21st May 2025

London College of Business Studies Unveils New Ilford Campus and Dedicates IT Suite to Lord [Kamlesh] Patel of Bradford OBE

London, UK – The London College of Business Studies (LCBS) proudly inaugurated its new Ilford campus this week with a special ceremony marking the opening of a state-of-the-art IT suite, officially dedicated to Lord Patel of Bradford OBE.

The newly named Lord Patel of Bradford OBE IT Suite stands as a testament to LCBS’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, digital innovation, and social equity. This modern facility will serve as a hub for technology-enhanced learning, equipping students with advanced digital tools and resources to prepare for careers in business, IT, management, and beyond.

The inauguration was attended by students, faculty, civic leaders, and distinguished guests, including Lord Patel himself, who formally unveiled the suite.  In his remarks, Lord Patel expressed heartfelt gratitude and reflected on the transformative potential of inclusive education.

“To be associated with an innovative space dedicated to learning, technology, and empowerment is deeply humbling,” said Lord Patel.  “I hope this suite will inspire students to dream boldly and use their education to create meaningful change.  I have always believed that education is not merely a pathway to personal success but a fundamental right that can uplift entire communities.”

Introducing the Lord Patel Scholarships

To coincide with the opening, LCBS announced the launch of three landmark scholarship initiatives, honouring Lord Patel’s lifelong advocacy for equality and opportunity:

  • Two Annual Diploma Scholarships for students from under-represented and under-served backgrounds across the UK.
  • The Lord Patel Global Scholarship, awarded annually to one exceptional international student to pursue a fully funded undergraduate degree at LCBS.

These scholarships aim to break down financial barriers and reaffirm the college’s mission to make world-class higher education accessible to all.

 A New Era for LCBS in East London

Located in the heart of Ilford, the new LCBS campus is set to become a key driver of educational and economic development in East London.  The campus combines inclusive design with modern architecture, creating an inspiring environment for academic success, professional growth, and community engagement.

Lakbir Singh, Strategic advisory and key figure in LCBS’s development strategy, commented:

“This is more than a new building, it marks a new chapter in LCBS’s story.  We are proud to honour Lord Patel’s legacy and to build a future where students from all walks of life can thrive and lead with purpose.  This campus will be a vibrant hub for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, allowing learners to dream without limits.”

Additionally, Kam Rai, Leader of the Council and Labour Group, as well as Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, was joined by fellow Redbridge Councillors—Cllr Alex Holmes, Cllr Tanweer Khan, Cllr Helen Mary Coomb, Cllr Syeda Lovely Choudhury, Cllr Sahdia E Warraich, and Cllr Saima Ahmed. Together, they welcomed Lord Patel with warm remarks.

Cllr Kam Rai stated, “It’s truly inspiring to have Lord Patel with us today. His presence underscores the importance of championing our multicultural and diverse communities. We look forward to working together to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact across Redbridge.”