60 Seconds with Barbara Symington

Monday 23 October 2023

Meet Barbara Symington, Owner/Operator of Bricks4kidz Northern Ireland

Tell us about your role and your organisation.

Bricks4kidz is an award-winning Children's Franchise, which has over 450 franchises across the globe, I have recently acquired the master license here in N.I.

Bricks 4 Kidz in Northern Ireland provides project-based programmes designed to teach the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), to children aged 5-12. The programmes are designed in a fun and challenging way using LEGO®, Technic & Robotics. Specially designed project kits and theme-based models provide the building blocks for the Bricks 4 Kidz approach to educational play and all of these assist in:

The reinforcement of age-appropriate STEM concepts
The development of an appreciation of how things really work
Building self-confidence and problem-solving skills
Fostering teamwork and creating friendships
The stimulation of children’s lively imaginations

Give us a brief overview of your career journey so far.

I started Bricks4kidz back in 2014, having travelled to Florida to receive training and accept the ownership of the 1st Franchise here in Ireland.

We began our operation with the help of the Titanic Visitors Centre in Belfast, providing STEM-based workshops alongside a LEGO exhibition in 2014. The following September saw us launch our Afterschool clubs throughout Belfast and Antrim areas. Since then we have been providing Educational, corporate and children's entertainment programmes for almost 10 years now.

This being our 10th anniversary we have taken the leap to acquire the Master Franchise license for Northern Ireland, we aim to develop this leading brand across the province.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Dynamic, driven, entrepreneur

What is one skill that helps you most in your role?

Creativity and determination to drive through change and difficult circumstances like COVID

What advice do you have for women in your sector/industry/type of role?

Believe in yourself and your dream, don't focus on what others are doing, set your goals and be determined to see them come to fruition.

Are there any exciting plans in the year ahead in your organisation that you can share with us?

Yes! As we have now acquired the Master Franchise, we are excited to offer the opportunity of joining this global award-winning company to others throughout the province.

Who has been your biggest career inspiration and why?

Alan Sugar, starting from humble beginnings, not letting his lack of education and disorder of dyslexia hold him back, he has been my inspiration and of course, I just love the show The Apprentice.....lol!

If you had to pick your soundtrack song to get you through the working day, what would it be?

Titanium David Ghetta

What's your favourite break-time snack?

Haribo

How can you fellow WIB members keep up to date with you and your organisation?
Stay up to date with Barbara and Bricks4kidz on:
Linked In
Facebook
Instagram
Or visit the Bricks 4 Kidz Website

Monday 23 October 2023