, and empowerment—qualities we instill in our students.

Balanced Evolution

Our identity evolution represents the perfect balance between thoughtful contemplation (the ibis) and dynamic action (the horse)—creating a holistic educational approach that prepares leaders for tomorrow's challenges.

Ibis

Wisdom • Knowledge • Contemplation

Kent

Strength • Momentum • Empowerment

THEN & NOW

2016-2024

IBIS Consultancy

2016-2024

IBIS Consultancy

Vision & Mission

Guiding principles that drive our commitment to educational excellence and professional development.

Our Vision

Our vision is to establish Kent Business College as a globally recognised leader in consultancy and education, renowned for translating cutting-edge academic research into practical strategies that drive industry innovation and sustainable growth.

We aspire to build a thriving ecosystem dedicated to continuous learning, where professional mentoring and rigorous training elevate individuals and organisations towards unparalleled success. Our enduring commitment lies in nurturing talent and shaping the future of professional excellence and industry standards.

 

Our Mission

Kent Business College bridges the gap between rigorous academic research and real-world application, fostering meaningful partnerships with employers through tailored recruitment services and bespoke training programmes.

Grounded in esteemed British educational values, we deliver comprehensive professional development—ranging from apprenticeships and vocational training to specialised mid-management education—designed to cultivate leaders and innovators equipped for tomorrow’s challenges

Our Core Values

Empowering Futures

We are deeply committed to shaping the future of individuals and organisations by providing outstanding education, targeted training, and continuous development.

Reducing Footprint

Environmental sustainability forms a cornerstone of our ethos. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through sustainable practices in all our operations.

Strengthen Partnerships

Our success and impact are amplified through our relationships with employers and the broader community. We foster collaborative partnerships that create mutual value and lasting impact.

Our Leadership Team

Meet the experienced professionals guiding Kent Business College towards excellence and innovation.

 

Dr. Jonathan Blackwell

Principal & Chief Executive

With over 25 years of experience in higher education and business consulting, Dr. Blackwell leads our institution with a vision for innovation and excellence.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell

Academic Director

Dr. Mitchell oversees our academic programs, bringing her expertise in curriculum development and educational innovation to ensure the highest standards.

Professor Richard Thompson

Director of Research & Innovation

Leading our research initiatives, Prof. Thompson focuses on developing cutting-edge methodologies that bridge academic theory with industry practice.

Jennifer Chen

Head of Employer Partnerships

Jennifer builds and maintains our valuable industry connections, ensuring our programs meet employer needs and creating opportunities for our students.

David Okonkwo

Director of Apprenticeships

David leads our apprenticeship programs, bringing extensive experience in work-based learning and skills development to support learner success.

Emma Whitfield

Chief Operations Officer

Emma ensures the smooth running of our institution, overseeing administrative functions and driving operational excellence across all departments.

Accreditations & Partnerships

Kent Business College is proud to be recognized by leading industry bodies and educational authorities.

Educational Accreditations

Ofsted

Registered Education Provider

ESFA

Approved Training Provider

QAA

Quality Assured Institution

IfATE

Apprenticeship Provider

Industry Partnerships

Ofsted

Registered Education Provider

ESFA

Approved Training Provider

QAA

Quality Assured Institution

IfATE

Apprenticeship Provider

We’re proud to work with leading organizations across various sectors

Campus Facilities

Explore our modern facilities designed to enhance the learning experience and support student success.

Digital Classrooms

Our state-of-the-art classrooms feature the latest technology to support interactive learning and collaboration, including smart boards, video conferencing capabilities, and digital learning tools.

Learning Resource Centre

Our comprehensive library and digital resource center provides access to extensive academic databases, industry publications, and specialized research materials to support student learning.

Collaboration Spaces

Dedicated areas designed for group work and peer learning, equipped with flexible furniture, whiteboards, and technology to facilitate teamwork and project development.

Technology Hub

Our specialized computer labs provide access to industry-standard software and hardware, supporting practical skills development in marketing, project management, and data analysis.

Student Lounge

Comfortable spaces for relaxation and informal networking, featuring café facilities, comfortable seating, and areas for social interaction between classes and study sessions.

Conference Facilities

Professional meeting spaces equipped for industry events, guest lectures, and networking opportunities, connecting students with employers and industry professionals.

Campus Facilities

Explore our modern facilities designed to enhance the learning experience and support student success.

Excellence in Apprenticeship Delivery

Recognized by the Education & Skills Funding Agency for outstanding apprenticeship provision (2024)

Innovation in Business Education

Awarded by the Chartered Management Institute for our innovative approach to business education (2023)

Employer Engagement Excellence

Recognized by the Kent & Medway Chamber of Commerce for outstanding employer partnerships (2023)

Student Satisfaction Rate
48 %
Apprenticeship Completion Rate
59 %
Employment Rate Post-Graduation
64 %
Employer Partners
115 +

Our Impact

500+

Students Enrolled

150+

Employer Partners

250+

Successful Graduates

8

Years of Excellence

What People Say About Us

Hear from our students, alumni, and employer partners about their experiences with Kent Business College.

"The Project Management program at Kent Business College equipped me with practical skills that I apply daily in my role. The instructors bring real-world experience that makes all the difference."
John Doe
student
"The Marketing College's digital marketing specialization was exactly what I needed to advance my career. The hands-on approach and industry connections helped me secure my dream job."
John Doe
Student
"The Leadership College transformed my approach to management. The curriculum strikes the perfect balance between theory and practical application, and the network I built has been invaluable."
John Doe
Student

Join Our Educational Community

Whether you’re a prospective student, employer partner, or industry professional, we invite you to connect with Kent Business College and discover how we can support your goals.