Robin Theakston and Charlie Gunn are responding to the increasing demand for kids coding education in their local area
Best friends turned business partners Robin Theakston and Charlie Gunn have successfully launched their second Code Ninjas location in Aylesbury. The duo opened their High Wycombe site back in February but following a triumphant start, they have now decided to expand.
This comes after ONS data revealed the number of computer programmers in the UK has increased by 51 per cent over the past decade. However, the demand for coders is far outstripping the available talent within the job market. It creates lucrative opportunities for individuals like Robin and Charlie, who have been responding to this demand for coding education in their newly launched Aylesbury location.
Before investing in Code Ninjas, Charlie spent much of his career working in finance, which, like most sectors over the last decade, has become more reliant on technology.
“It’s obvious that our kids’ lives will be hugely improved by understanding how coding works,” said Charlie. “The future is exciting, but our children need to be prepared. We want to help give children all the tools they need to succeed.”
Based within the Aylesbury campus of Buckinghamshire New University, the new studio is a parent-free zone and a hub for gamers and budding coders.
“After establishing a solid presence in Buckinghamshire at our High Wycombe location, we couldn’t overlook the opportunity to bring our coding sessions to kids further afield,” added Charlie. “Whilst most business owners might wait 18-24 months before launching a second location, the business model that Code Ninjas provides means that we can expand far quicker than if we were to launch a business on our own.”
After a career in developing mathematics programmes in the US, Robin is driven by his shared passion with Code Ninjas for encouraging kids to become problem solvers.
“With their focus on instilling resilience, problem-solving and confidence in kids, Code Ninjas ticks all the boxes for me,” he said. “We want to support children to feel confident in their own abilities and passions. As a dad-of-two, it’s something I feel particularly passionate about – it stands to reason that I’m so excited about our Aylesbury launch. After a busy summer of coding camps and regular sessions, it’s exciting to see an appetite for a third location in the future.”
For Justin Nihiser, CEO of Code Ninjas, Robin and Charlie are shining examples of how Code Ninjas is trailblazers in coding education across the UK. He said: “It’s amazing to see how this dynamic duo are responding to the soaring demand for these services across Buckinghamshire. Charlie and Robin’s contributions to our continued expansion to places previously untouched and their joint passion for helping thousands of children with their confidence whilst sparking their love of coding is truly inspirational.”