The Code Zone Named Xero Beautiful Business Fund Global Winner for Work Upskilling the Next Generation

The Code Zone, a UK-based coding club for children, has beat off global competition to scoop a prestigious prize in recognition of its work with future generations. The Cambridgeshire-based startup was named a global winner in the Xero Beautiful Business Fund in the “Upskilling for the Future” category.

The prize – awarded by Xero, the global small business platform – aims to empower Xero’s small business customers to boost their growth plans and drive future success. The Code Zone was recognised for its after-school coding clubs which teach youngsters essential digital skills.

James Bergin, EGM, Technology Research & Advocacy and global judge in the 2024 Xero Beautiful Business Fund shared, “Teaching code and deeper understanding of how technology works is only going to be more important the more digital our future becomes. With the younger generations knowing how to use technology but not know how to really command it, The Code Zone is tackling this problem head-on – great to see!”

Founded with a mission to make coding education both fun and accessible, The Code Zone works with children aged 6 to 16, guiding them from beginner-level coding in Scratch to advanced projects in Python. By blending play and learning, the organisation helps young learners develop the critical problem-solving, creativity, and analytical skills that are increasingly relevant in today’s technology-driven world.

Through The Code Zone’s interactive curriculum, children are introduced to coding fundamentals in a way that is both enjoyable and instructive, laying the foundation for a future-ready generation.

Ashley Payne, CEO of The Code Zone, said, “Winning this category globally in the Xero Beautiful Business Fund means the world to us at The Code Zone. This incredible support from Xero empowers us to expand our mission of making coding education accessible and fun for even more children across the UK and beyond.

“With this funding, we can reach new heights in upskilling the next generation, bridging the digital skills gap, and inspiring young minds to shape the future with technology. Thank you, Xero, for believing in our vision and helping us create lasting change.”

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund offers a £350,000 global prize pool shared among 28 small businesses that embody innovation and community impact. As a UK winner and a global winner, The Code Zone was awarded £35,000 in funding.

With the new funds and recognition under the belt, The Code Zone continues its journey to inspire and educate the next generation of digital leaders. With new funding and support, The Code Zone is ready to tackle any challenge, transforming how young people approach technology and equipping them with all the skills they need to shape a better digital future for all. For more information, visit www.thecodezone.co.uk.