Franchising Opportunities

Child’s play

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ComputerXplorers is a home-based franchise that delivers classes in a range of locations, including nursery schools, playgroups, schools, holiday clubs, after-school clubs and other community venues.

The company offers weekly classes to children from the ages of 3-13. For younger children, classes help build their academic readiness skills in language, literacy, maths, science, art and music, while introducing them to problem solving and computer operations. Older students use the computer to improve learning, productivity and performance, while developing a range of technology skills.

HEAD START

Experts place ICT at the heart of every child’s education and development. Having fun with technology and computers from an early age encourages children to be e-confident and e-competent - a great head start in life. Moreover, the potential market in the UK is huge:
•More than 11million children.
•At least 34,000 nurseries and pre-school groups.
•Over 24,000 primary schools.
•Numerous after-school clubs and holiday schemes.

John McGill took on ComputerXplorers for South West Scotland in September 2009. I was impressed by the ComputerXplorers concept and wish that something as innovative and fun had been around when I was at school, he says. I already had a passion for technology, and having two kids of my own has allowed me to kick-start their knowledge of ICT and prepare them for the future.

Technology is so central to everything we do, yet many schools are under-resourced in this area due to the shortage of IT teachers and limited budgets. The ComputerXplorers franchise presents a chance for Scottish children to have access to unique ICT programmes and give them a head start in life, and for me this is not just a need itfs a necessity.h John adds: gOne of the reasons I chose ComputerXplorers was the knowledge that the franchisor had an excellent pedigree in the market.

The initial training was in two main stages and both courses have been thorough and exceeded my expectations. I have been particularly impressed with the openness and approachability that the franchise offers as far as support and advice are concerned.”

Nicola Cosgrave began life as franchise owner for ComputerXplorers Dublin South in January 2009, choosing the franchise route to reduce risk. “The support of the franchisor is a huge advantage,” she says. “It really eases a stressful day to know there is a very strong and supportive team available to help me at any time.

“After giving up full-time work in June 2007 to spend more time with my son, I worked part-time for a local primary school as the computer room assistant. When I was researching franchise opportunities, I came across ComputerXplorers. I found the class plans, continuous development of programmes and software, along with the professional development and support of the franchisor, to be a great package.”

OPPORTUNITY

Paul Charles started trading as ComputerXplorers South West Wales in September 2009. “Having been made redundant, I took the opportunity to invest in my own business as I have always wanted to have a business of my own, rather than work for others,” he explains.

Paul chose ComputerXplorers because he felt the business dovetailed well with his experience and values: “With my knowledge of IT and computers and my own child just starting school, I was very interested in how ICT was delivered to schoolchildren. Also, the ComputerXplorers management team were very helpful and honest, from the first enquiry through to the day I signed the agreement.” The training is split between the UK and US and its comprehensive programme is geared to giving franchise owners the best possible start in the business. Paul’s own experience was very positive: “It has been excellent. I was given all the right tools to start the new business. The UK training set me up nicely, before the training in the United States showed me the bones of the business.”

How has he found the business to date? “In difficult economic circumstances, it has started very well,” says Paul. “I am on target to reach the goals that were set before I signed the franchise agreement, so that’s got to say something for the integrity of the system. It’s a marathon and not a get rich quick scheme, so patience is the key.

“Schools are very receptive to the products and, as we keep delivering new exciting sessions, the children are always enthusiastic about what we deliver. Parents have told me their children can’t wait to go to school on ComputerXplorers club day, even if they don’t feel 100 per cent.”

Says Nigel Toplis, managing director of ComputerXplorers: “Our goal is to help children discover their own technology and computer skills through exploration - in younger children building skills in maths, science, art, etc, and in older students improving learning, productivity and performance through the adoption of ICT skills and knowledge.

“Above all though, ComputerXplorers is about education with a small ‘e’ and fun with a capital ‘F’. We are extremely pleased both with the development of the franchise and the impact ComputerXplorers is making in schools. The business is going from strength to strength and we are on course to have 25 franchise owners by January 2012.”