International kids coding franchise, Code Ninjas, is celebrating no fewer than six new location launches and three significant milestones. Having launched in the US in 2016, the brand is recognising its sixth year in overall franchising and two years since the opening of the first location in the UK. Justin Nihiser, CEO, is also reflecting on his two years at the helm.
“Taking stock of what Code Ninjas has accomplished over the course of the last five years is nothing short of impressive,” explained Justin. “I’m proud to be leading our global network in our mission of delivering kids coding in a fun and non-pressured environment – a service that’s very much in demand in the digital world we live in today. For me, one of our greatest achievements has been how Code Ninjas has truly established itself as the world’s leading kids coding provider, which continues to appeal to prospective franchisees in the UK but also in Canada and the US, where our brand was born.
“Having been CEO for two years now, supporting our franchisees through a global pandemic and the ongoing challenges that followed, I can’t help but look to the future and what we will go on to accomplish over the course of the next two, five or even ten years. Our franchisees have continued to not only insulate the growth of our brand but wholeheartedly embrace the strategic changes we have instigated to protect our market share. This year, we’ve shifted our brand messaging slightly to ensure our commitment to taking pressure off children with a love of coding comes across clearly. Both through our curriculum and our online and offline presence in communities. I’ve been so proud to witness everyone within the Code Ninjas family adopt these changes, and I know this will take us on to achieve even more greatness in the future.”
For Justin and the global support team, there’s much to celebrate this summer. With recent launches in both Scotland and England – including locations in Newton Mearns, High Wycombe, Cambridge and Epsom – and two more studios due to open in Aylesbury and Uxbridge in the coming weeks, it’s an exciting time for the brand.
Robin Theakston, who recently opened the doors of his first studio in High Wycombe, is now preparing for a busy summer of coding camps and a second location opening as he and business partner, Charlie Gunn, launch in nearby Aylesbury.
“Our High Wycombe location is already well-established in Buckinghamshire – our student numbers have really exceeded our initial projections. Whilst most business owners might wait 18-24 months before launching a second location, we could see such an opportunity to bring our coding sessions to children further afield,” said Robin.
“I live very near to our new Aylesbury location, and with children at Code Ninjas age – we teach from aged 7-14 in our studios – I’m more than aware of the demand for our services,” added Charlie. “We’re looking forward to a busy summer of coding camps and standard sessions, and, who knows, by the autumn we could be looking at location number three.”
As Code Ninjas looks to the second half of 2022, plans are well underway to bring the network together during its annual NinjaCon. Franchisees from around the world gather to meet in the US during a three-day event that encompasses all manner of seminars, specialist training sessions and social mixers.
“It’s the highlight of the Code Ninjas year – I’m very much looking forward to welcoming franchisees from near and far later this year. I can’t wait!” said Justin.
