Jam Coding’s Stand Steals the Show at Cardiff Expo

Starting a new business is always a leap of faith.

There’s excitement, ambition and hope. But there’s also uncertainty. Will people understand what you’re offering? Will they see the value? Will the community respond?

For Mohammad Afzal, who launched Jam Coding in Cardiff in early 2026, those questions didn’t last long.

Rather than waiting for people to discover his new venture, Mohammad decided to go straight to the community and introduce Jam Coding in person. His opportunity came at the Big Halal Lifestyle Expo Cardiff 2026, part of the wider Big Halal Food Festival events.

The expo attracts thousands of visitors including families, children, educators, organisations and professionals. This year more than 5,000 people attended.

For a franchise taking its first steps in a new territory, it was the perfect place to start a conversation.

The Stand That Children Could Not Walk Past

Busy exhibitions can be overwhelming. With so many stands competing for attention, it can be difficult to get visitors to stop.

Mohammad’s approach was simple. Let people experience the excitement of technology for themselves.

At the Jam Coding stand, he demonstrated a motorised robot programmed to move using a remote control. The controller, powered by a micro:bit, was coded to send signals that directed the robot’s movements.

The reaction was instant.

Children walking past would suddenly stop and watch the robots moving across the table. Many rushed over to try it themselves.

Then something even better happened.

Children were bringing their parents over. Excited voices could be heard saying, “Come and see this!” Parents who had been walking past suddenly found themselves watching their children experiment with robotics and asking questions about coding.

The stand quickly became one of the most engaging spots at the event.

Parents Seeking Support

Throughout the day Mohammad spoke with dozens of parents.

One message kept coming up again and again.

Parents understand how important coding and computing skills are for their children’s future. They know digital skills will open doors to opportunities and careers.

But many admitted they feel unsure about how to help their children get started.

Some parents spoke about wanting their children to learn coding but not knowing where to find the right environment. Others said they felt helpless trying to guide their children in a world of technology they did not grow up with themselves.

When they discovered Jam Coding, the response was powerful.

Here was a programme designed specifically to introduce children to programming, robotics and computing in a way that is fun, engaging and supportive.

For many parents, it felt like the answer they had been searching for.

Building Connections

The expo was not only about connecting with families.

Throughout the day Mohammad also met representatives from organisations across the local community.

He spoke with Islamic schools that were interested in computing workshops. Home education groups were curious about dedicated sessions for their learners. Scout groups and youth organisations were exploring new ways to bring STEM activities to their members.

These conversations showed just how much demand exists for accessible digital education.

By the end of the event the Jam Coding stand had generated around 50 strong leads from parents who registered their interest on the spot. Many more visitors took away QR codes so they could learn more afterwards.

For a franchise that had only just launched in Cardiff, it was an incredibly encouraging start.

Opportunity in Action

Sometimes a single event can confirm that you are on the right path.

For Mohammad, the expo was one of those moments.

From the excitement of children discovering robotics to the thoughtful conversations with parents about their children’s futures, the demand for computing education was clear.

Communities want these opportunities for their children. They just need someone to bring them into the community and show families what they have been missing.

Jam Coding Cardiff had taken its first big step.

A Growing Need for Digital Education

What happened at the expo reflects something we see across the Jam Coding network.

Parents want their children to develop the skills that will shape the future. Schools and community groups are looking for engaging ways to introduce digital education.

At the same time many families are searching for guidance.

Jam Coding franchise owners provide that bridge. They bring digital education into local communities in a way that is exciting and accessible for young people.

It’s a business built around education and opportunity.

Could Your Story Be Next?

Mohammad’s journey in Cardiff began with a simple decision to step out into the community and share the world of computing with local families.

In a single day he connected with thousands of people and laid the foundations for a growing local business.

Across the UK there are still many communities waiting for Jam Coding to launch in their area so their children can access the same opportunities.

For people who care about technology, education and making a difference, the opportunity to build something meaningful is waiting.

Your journey could start with a moment just like this one.

For more information, give us a call on +44 (0)1254 480 470 or drop us an email at opportunities@jamcoding.co.uk