ComputerXplorers is celebrating an outstanding double win at the 2026 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards, as young franchisees Christopher Utulu and Molly O'Shea from ComputerXplorers Haringey took home both the prestigious Young Guns Award and the highly coveted Franchisee Choice Award.
Just one year into their franchising journey, Chris (25) and Molly (23) have achieved something remarkable, building one of the fastest-growing businesses in the ComputerXplorers network and making a significant impact on children's technology education across their local community.
The awards recognise their entrepreneurial ambition, exceptional business growth, team leadership and commitment to inspiring the next generation through technology.
An extraordinary first year in franchising
Chris and Molly officially joined ComputerXplorers in May 2025, becoming the youngest franchisees in the history of the brand. With no previous experience in children's education, coding or franchising, they took the leap from their respective careers in enterprise sales and fashion visual merchandising to build a business of their own.
They began trading in September 2025 and haven't looked back.
In less than a year, they have expanded ComputerXplorers Haringey into 15 schools and community venues across the borough, recruited a team of 13 instructors and delivered technology education to 4,209 children.
Their success is not simply about the pace of growth. Chris and Molly have built a strong operational team, developed new ways of working and created opportunities for their instructors to progress. Their first employee, Marta, has already progressed from instructor into an operational leadership role, supporting the day-to-day running of the business.
Making technology exciting and accessible
At the heart of ComputerXplorers Haringey is a passion for giving children opportunities to explore technology, develop confidence and discover skills that will prepare them for the future.
Working with children aged 5–11, Chris and Molly offer a varied programme of activities, including after-school computing clubs, holiday camps, weekend academies, school PPA cover and technology-themed birthday parties.
From coding and robotics to animation, game design and digital storytelling, their hands-on sessions encourage children to experiment, problem-solve and become creators of technology rather than simply consumers of it.
Their impact is already being felt by local families and schools. One parent contacted the business to say that her child “talks about ComputerXplorers every single week and can't wait for the next session”. For Chris and Molly, helping children develop confidence, resilience and a genuine enthusiasm for learning is every bit as important as growing the business.
Recognition from across the franchise industry
Winning the BFA Young Guns Award is a fantastic achievement in itself, but Chris and Molly's success didn't stop there.
They were also awarded the Franchisee Choice Award, one of the evening's most special accolades. All seven winners from the BFA's franchisee award categories were shortlisted for this additional recognition, with the audience at the awards ceremony voting in real time to select their overall choice.
To receive this award is a wonderful endorsement of the respect Chris and Molly have earned from fellow franchisees and industry peers.
Their contribution also extends beyond their own territory. Chris represents franchisees on the ComputerXplorers Franchise Innovation Board, helping shape the future of the national network. Both have actively supported recruitment events, trade exhibitions and shared their marketing and business development ideas with others across the industry.
A proud moment for ComputerXplorers
Stuart Harley, CEO of ComputerXplorers, said:
“Chris and Molly embody everything ComputerXplorers stands for. They have not only followed the recipe for success, but enhanced it through creativity, ambition and exceptional leadership. Their growth in such a short period of time has been remarkable, and their willingness to support the wider network makes them true role models within franchising.”
The double award win is a proud moment for the entire ComputerXplorers network and a fantastic example of what can be achieved through ambition, hard work and the right support.
With a business that is already making a measurable difference to thousands of children, an expanding team and plenty of ambition for the future, we're excited to see what comes next for Chris and Molly.
Congratulations to both of them on this thoroughly deserved double award win!
