Neil and Anne's Story:

With a successful eighteen-year career in a variety of drainage and plumbing businesses, Neil Newman had experienced most of what the industry had to offer. But there was one opportunity that Neil had to wait almost a decade to achieve – the chance to run a franchise with the UK’s leading business-to-business drainage contractor, Metro Rod.

Neil had already run his own plumbing company, whilst his partner Anne Pullman had been self-employed for most of her working life. More recently, the pair had both worked with one of Metro Rod’s national competitors.

The Franchise:

Neil and Anne's experience of running a franchise business led them to Metro Rod. They liked the franchise model, but knew through experience that other franchises didn’t offer the high level of support and opportunities delivered by Metro Rod. In fact, as Neil admits, Metro Rod had been his first choice of franchise nine years ago, but at the time there were no local opportunities to buy.

When the couple discovered that the Metro Rod franchise in Exeter had become available, they needed no persuading that it would make the perfect investment for their future.

The pair were attracted by a total franchise package that includes a valuable Key Account Programme, offering valuable local contracts with well-known high street names including, BUPA , Gala Group, Pizza Express and Hilton Hotels. Metro Rod’s renowned support system has proved unbeatable, even for a couple with years of experience in the industry

In Their Own Words:

“Metro Rod’s support has been excellent. There’s a lot to take in within a small space of time, but we are learning more and more every day. And if we do have a problem, there’s always someone to answer any questions that we have.”