ComputerXplorers
ComputerXplorers…part of the world’s largest franchise network
ComputerXplorers is part of the world’s largest franchised education network providing quality technology education for children.A home-based franchise ComputerXplorers delivers classes in a range of locations including nursery schools, playgroups, schools, holiday clubs, after-school clubs and other community venues.
ComputerXplorers offers weekly classes to children from the ages of 3 to 13. For younger children classes help build children’s academic readiness skills in language, literacy, maths, science, art and music whilst introducing them to problem-solving and computer operations. Older students can learn exciting subjects like computer/clay animation, rocketeering, film-making, creating video games and crime scene investigation, whilst developing a range of technology skills.
The Market
Experts today 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. The potential market in the UK is huge:
- More than 11 million children
- At least 34,000 nurseries and pre-school groups
- Over 24,000 primary schools
- Numerous after-school clubs and holiday schemes
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What our customers say......
 “ ComputerXplorers classes are fun with a capital ‘F’ and the pupils really look forward to them. The feedback from teachers is really positive and the children are improving their ICT, maths and problem-solving skills at the same time. ”Lynn Barnes - Head Teacher, Middle Barton School, Oxfordshire
“ ComputerXplorers has been well received by those pupils who participate on a weekly basis. Through a range of interesting and fun activities the children learn and develop their skills in ICT and enjoy the challenge of working with new programmes that are not included in the regular curriculum. The ComputerXplorers staff are very supportive and interested in the children’s development. ”
Tony Shrubsall - Head Teacher, St John’s College Lower School, Portsmouth “ We’ve been impressed with the ComputerXplorers approach, classes are available to pupil’s key stages one and two and we’ve been able to monitor activities to ensure that they are in line with the set of learning objectives. Attendance is strong and we’ve had very positive feedback from parents. ”
Julia Evison - Head Teacher, Keston Church of England Primary School.
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Training and Support
The partnership between franchisee and franchisor is essential to the long-term success of the franchise business. You need to be sure your franchisor is a business you can trust. In ComputerXplorers you can be sure you have made one of your best business decisions.- The UK business is owned and run by one of the leading UK franchisors (Recognition Express – Franchisor of the Year 2003) with a reputation as an ethical, market-leading business with extensive franchising knowledge
- Recognised expert in children’s computer education with a dedicated team of education professionals
- Over 25 years experience worldwide with more than 100 franchisees
- Three weeks initial comprehensive training programme
Financial Information
The ComputerXplorers Franchise investment
Entry cost includes:
- Licence to trade
- Centralised direct marketing programmes
- Marketing launch package
- Direct appointment making
- 3 weeks training (including US)
- Substantial marketing collateral
- Laptop & software
- Initial stock
- On-going training and support
Total = £24,500 + VAT
Ongoing Fees:
- Royalty = 10%
- Marketing Fee = 1%
Who's Ideal for Us
As the owner of a ComputerXplorers franchise you will:
- Market technology services
- Recruit, train and manage teachers to teach classes
- Manage the operation of your business
- Be good with people
- Have an aptitude for sales and marketing
- Have confidence with technology
- Be enthusiastic
- Be passionate about making a difference!
Territories/Locations
ComputerXplorers has franchise owners in 
Norfolk, Sussex, Bromley, Berkshire, South Midlands, South East London, Cotswold, South Wales, Solent, Thames Valley and Dublin South.
Norfolk, Sussex, Bromley, Berkshire, South Midlands, South East London, Cotswold, South Wales, Solent, Thames Valley and Dublin South.We are looking for ambitious and enthusiastic business prospects who want to make a difference by owning their own children’s franchise business and are prepared to work hard to achieve success, independence and security.
Business Description: ComputerXplorers - Provision of classes in ICT to children aged 3 - 13
Industry Sector: Children’s Franchises
BFA Membership: Provisional list
Franchise Type: Management
Minimum Personal Investment: £ 10,000
Minimum Total Investment: £ 24,500
Lauren Sankey
Unit 2, Cartwright Way
Forest Business Park
Bardon, Coalville
Leicestershire
LE67 1UB
Unit 2, Cartwright Way
Forest Business Park
Bardon, Coalville
Leicestershire
LE67 1UB
Tel: 01530 513 308
Fax: 01530 513 309
Web: www.computerxplorers.co.uk
Fax: 01530 513 309
Web: www.computerxplorers.co.uk
Name: Diane Taylor, ComputerXplorers South Midlands
Commenced Trading : March 2007
Previous Occupation: Retail Area Manager for various companies including, Adams, MK1, Claire's Accessories
Why you chose to buy into a franchise?
Support without being stifling. Proven success (over 22 years in the US). Some elements of risk removed due to being a franchise rather than being out on your own - surveys show that 90%+ of franchises still trading after 2 years versus 20% of independent companies.
Why did you choose ComputerXplorers?
Utilising all my hats i.e. Manager and Mother. Many transferable skills from retail which are appropriate also a sector that I can include my whole family in. Imagine working in Ann Summers and your children asking about where you work! Support structure without being stifling. Balance of lifestyle seeing more of my children and they can be involved in my work. New opportunity so, there is some ability to help mould the direction of the business i.e. sharing of best practice.
How have you found the training and support given by ComputerXplorers?
Excellent for a business in its infancy. Some of the US training is obviously American
orientated but the overall experience of going to U.S. was excellent. UK training is focused being on marketing, sales, recruitment etc. Support when required without being too intrusive. The level of knowledge is improving weekly due to all learning from new experiences daily.
How has the business started for you?
Slowly but steady. Summer a great deal more successful than first anticipated. September will be amazing. A case of the chicken and the egg when getting started, when it comes to teachers and classes.
What has been the response of customers (schools, parents, children)?
When they experience the classes they love it. Very few drop out from one term to the next.
How do you see the business progressing?
I would forecast that the business will be catering to in excess of 25 schools by January
2008. Nurseries are slow on the uptake but I would envisage approximately 6 by the same
time. As people become familiar with the brand it will grow. Brand awareness is the key to its
success.
Do you have any advice to anybody considering ComputerXplorers as a franchise?
You need to be self motivated and passionate about the sector. It can be lonely but very rewarding.
Name: Nicola Petty, ComputerXplorers Cotswolds
Commenced Trading: September 2008
Previous Occupation: Head of Telephony & Web Operations for a major financial services company I was Head of Telephony & Web Operations for Lloyds TSB Registrars, which recently became a privately-owned company called Equiniti when the division was sold by Lloyds TSB to a private equity firm. My role involved managing a team of around 300 across three call centres in Birmingham, Edinburgh and Worthing. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant but have spent most of my career in Operations and Call Centre Management.
Why you chose to buy into a franchise?
I decided to buy a franchise business because of the many advantages - the business model has already been tested and proven, the time to get the business up and running is much quicker, there is great training and support, and also a network of fellow franchisees sharing knowledge and experience.
Over the last two decades I have worked very long hours and in a number of locations. For a long time I have wanted to start my own business, achieve a much better work-life balance and to put down roots in a local community. I took advantage of the opportunity to take voluntary redundancy and decided that starting a franchise business would be ideal – whilst I have operational, people and financial management skills, I didn't have a specific idea or trade for a business.
Why did you choose ComputerXplorers?
After deciding to look at franchises, I attended a Nat West franchise seminar which showcased a variety of franchises across different industries. I had already decided that I wanted a home-based business and ComputerXplorers was ideal – not only was it home-based, but it sounded like an excellent franchise, relatively new to the UK but well established in the US. ComputerXplorers was the only franchise I investigated further – I discovered that I would be joining at the latter stages of the pilot phase in the UK. I was also delighted to learn that there is no direct competition in the UK and was extremely reassured knowing that the franchise is run in the UK by Nigel Toplis, who has very significant knowledge and experience of the franchise industry, and who is supported by a great team.
All in all, I decided on a ComputerXplorers franchise because the product offering is superb and it has the benefit of having an excellent track record in the US, with the added advantage of being run in the UK by a team of very experienced franchise professionals.
How have you found the training and support given by ComputerXplorers?
I have found the training and support to be absolutely brilliant. I have attended two training courses, three days in the UK and ten days in the US. I believe that both training courses have provided me with all the information and confidence I need for my business to be successful, with the knowledge that support is available at all times for any queries or guidance. Support has been sought on numerous occasions already and I have been so impressed by the willingness of all the ComputerXplorers team to work actively with me to ensure my business succeeds.
How has the business started for you?
I commence trading in September 2008 at the start of the new school year. Focus initially has been on validating the marketing database and selecting the first prospective customers for mailings and calls, as well as recruiting part-time teachers so that there is sufficient time for them to be CRB checked before classes commence in schools.
How do you see the business progressing?
Despite the steep learning curve, I would like the business to grow quickly and establish a good reputation in the Cotswolds. I aim to achieve this by working hard, identifying good teachers and employing a lead-teacher and administration support as soon as this is required, so that I can focus on sales, marketing and relationship management, rather than getting involved in the minutiae of planning and arranging classes.
Do you have any advice to anybody considering ComputerXplorers as a franchise?
If you have general business experience, you believe you will be able to stay focused in a home environment and enjoy working with children, this franchise is an absolute must. The training and support provided have filled in the product, sales, marketing, teaching and other gaps I had and the general support and documentation available is fantastic. As a way to start your own business, a ComputerXplorers franchise makes it as easy as possible for you to succeed.
For more information call 01530 513308 or email lsankey@computerxplorers.co.uk
