Code Ninjas named ‘Best New Business’

Recognising business excellence in the community, applicants are judged against a broad range of criteria, from their entrepreneurial spirit and strategic direction to their community focus and positive company culture. “It was great to celebrate the Business Awards with the finalists and winners at this year’s awards ceremony, and once again the quality of businesses was extremely high. This is testament to the excellent businesses we have operating locally,” said Chris Grayling.

Delighted with winning such an accolade, Lee said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award. Since I opened Code Ninjas Epsom in May this year, I’ve focused on providing a much-needed addition to the community. My aim is to empower young people and to help shape their future in a positive way. The Code Ninjas curriculum boosts digital literacy whilst engaging young people, and I’m so pleased to bring this to my hometown of Epsom. The whole team at Code Ninjas feel very proud. Being acknowledged by the business community means a lot – we bring something special to Epsom, and it is wonderful for that to be recognised.”

Code Ninjas is a coding franchise which teaches children key skills in a fun, collaborative, and confidence-building environment. Taking a refreshing approach to learning, the students are called Ninjas, the teachers are called Code Senseis and their studio is the Dojo. Code Senseis help ninjas progress through the programme by working towards coloured wristbands - or ‘belts’ - based on the colour system in martial arts. The curriculum is task-based, self-paced and encourages the ninjas to collaborate with their friends. At the end of the programme, ninjas will have developed a game or an app of their own, which their friends and family can download.

Lee has already recruited a team of local rising stars in the tech industry, with students and recent graduates joining with him to deliver the curriculum. Importantly, the Dojo is a parent-free zone allowing the kids to fully express themselves in a friendly environment with wise and knowledgeable Senseis to help guide them.

Justin Nihiser, CEO of Code Ninjas, said: “Code Ninjas Epsom winning the Best New Business award is a huge achievement, particularly during such a challenging economic period. Our efforts are focused on supporting our network, and seeing Code Ninjas Epsom, the first of its kind in the area, make such a positive start is incredible. The team at Code Ninjas is proud to not only provide an exemplary resource for kids, but also to be named as an award-winning business opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs too.”

Lee concluded: “I was up against some really tough competition, and I extend my congratulations to all of the other entries in the category.”