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.

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.

On all member companies you can gain information about the business easily and quickly by using the Information Request button on the listing.

ComputerXplorers - Provisional Listing Company Providing ICT training to children aged 3 to 13 to build children’s knowledge in computers, technology and information but also numeracy, literacy and maths. Sector: Children/Play Education ComputerXplorers Information Request 1342 ComputerXplorers Unit 2, Cartwright Court, Cartwright Way, Bardon, Coalville, LE67 1UB www.computerxplorers.co.uk Ms Janet Matthews Tel: 01530 513308 Fax: 01530 513309 jmatthews@computerxplorers.co.uk