Case Study - Maureen and Clive Newport

Maureen and Clive Newport had decided to join up with Metro Rod in 2001. They were approaching their 50th birthdays, and felt that the time was ripe for a change in their working lifestyles. With both their sons now grown up, they wanted the chance to both work and spend quality time together. It was Clive's brother who came up with the solution. He had heard about the Metro Rod franchise, and sensing that this would be a potential result for Clive and Maureen, sent them the details.

The couple got in contact with Metro Rod, and shortly, they were signing up with the company. Maureen remembers that initially, the company even took the trouble to take them through every aspect of the contract, right to the letter. 'Initially, Metro Rod took us through our contract in detail. We then took the contract to a solicitor to also take us through it. But when the solicitor spoke, we knew everything that he was going to say. Metro Rod had taken the trouble to provide us with all the details already.'

Maureen says that the training and support are excellent. 'The company is just a phone call away if you need backup. If you ring them, they will give you an answer to the question you have.'

The induction training programme takes the franchisees through every part of Metro Rod, both on the administration and technical sides. Maureen and Clive recall that the training was a key part of their induction. 'The training is excellent,' says Maureen. 'Initially, we were trained at head office. Clive learnt about the practical side, including the handling of the equipment. I learnt about book-making and administration. 'We then received practical training for two weeks. Clive had someone to help him on the road, while I had someone in the office with me.'

All Metro Rod franchisees get their own territory, determined by postcode areas, ensuring that you have the freedom to develop your contacts and build your own business base. Maureen says that in five years' time, she and Clive hope that their business will be even bigger than it is now. That's no wild aim, as Maureen says that their business is expanding all the time at a faster rate than they had imagined. 'Metro Rod is such a good company,' says Maureen. 'It offers the best backup and that's very important at the beginning. There is always somebody on hand if you are not sure of something.'