Case Study - Linda and David Oakes

As the UK's leading business-to-business drainage contractor, it was hardly surprising that Linda and David Oakes were more than interested in becoming Metro Rod franchisees. As owners of her own small drainage company, business was fair but could have been much better; as Linda said herself, "we were one man with one van - there was only so much we could do".

They were very aware of the national presence and huge success of Metro Rod, with over 50 franchises throughout the UK. Linda and David had even been sub-contracted by Metro Rod on several occasions in the 18 months before taking on the franchise. Linda and David's son Stephen, now also a director of the company, made a remark in passing that they should take out a Metro Rod franchise - what could they possibly lose? It was this casual remark plus their initial contact with Metro Rod that finally made them take the plunge and take on the Cumbrian franchise - coupled with the fact that Metro Rod has been established for over 25 years gave them that extra confidence when making their decision. "My son's suggestion couldn't have come at a better time for us - to add to that, Stephen is now a very busy young man indeed and plays a huge part in the successful running of our business," commented Linda.

This was a golden opportunity for business with Metro Rod. Cumbria was an area much in need of the reliable and quality service of Metro Rod and Linda, David and Stephen knew it was for them. They now finds their team working with corporate giants such as Sainsburys, BUPA, J D Wetherspoons, Netto and Vue Cinemas to mention but a few.

"These were customers we could never have got without the support of Metro Rod and they now form the basis of our ever-growing customer network."

"Metro Rod made our transition from small company owners to successful franchisees a very simple and painless one. They took on our existing client base and enabled us to continue servicing them but with the added advantages of increased business and marketing support, higher technical expertise and, of course, brand awareness plus the trusted name of Metro Rod".

The results were immediate and, quite frankly, extraordinary. The Metro Rod franchise was taken on in November of 2008 and within a month they had to purchase a second van and employ another full-time drainage technician. By February of this year another trainee was employed and April saw them taking on another technician dealing with CCTV drainage surveys - that employee's son has now been taken on as an apprentice and all staff are training for their NVQs. Linda was delighted to be able to offer her CCTV technician his position as he had recently been laid off by another drainage company in the area who was struggling in the recession. It didn't stop there. Linda was desperately in need of help in running the office. Who better than Helen, her daughter, to join the team and really make this a family business. "To have made such a success not only for our company and employees but also for our family has been extremely important to us - we could not be happier with the way things have turned out," said Linda, a very proud mother and businesswoman.

In short, their turnover doubled within 7 months. "We could not believe the rate of growth - it was frightening to be honest..!", said Linda. "But with the support we have received from Metro Rod - which could not have been better - we know we are up to this highly rewarding challenge." The fact that the Oakes family are making such a success in this economic downturn highlights even more the strength of Metro Rod's market-presence throughout the UK and Nortern Ireland.

Franchise Director, Craig Henthorn, has been suitably impressed with the Oakes family's achievements but seems less than surprised. "We are delighted with the results they have got so far - but it simply highlights just how effective the Metro Rod support system works for generating more business. By plugging into the Metro Rod network the best results are possible - they are a classic example. Metro Rod has enabled this once small operation to fulfill its true potential. Metro Rod operates a dedicated head office with a 24-hour call centre along with free credit control, accounts assistance and a dedicated sales and marketing support team. It is a recipe for success."