Sue's Success Story: 24 Years of Thriving with a Metro Rod Franchise

Q: Are there ongoing fees?

Yes. A Management Service Fee (MSF) is applied to every service delivered (a percentage of revenue). An Advertising Fee of 1% of turnover covers national marketing, digital campaigns and brand activity.

A Trading Operation – Not a Typical Franchise

Metro Rod is one of the UK’s leading commercial drainage and plumbing networks, delivering essential services to national brands, commercial clients, facilities management providers and domestic customers. With over 45 years of trading history and a proven franchise model, you will be stepping into a business with national reach, strong brand equity and an established support infrastructure.

This is a management franchise, operating in an essential, recession-resilient sector with consistent demand day and night. You’ll lead a team, manage operations and drive local growth, backed by our national systems, technology and 24/7 call handling.

Why Choose Metro Rod?

Essential Service, Essential Demand

Drainage and plumbing remain critical to commercial and residential properties, meaning reliable, repeatable and stable demand.

National Brand, Local Business

Each territory benefits from a carefully mapped population count and commercial density, supported by national marketing, centralised work allocation and long-term national account contracts.

Not Just Another Franchise

Metro Rod offers all the advantages of being part of a large national operator while allowing you to own and grow a profitable regional business. Our 24/7 national contact centre triages calls, dispatches work and manages national contracts, while you focus on leading your team and winning local business.

High-Growth, High-Value Territories

Many territories are established and available as resales, offering immediate income and developed operations. Others are primed for growth with strong commercial potential.

Comprehensive Support From Day One

From onboarding, training and operational mentoring through to national marketing, technology, H&S, compliance and financial guidance, we support you throughout your entire ownership journey.

The Metro Rod Advantage, At a Glance

Long-standing national brand in an essential services market
24/7 call centre and job dispatch
Proven management franchise with scalable operations
Access to national contracts from day one
Extensive technical, operational and business development support
Strong technology platforms for job management, invoicing and compliance
High-value resale opportunities available

Investment & Fees

Every Metro Rod investment varies based on territory size, maturity, and whether you buy a resale or start-up. Full details, including financial modelling, are provided for each area of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total initial investment?

Investment varies depending on whether you are purchasing a resale or launching a new territory. For resales, the price reflects the existing operation’s turnover, profitability and asset base. Start-up territories typically require 20–30% of the total investment as a personal contribution. Full details are included in the prospectus.

Are there ongoing fees?

Yes.

A Management Service Fee (MSF) is applied to every service delivered (a percentage of revenue).
An Advertising Fee of 1% of turnover covers national marketing, digital campaigns and brand activity.

How much working capital do I need?

Working capital requirements vary by territory maturity but typically cover staffing, vehicles, equipment and operational cash flow. We provide guidance and example profiles during your discovery process.

Is funding available?

Yes. Metro Rod is recognised by key franchise lenders, with established pathways for franchise finance. Because of the history behind these businesses, there is lots of data and evidence to satisfy a lender of the consistency and longevity of these businesses which makes funding far easier than a start-up.

What does a Metro Rod territory include?

Each territory is protected and mapped using population, business density, and demand profiles. You will be the exclusive operator within that region.

Do I need technical experience?

No. You will lead and manage the business. We provide full technical and operational training for you and your team.

What does a typical day look like?

You’ll supervise operations, manage engineers, oversee job schedules, build relationships with local customers and focus on growing your territory. Much of the day-to-day job allocation is handled by our 24/7 national control centre and the local team already in place.

How do franchisees generate revenue?

Through emergency response work, planned maintenance, national contract jobs, commercial client partnerships and domestic jobs.

What training do franchisees receive?

Comprehensive induction, operational training, technical training for your team, business development support, financial guidance, and ongoing coaching throughout your franchise term.

What ongoing support is provided?

National marketing, operational mentoring, field support visits, H&S guidance, compliance support, finance workshops, and peer network collaboration.

How does the 24/7 call centre work?

Our national control centre takes customer calls, triages jobs, dispatches work and manages national contracts, freeing you to focus on running your business and managing your team.

How soon can I start?

This varies, but onboarding and training begin as soon as your territory acquisition is completed. Although 6-8 weeks.

Can I meet existing franchisees?

Yes, we encourage all serious candidates to speak with existing owners.

The Next Steps

Get in touch with Metro Rod today but filling out the form below:

Metro Rod Ltd News

Sue's Success Story: 24 Years of Thriving with a Metro Rod Franchise

November 09, 2023

Joining the franchise in 1999, Sue, has not only defied gender norms but has also carved a niche for herself in an industry traditionally overshadowed by men. Her story is a testament to the thriving opportunities that Metro Rod provides, especially for those looking to break barriers and succeed in unconventional fields.

Life Before Metro Rod:

Before venturing into the world of drainage services, Sue had an extensive background in administrative and credit control. Having lived in Germany with her then husband, she took the plunge into entrepreneurship when they decided to explore franchise opportunities upon returning to the UK.

Choosing the Franchise Route:

The decision to go down the franchise route was rooted in statistics that favoured franchise success over independent startups. Sue saw potential in the drainage industry, with her able to manage the office and the staff.

Sue's positive experience with Metro Rod began with thorough research into available franchises. The decision to join the Metro Rod family was influenced by the support system, recession-resistant nature of the business, and its readiness for growth. Little did she know that this decision would shape Sue's life for the next 24 successful years.

Challenges and Rewards:

Running a Metro Rod franchise proved to be challenging yet exciting and rewarding for Sue. While acknowledging that the business doesn't run itself, she highlights the exceptional support provided by Metro Rod. The franchise's robust business model, in-house trainers, and assistance in various aspects of business, from invoicing to marketing, have contributed to Sue's sustained success.

What Sets Metro Rod Apart:

Sue's franchise stands out due to its superior training and exemplary health and safety record. Metro Rod's strategic decision-making has saved time and money, allowing franchisees to focus on growth. The franchise's marketing efforts have notably increased domestic job opportunities for Sue's business and the dynamic sales teams work tirelessly to broaden the spectrum of commercial customers whose businesses they service and support on a regular basis.

Keys to Franchise Success:

According to Sue, dedication, trust in office staff and engineers, resilience, and a commitment to striving for the best for the company are essential for franchise success. A successful franchisee, she believes, must envision the business as more than just a job.

Support and Training:

Sue highlights the continuous support and training received from Metro Rod. Over the years, the transition from manual paperwork to digital processes has streamlined operations. Ongoing training for engineers, either from Metro Rod or other suppliers, ensures that Sue's team stays updated with the latest skills and knowledge. Whilst diversifying the broad range of connected services they now offer today.

Life Changes as a Franchisee:

Becoming a Metro Rod franchisee has significantly improved Sue's standard of living. The business has become a valuable asset, contributing one day to her retirement fund. Despite occasional stressful periods, Sue expresses no regrets, emphasising the unwavering support Metro Rod has provided through both business and personal challenges.

Community Involvement:

Metro Rod as a franchisor actively engages in community and charity projects. Sue's involvement in raising funds for Harefield Hospital during the annual conference showcases the franchise's commitment to making a positive impact beyond business operations and involving the whole Metro Rod community to rally support.

Advice for Aspiring Franchisees:

Advice for those aspiring to venture into their first franchise comes directly from Sue's wealth of experience. Her invaluable counsel emphasises the importance of being ready to invest substantial effort, it’s your own business at the end of the day. Sue goes beyond viewing the franchise as merely a job, suggesting that potential franchisees approach it as a multifaceted opportunity for personal and professional growth. Specifically endorsing Metro Rod due to its proven track record, Sue's narrative serves as a compelling testament to the franchise's reliability and success. Importantly, Sue dispels the notion that one must know about the industry or have all the answers to prosper as a franchisee, highlighting the flexibility and support that franchises like Metro Rod can offer by connecting you with a network of likeminded professionals and variety of skills and expertise you gain by having the extended support team as your back office.

Conclusion:
Sue's 24-year journey with Metro Rod is a tale of triumph over challenges, breaking gender stereotypes, and finding success in an industry not conventionally associated with women. Metro Rod's unwavering support, coupled with Sue's dedication, has created a success story that inspires others to explore unconventional opportunities within the franchise network. As Metro Rod continues to evolve and offer even more exciting opportunities, Sue's experience stands as a beacon for those ready to embark on a transformative franchise journey.

Written By Tracey Cockerton 9^th November 2023

Metro Rod Ltd Testimonials

Tracey was my first contact when I enquired about a Metro Rod resale opportunity. She obviously knew her stuff, was easy to talk to and made what was a huge personal decision so much easier as a result. I always felt Tracey made every effort to make the process & negotiations as transparent as possible and was great help when coordinating the all the parties involved in the sale.

Daniel Rhodes, Managing Director (Metro Rod (South Yorkshire))

The best thing we ever did was invest in tankers. It has opened so much work: septic tanks, soakaways, interceptors, jetting and crawlering which then leads to adoption work with the water authorities.

Adrian Taylor Metro Rod Franchise Owner

I came to Metro Rod with no experience in drainage back in 2014, but I learned everything I needed from the team and, combined with lots of on-the-job experience, I am now a qualified engineer. I love working with the team here at Mid Wales; we’re like a family. We work hard, always do that little bit extra for the customer and above all else, I know my work is valued.

Tom Emberton Metro Rod Engineer

I’ve been with Metro Rod for 4 years as the Operations Manager. Everything we do here is a team effort, and whether it is in the office or out in the field, our customer service always comes first. The thing I like most is that we’re a close-knit team, and we’re flexible, so try to ensure everyone has a happy work-life balance.

Daley Jones Operations Manager (Metro Rod Mid Wales)

My wife and I have been running Metro Rod (Norwich) since 2001, and over that time have built up a strong and loyal client base.

Shaun O’Brian (Metro Rod franchisee (Norwich))

I love what I do and am proud of what I have achieved – I am thankful to my team and Metro Rod for the support that they have given to me. Although I do a great deal of local marketing, I get guaranteed work from Metro Rod with their National Accounts. Metro Rod also looks after all my invoicing and I have a very low level of debt due to their credit control service and my personal efforts. The support of a franchisor and franchise network would be difficult to match on my own!