4 minute read
Meet Stuart Harley – ComputerXplorers Franchisor
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Stuart Harley is Franchisor at the leading children’s computer club franchise, ComputerXplorers
1. Who are you and what is your role with ComputerXplorers?
I'm Stuart Harley and I’m the Managing Director of ComputerXplorers. I purchased the brand in 2021 from the Bardon Group’s MD who was looking to retire.
Having owned the Southampton franchise since 2019, I knew the potential the brand had to offer –Southampton has grown to be the most successful franchise in the UK, turning over £385k a year. Whilst I manage the direction and growth of the business, and my team manage the day-to-day running of the Southampton franchise, I also like to be hands-on and still get involved in teaching classes.
2. What does ComputerXplorers do?
We prepare kids for the future by teaching technology education in all sorts of settings – from after school computing clubs, fun, educational classes for nurseries, holiday and weekend camps, home schools, museums, festivals, even hospitals.
To ensure kids are prepared for the future, we have to start young. We bring coding, robotics, game design, animation, to name a few, and we also build skills in critical thinking, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and confidence.
3. Why is ComputerXplorers a smart investment for entrepreneurs?
Coming into franchising, you’re buying into a proven business model that we have yet to see anyone fail under. We have a wide support network that feels akin to a second family who all share a common goal and understanding of whatever challenges you may come up against.
You can achieve great success by really engaging with the business model, and exploring all of the opportunities available. One of our newest franchisees has just turned over £130k in their first year, having come from a teaching background, the couple bought new ideas that have led to rapid growth.
4. What do you look for in a potential franchisee?
We take on people with little to no IT or education background as we know we can teach these things and provide a comprehensive start-up package with full training and on-going support.
Most importantly, we are looking for businessminded people with a passion to help children make the leap from technology consumers to creative geniuses!
5. How many franchisees do you currently have?
We currently have 22 franchisees across the UK as well as having recently launched in South Africa and Dubai.
6. Please tell me how ComputerXplorers supports its franchisees?
From day one we can support franchisees in assisting with applications for financing their business. Having joined the ComputerXplorers family, we then provide comprehensive training on how to run a business, how to teach using our comprehensive lesson package as well as supporting with the initial marketing drive.
Our franchisees also have the support of each other and can learn from those that have been with us for over 10 years.
7. What are your plans for growth over the next 5 years?
We often talk about this with our franchisees as not only do we want to see growth in the number of franchises joining the brand but also want to increase turnover for existing franchisees.
We are widening our offering beyond after school clubs and holiday clubs to offer wrap-around care. We’ll also be announcing some exciting extensions to the brand in the next year!
8. Do you have any discovery days upcoming?
We understand that whilst you’re looking into whether franchising is right for you, you may well have other commitments. That’s why, as well as offering bi-monthly discovery calls, we offer bespoke discovery sessions where you can speak to an existing franchise as well as the Managing Director.
Get in touch to book in a meeting.
9. What has been your best achievement in the past year?
Whilst my focus has been on refreshing the businesses foundations, we have also been pushing for new opportunities across our network and as a result we have experienced 300% growth.
With more investment in the business and marketing planned, I can’t wait to see what our network can achieve. Above: Stuart and team at The Business Show 2022
10. What are your interests and hobbies? What do you do to relax?
One of the main reasons I came into franchising in the first place was to get a better work-life balance and spend time with my family.
At weekends you’ll either find me with my three kids or taking the dogs for a walk....or using the kids as Chief Testers for our new tech!
Could You Be The Next ComputerXplorers Franchisee?
Get in touch with the ComputerXplorers team today and request your free franchise prospectus.
“It’s very rewarding to see individual children flourish, Stephanie and I love to hear about how they continue their learning when they get home. Most importantly ComputerXplorers has fitted around my life and enabled me to focus on what’s important to me. ” – ComputerXplorers Franchisee
