On Monday 28 June our MBA Class of 2021 took to York for their Study Tour to mark the end of a successful year of learning at Kent Business School.
The much-awaited trip saw the group of 21 immerse themselves in an inspiring and action-packed four-day tour filled with team building activities and unique insights into successful businesses in the York area.
Staying at the 5* York Grand Hotel, the trip was just the remedy to a particularly challenging year of remote study following the COVID-19 national pandemic.
“It was an excellent experience and really achieved the aim of team bonding,” Ruth Moemken, MBA Student and Strategic Delivery Manager, NHS Foundation Trust said.
“It felt great to be together as a group after online classes,” added MBA Student and Finance Manager at LifeNet International, Tione Chakhwantha.
On the first day of the tour, the group were invited to the Chairman’s Suite at The Grand Hotel for their first Business Experience talk, led by Simon, The General Manager.
There, they learned about the impact the pandemic has had on the hotel industry in one of the most popular UK tourist destinations and how they have mitigated the risks to survive.
“It was informative to be given insight into the market and an understanding of the importance of staying flexible,” explains MBA graduate Nicholas Ford, Director at Regent Electrical Distributors
Subsequently, interiors giant Made.com opened their doors to our MBA group. Manager Andy gave insight into how the company has coped with the added demand and the pressures of both the pandemic and Brexit.
There, they found out about the issues surrounding supply chain and other resources. This was followed by a Q&A and a chance to reflect on the strategic direction of the company.
The evenings were awash with activity including a night of competitive bowling and an evening spent mastering culinary techniques with York Cookery School which continued into day three as the group enjoyed a day of adventure sports Quad Biking, Segway and Archery.
The trip ended with a two-hour Self-Reflection workshop run by Debbie Kemp, the MBA Director. The workshop gave students time to reflect on their learning journey on the MBA and how this has impacted on their ambitions after they graduate. Students considered what would make them happy and their purpose in life to make a difference to their families and their communities both locally and globally.
“The Annual MBA Study Tour is a highlight of the year for both full time and part-time students who have a final opportunity to forge life-long relationships in a more relaxed setting as well as being inspired by local business leaders. The beautiful city of York did not disappoint, and this year’s graduates were great fun to work with,” concluded Debbie.