Founded in 2013, The Tutor Association, (TTA) was established as a common ground for the tutoring profession; a community that represents and supports tutors in the UK. The people at the heart of the TTA work to give tutors recognition and opportunities to create an alliance with other tutors and/or tutor companies.
John Nichols is now President of TTA. With his vast experience in the educational world, his intention is to help individuals discover their full capabilities as a tutor/tutoring business whilst delivering the best possible outcomes to young people.
The Vision of a Trade Mission
Knowing that change was imperative for his vision to work, a trade mission was in the foreseeable future for TTA. Having been on other trade missions himself, he could see the value within and saw this as a route to help tutoring companies and break down barriers.
John mentions that, “There was a clear mandate in TTA now to innovate. I wanted to open up opportunities in foreign markets.”
When asked if there was a pivotal moment that led to the trip, John explained that until 2022 there were many other more pressing issues to manage. However, he reached a point where it was viable to turn his goal into something tangible. Working internationally seemed to present a clear route to create more opportunities for tutors to expand, learn more and build a more powerful industry. There were other factors that steered John towards a trade mission abroad at this stage. He indicates that:
“I had accumulated a lot of work experience overseas. Furthermore, TTA already had developed connections with educational companies overseas, such as ‘Pencil Spaces’ in the US and ‘ClassIn’ in China, who are suppliers to TTA. Finally, some people in the organisation had been working in international markets for some time.”
With all that in mind, it felt like an opportune time to now build on this.
The Mission; The Value of Planning and Preparation
Supported by: experienced trade missionary, Manir Mamujee; the Department of Business and Trade; and also by ClassIn, John scheduled two briefings for attendees ahead of the mission in July and August this year. The specific goal was to create a mindset regarding:
- How to project themselves as a UK tutoring collective
- What to expect from the mission
- How to gain the most possible benefit from the mission
Both led by Manir Manaji, the briefings were to prove fundamental in shaping the dynamic that actually became a reality for the 24 representatives of the UK tutoring industry as the mission unfolded in September.
“The Tuition Centre has never really had trade missions before. Manir Manaji was a great support and has been involved in a lot of international trade and recruitment throughout his career. We were also supported by the Department of Business and Trade. ClassIn supplied e-learning solutions; they were really good hosts.”
John and Manir were transparent with tutors in helping them pitch their mindset. John recalls that he was clear with the advice he delivered to all the delegates:
“I advised them not to expect to walk away with million pound contracts, or expect something unrealistic. You won’t get your return on investment within the first month. I told them to expect to learn, adapt and discover things you may not have known. This will be a short, sharp, intense trip where the rewards will keep evolving long after the mission is complete.”
The Trade Mission; Friday 20th to Monday 29th September
In September this year, TTA embarked on a Trade Mission to Beijing, China, to learn more about teaching practices and cultures overseas, as well as an understanding of teaching strategies, attitudes, mindsets, organisations, successes and visions for the future that exist elsewhere in the educational world.
The mission began on Friday, 20th September and incorporated visits and meetings in both Beijing and Shanghai. The meetings included a variety of agents, schools and other companies that UK tutors and tuition providers might wish to work with.
Attendees were given the chance to create links with possible Chinese clients of the future, as well as agents and other business partners. An understanding of Chinese government officials, companies, schools and prospective clients was garnered, whilst a mutual understanding of tutoring cultures in both the UK and China was established.
Experiences were aired and shared from both sides of the globe. The first opportunity of its kind allowed UK tutors to foster new networks within the Chinese market with the possibility of launching significant business openings.
Tutors came prepared to switch off totally from their regular day jobs as they were fully immersed into the mission, bonding with people with very different cultural outlooks. They liaised with Chinese people/businesses, listening, learning and adapting on their feet as they thought of the best way to connect meaningfully, whilst feeding back an impression of openness and flexibility.
Delegates supported and worked collaboratively, encouraging each other to gain the most out of each situation.
The success of TTA’s first trade mission
The trip was a huge success. The consistent flood of positive feedback from those that attended the mission to China is overwhelming and leaves no doubt of the significant benefits that were unequivocally gained.
As John reflects, he concluded that, “Almost unanimously, the feedback from the mission was overwhelmingly positive. The mission was successful, firstly because the delegates themselves really got it, and worked together as a team to try and unlock as many opportunities as possible. There was a really good, cohesive spirit amongst the people that went to work together and help each other out. The group dynamic was so positive; the team effort that they displayed definitely impressed so many people on the mission. Everyone on the trip came away with a really strong professional relationship with each other.”
With delegates consistently voicing their appreciation of what was occurring for them as the mission unfolded, there was no doubt that what was being witnessed was a colossal accomplishment for TTA, and indeed being the first mission of its kind in the UK, a new beginning for the whole country’s tutoring industry. Having set a target beforehand where John hoped that half of attendees would leave the mission with at least one strong follow-up link, it became apparent that his goal had been greatly surpassed.
Feedback and thanks from the delegates
We asked a number of delegates for their feedback and asked them to offer some words of wisdom for any delegates who may wish to consider attending the next TTA trade mission.
Question: “What did you gain from the mission?
Answers:
“I gained a wealth of ideas from other eminent tutors. I believe these ideologies will remarkably extend my business capabilities.” (Persuade Ziki, Zike Expert Teachers)
“The friendships and knowledge sharing with the other UK delegates was one of the biggest takeaways……we all worked together to promote the UK tutoring industry.” (Oliver Batten, National Learning Group)
”Go with an open mind, an open heart, roll with the punches. Listen, learn and focus on what you can bring to the table………you are very likely to already be what someone is looking for.” (Matthew Curnier, Capital Tuition Group)
“The mission allowed us the opportunity to share good practice, prompt reflections of our own business model and to be inspired to create positive change.” (Heather Harries & Angela Currall, Heather Harries Education Hub)
“This trade mission was an effective way for me to understand the marketing needs in China and gain insight into what our Chinese counterparts are currently doing.” (Dr Sophia Yan Tao, Curiosity Global Education)
“I met a network of people that understand, that have been there and done that.” (Joanna Gibbs, SENsational Tutors)
“It helps to embrace the other delegates and what you can learn from them. Different companies execute different things” (Jenny McGowan, Keystone Tutors Asia)
“Doors that would not normally be open to us meant that we were able to very quickly to connect with
some very impressive operators in the Chinese educational space.” (Christopher Wordsworth, Headway Tutors)
“This experience deepened my understanding of the Chinese market, equipping me to refine and adapt my tuition model to better meet the unique needs of Chinese students and families” (Meera Vasudeva, English Tutor)
“I gathered ways to generate revenue and grow my sales pipeline.” (David Caddies, Independent A level Economics and Business Tutor)
“It has helped me to view the potential and aspirations for my own business in a different way. Being exposed to some incredible business owners who are leaders in their field has helped me level up in ways I could never have imagined.” (Jane Bilham, Vireo Tuition)
“I found invaluable insights and connections with the Chinese education market” (Piranavan, Director of Driven Tutors Team)
Question: “Do you have any advice for future delegates?
Answers:
“Thoroughly familiarise yourself with Chinese education. Be prepared to adjust your business model or strategy in accordance with the Chinese market.” (Persuade Ziki, Zike Expert Teachers)
“Do not have any preconceived ideas about Chinese culture. Try everything and learn from every experience that you can.” (Oliver Batten, National Learning Group)
“Go with an open mind, an open heart, roll with the punches. Listen, learn and focus on what you can bring to the table…you are very likely to already be what someone is looking for.” (Matthew Curnier, Capital Tuition Group)
“Take time to also listen to what everyone else has to say. Wear comfy shoes!” (Heather Harries & Angela Currall, Heather Harries Education Hub)
“Prepare and research the companies you will meet. Bring along a well-prepared marketing brochure for your company.” (Dr Sophia Yan Tao, Curiosity Global Education)
“Be prepared for any unexpected twists and turns and be ready to benefit in ways you may not have anticipated, but that will be very helpful to you and your business in ways you hadn’t possibly considered beforehand.” (Joanna Gibbs, SENsational Tutors)
“You may gain things unexpectedly, and things you expected may not materialise.” (Jenny McGowan, Keystone Tutors Asia)
“The UK may wish to refine our approach and services for international growth” (Christopher Wordsworth, Headway Tutors)
“Embrace a learning mindset and step outside your comfort zone.” (Meera Vasudeva, English Tutor)
“New connections will be key to open up future opportunities. Connect and explore, be open and inquisitive”. (David Caddies, Independent A level Economics and Business Tutor)
“It’s a long day; take some snacks!” (Jane Bilham, Vireo Tuition)
“I made new networking opportunities, appreciated differences in culture, gathered a knowledge of emerging trends and innovations and created opportunities for growth within my tutoring business.” (Piranavan, Director of Driven Tutors Team)
So, what is next on the Horizon?
As John continues to move forward with his vision, he concludes that he is delighted with how TTA and the UK Tuition Centre has transformed from where it was to where it is now. It feels unequivocally the right decision to revisit China; with so many ties now created it could be a wasted opportunity not to go back to give attendees another prospect of fusing their new-found knowledge with more information and experience from their Chinese counterparts. It would also present another occasion for members who had been unable to attend in September to embark on their first trade mission abroad.
John concludes his summary of the experience:
“I have a duty to support tutors and help them build their business. I feel I am well on the way to doing that. The trade mission in September has been a really eye-opening experience and has added so much value to The Tuition Centre. We want to lead the way to give our members something no other company has ever had, facilitating support for tutor companies to approach Chinese markets or inspire new ideas.”
Thank you from all delegates who attended the mission to China 2024. It was an experience we will never forget.
For more information about the TTA or any individuals/companies mentioned above, please follow them on their social media channels below:
- Persuade Ziki, website: Zike Expert Teachers
- Oliver Batten, website: National Learning Group
- Matthew Curnier, website: Capital Tuition Group
- Heather Harries & Angela Currall, website: Heather Harries Education Hub
- Dr Sophia Yan Tao, website: Curiosity Global Education
- Joanna Gibbs, website: SENsational Tutors
- Jenny McGowan, website: Keystone Tutors (Asia)
- Christopher Wordsworth, website: Headway Tutors
- Meera Vasudeva, website: English Tutor
- David Caddies, website: TutorAim
- Jane Bilham, website: Vireo Tuition
- Piranavan Kirupakaran, website: Driven Tutors
About the author:
This article has been written and compiled by SENsational Tutors as a thank you to The Tutor Association for their hard work, dedication and support in raising the standards and reputation of the tutoring industry.
