Nigel Toplis Managing Director Recognition Express Limited ComputerXplorers Limited Chairman of bfa

1. Nigel Toplis Managing Director Recognition Express Limited ComputerXplorers Limited Chairman of bfa

3. ComputerXplorers is part of the world’s largest franchised network providing quality technology education for children.

4. Computertots Computer Explorers in the US • Franchising in the US since 1988 • Over 100 US franchisees • Part of the ICED group of companies • ICED is master licence holder of Kall Kwik

5. A new business opportunity • Home-based franchise • Offering weekly technology classes to children • Children aged 3-13 years • Technology skills – promoting academic readiness for younger children • Technology skills to improve learning, productivity and performance for older children • From core computer skills to spreadsheets, graphics programmes, robotics and engineering • Wide range of venues: nurseries, playgroups, after school clubs, schools, holiday activity schemes etc.

6. Why this business? • ‘…pupils using ICT more often achieve higher than predicted GCSE results…’ BECTA ImpactCT2 Report 2004 • ‘…information and communication technology (ICT) makes a massive addition in value to the teaching and learning in students and young people in our society…’ Charles Clarke, Secretary of State for Education January 2004

7. Why this business “Helping every child reach their full potential and closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged young people and their peers will be the top priority behind education policy” “By 2010-11, the Department for Education and Skills will be investing over £1 billion more than today” “By 2010 all schools will be extended schools, offering activities from 8am to 6pm, five days a week, 48 weeks a year in response to demand” Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Education and Skills

8. Huge potential market • 11 million children in the UK • 34,000 nurseries and pre-school groups • 24,000 primary schools • Numerous after school and holiday clubs

9. Experience and expertise • 100+ franchisees in the US • 22 years of US experience • Part of the Recognition Express Group • Recognition Express: Franchisor of the Year 2003

10. Getting together • Investigation • Research • Market Potential • Best fit business • Rational deliberation • Brand development

11. Getting together

12. Getting together • Relationships • ‘Chewing the cud’ • Did it ‘feel good’ thereafter • Investigation • Research • Market Potential • Best fit business • Rational deliberation

13. Coming from US • Retain the best • Remove the worst • Anglicise the proposition • Moulded to UK requirements

14. Coming from US • Business to business < relationships < activity < good marketing < building a brand • UK is different • US knowledgeable and understanding

15. Coming from US • Send all Franchise Owners to US • Work closely with US on curriculum development • On going monthly conference calls • Maintain very open dialogue • Visit US at least once/year • Swap areas of best practice

16. UK Launch • Changed name • Amended the logo • Removed red, white and blue • Invested huge monies in marketing < centralised programmes < collateral < PR < Training < Database validation • Decided to go down ‘pilot’ route

17. Marketing Plan

18. Current Status • Seven pilot Franchise Owners • Roll-out on plan • Objective is 20 by December 2008 • Strategy is to continue pilot to March 2008

19. Current Status • Very happy with brand, business and potential • Learnt some lessons < not cheap! < not everything is importable < recognise your market < licence is only the start < be true to your vision < work together!

20. ‘I want every child, every young person, wherever they are, to achieve their full potential. ICT has an important place in making this possible.’ Secretary of State for Education and Skills www.computerxplorers.co.uk

21. Thank You