Exciting international children’s computing education brand, ComputerXplorers, is coming to Australia and New Zealand in 2024.
This fast-growing business offers children aged three to 16 years a range of fun, interactive classes – through school lessons, after school clubs and holiday camps – to introduce them to a variety of exciting new technologies and platforms and teach them how to use these tools creatively and innovatively.
Established in the UK in 2006, the franchise grew rapidly thanks to its unique turnkey business model, generous start-up support package and a clear ambition to bring high quality computing education to all children.
ComputerXplorers is entering the Australia and New Zealand markets with the aim of complementing the curriculum and advancing STEM education offerings. ComputerXplorers’ programs can play a pivotal role in early childhood development, offering interactive and engaging ways for children to explore and develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills alongside much sought after digital and technical expertise that can enhance their future skillsets and career paths.
The current CEO, Stuart Harley, first joined the business as a franchisee for Southampton, UK, in 2019. Stuart managed his business for two years to become the biggest ComputerXplorers franchisee in the network when in 2021 the opportunity arose to purchase the brand from The Bardon Group and Stuart saw its potential.
“For too long, many brands have sat still or followed archaic processes, but ComputerXplorers is different,” explains Stuart. “Not only do we teach children using technology, but we embrace technology ourselves, often being the first to roll-out platforms, whether that’s streamlining franchisee recruitment or simplifying day-to-day management for franchisees.”
Since Stuart’s takeover, ComputerXplorers has formed exciting new partnerships with technology providers including AppShed, 2Simple, Adplenty, Sphero and Positive Social, bolstering its position as leaders in children’s education. These collaborations bring cutting- edge resources and expertise to the business’ programs, directly benefiting the children it serves.
“We’re proud to have been approached by international technology providers like social media management platform, Adplenty,” enthuses Stuart. “It has selected us as its first pilot partner in the UK market, which is hugely exciting. As well as these collaborations, we have also needed to adapt to new challenges in the digital landscape, which has led to our partnership with Positive Social, developing a new offering that allows us to support our students, parents and schools in navigating the digital world safely. We have also launched Discover My Franchise, a next generation lead management system that takes prospective franchisees through a lifecycle from initial enquiry to onboarding.”
The numbers certainly reflect the impact of these partnerships and innovations within the brand. Since 2021, the brand has experienced a 300% increase in turnover. The UK franchisee count has grown from 12 to 32, and the brand has expanded internationally into three countries, with more – including Australia and New Zealand – poised to join this year.
Each week, ComputerXplorers teaches over 30,000 pupils and it now works with over 1,000 schools and community partnerships. And interest continues to grow – schools have shown a 235% year-on-year increase in interest, while parents’ engagement has soared by 324%.
A holiday camp run by ComputerXplorers and ActiveExplorers in Southampton.
Photo: Professional Images/@ProfImages
“We’ve worked hard to differentiate ourselves,” Stuart explains. “For our students, we offer classes that not only continually evolve and develop to introduce them to the latest technologies and software, but that also encourage them to think outside the box, using their problem-solving and creativity skills to use these technologies as tools to help them find solutions to challenging problems and create incredible things.
“For our franchisees, we have developed a culture of innovation and collaboration, building a network where they can support each other and offer up new ideas. In this way, they can be involved not only in the trajectory of their own individual businesses, but they also can help shape and develop the future of the overall brand. This has led to much higher levels of franchisee satisfaction and helps to keep the brand forward-thinking and easily adaptable to a changing digital landscape.”
Again, the numbers offer up a clear picture of how Stuart’s approach is landing with franchisees. In the UK, on average each franchisee has an annual turnover of £79,454 (approx. $154,627.15 AUD) with the most successful turning over £425,000 (approx. $827,101.70 AUD) per year. With limited overheads, most UK franchisees achieve at least 60% net profitability.
The latest third-party satisfaction survey of Stuart’s UK franchisees from the British Franchise Association reported a 92% satisfaction rating and franchisees themselves are quick to praise their experiences with the brand.
“It’s beyond our expectations,” says Emily Simcox, franchisee for ComputerXplorers Bolton and Wigan. “We came into it thinking whatever we do, we need to make a living, live independently and have a fresh career. We’ve done that and then some. With three kids, a business, and a darkening economic outlook, there is always a new challenge, but we are constantly learning and we know we have the backing of the franchise every step of the way.”
For those exploring the world of franchise opportunities, ComputerXplorers is an exciting new prospect providing the opportunity to not only shape your own business, but also that of the franchise network across Australia and NZ.
“We’re looking for people who are passionate about what ComputerXplorers stands for and are open to embracing the innovative culture and supportive nature of the business that we have worked so hard to develop,” says Stu. “There is an opportunity here to make a huge difference in children’s lives across Australia and New Zealand by providing them with access to innovative and creative computing classes that will boost their future career options and set them up for the digital future that is coming.”
If you think that this could be you, or if you’d like more information on what taking on a franchise or becoming a master franchisee with ComputerXplorers would look like, visit www.xplorergroup.org today to contact the team.