Trio of success for Mathnasium

The management franchise celebrates the successful launch of three new branches across the UK

As a well-established management franchise, Mathnasium is a brand that attracts some of the highest-calibre executives from across the UK. Its 21-strong network is now celebrating the opening of three new centres with impressive leaders at the helm. 

Mathnasium of Twickenham is the first centre for Ken Shum. Though new to Mathnasium, Ken has a wealth of commercial expertise, as well as being a franchisee for several other brands. His interest in both education and business made the franchise an ideal match.

He explains: “I’m passionate about education and helping children build their confidence in maths, which is why I am excited to bring Mathnasium to my local community.

“During my research, I was impressed with Mathnasium’s unique approach to teaching: simple, precise vocabulary and concepts in an enjoyable and engaging environment. All of which aligns with my own values. I am delighted to be part of the Mathnasium community!”

It really is a testament to the success of a franchise network and the strength of a brand when a member of the head office team decides to invest in a franchise of their own. Fiona MacKenzie, soon to launch Mathnasium of Richmond upon Thames, is a former centre director for Mathnasium of Clapham – the brand’s largest company-owned centre.

Fiona spent four years with the head office team before taking the leap into business ownership for herself.

“I completed an MSc in Mathematics at Edinburgh University and then went into performing arts and spent time working on cruises as lead vocalist in theatre companies,” says Fiona.

“I worked as an instructor at Mathnasium whilst studying – it wasn’t meant to be a long-term plan, but I fell in love with the brand and what it stands for.

“I went from being an instructor to running that centre and from then on, I knew it was going to be my long-term career path. Seeing the confidence develop in so many children and experiencing the support and investment from the franchisor sealed the deal for me!”

Mathnasium is one of the fastest-growing after-school education franchises in the UK. Combining a centre-based and online tuition model, franchisees manage a team of instructors who expertly guide students through a customised learning plan, supporting all learning styles.

In a market where demand continues to outstrip supply, some of Mathnasium’s 21-strong network are moving into multi-unit ownership. Martin Heaton Cooper is one such franchisee. Martin launches his second franchise in Muswell Hill in a matter of weeks.

He says the combination of outstanding feedback from students and parents, the sense of personal satisfaction and the continued demand spurred him on to invest in a second territory.

“We are literally changing lives,” Maartin says. “Often, we’ll see kids that have fallen behind, and to watch these children grow in confidence and ability is enormously rewarding. We place the quality of education first, and it has been recognised for two years in a row that we have the highest standards of all Mathnasium Centres in the UK.

“I’m excited to get to work replicating this success at Muswell Hill!”

Ken, Fiona and Martin join a network of happy, thriving franchisees. Mathnasium has been awarded the coveted 5-star Satisfaction Award by the latest WorkBuzz Franchisee Satisfaction Survey after its franchisees anonymously rated the brand above industry average in key areas such as training and support, system, culture, relationships, leadership and overall satisfaction.

“We’re absolutely delighted by the results of the survey,” says John Preston, UK master franchisee for Mathnasium. “The last few years have been spent building an incredible head office team, mentoring franchisees and implementing positive, lasting change to drive the business forwards. It doesn’t get much better than being awarded 5-Star Satisfaction from your own network!”