Own a leading UK drainage services business - built for experienced professionals ready to lead, grow & succeed

If you’ve built a strong career and you’re now looking for a business you can run, scale and take pride in, Metro Rod represents one of the most compelling management franchise opportunities in the UK.

With decades of brand heritage, nationwide coverage and growth backed by a Plc level franchise group, Metro Rod enables ambitious owners to step straight into a high-performing operation in an essential industry.

A leadership opportunity, not a one-van start-up

Metro Rod is designed for people who think big. This is a management franchise built around operating and developing a multi-vehicle, multi-engineer operation. You’ll lead your team, drive performance, build commercial relationships and grow your fleet as your customer base expands.

You’re not starting from zero, the Metro Rod model is proven, robust and already delivering strong financial results across the UK. Backed by Franchise Brands plc, the group recorded:

• £418.5m in system sales in 2024
• 16% growth in adjusted EBITDA
• A long-term growth projection of £2.1bn system sales potential across its Water & Waste Services division

For ambitious new owners, that means you are stepping into a business with real momentum, strong commercial foundations and significant room to scale.

Operate in a sector that never stops – essential drainage services

Metro Rod specialises in keeping Britain moving, and compliant, through a comprehensive suite of drainage services, including:

• Drain unblocking & cleaning
• High-pressure water jetting
• CCTV drainage surveys
• Pump maintenance & repairs
• Grease management and interceptor work
• Tanker services for larger, more complex jobs
• Planned preventative maintenance for commercial customers

These services are mission-critical for facilities across the UK, from retail parks and logistics hubs to local authorities, restaurants, schools, manufacturing sites and property managers.

This sector benefits from:

• Constant and predictable demand
• Emergency response work that generates repeat business
• Long-term maintenance contracts
• Strong client reliance and high switching costs

When buildings depend on you to stay operational, the revenue potential is as resilient as the service you’re delivering.

A sector ripe for consolidation and growth

The UK drainage and surface water management market continues to expand, with significant long-term opportunity for operators who can deliver quality, consistency and professionalism. Consider the landscape:

The UK below-ground drainage market reached £846m in 2024, with steady growth forecasts through 2029.

• Commercial clients increasingly seek single-provider solutions across multiple sites, a strong fit for Metro Rod’s national structure.
• Climate change, ageing infrastructure and tighter regulation continue to drive increased demand for high-quality drainage services.
• Adjacent waste and environmental service lines create additional opportunities to diversify and strengthen revenue.
• This is a sector where professional operators can outperform smaller local competitors and Metro Rod franchisees are well-positioned to capitalise on this shift.

A well-established UK network – with unlimited growth potential

Metro Rod has built a powerful UK footprint, with 43 established territories operated by driven, hands-on business owners. Each territory runs its own team of engineers, vehicles and commercial contracts, while still benefiting from the strength, scale and credibility of the national brand.

As part of the wider Franchise Brands plc group, you also benefit from:

• Centralised expertise - Marketing, operations, technology, systems and business development support designed to help you grow faster and more efficiently.
• Major national accounts - A significant proportion of work comes via national clients who operate multiple sites, providing recurring revenue for franchisees ready to service commercial contracts.
• A wider international community - Over 600 franchise partners across the Franchise Brands family share knowledge, training and best practice across several complementary service sectors.
• Room to scale - Whether it’s expanding your fleet, growing your team, acquiring neighbouring territories, or exploring multi-brand ownership within the group, your growth potential isn’t capped, it’s guided and supported.

Who we’re looking for – the ideal Metro Rod owner

You don’t need drainage experience, many of our most successful owners come from corporate, operations, engineering, facilities or service-led backgrounds. What matters is your ability to lead a business and motivate a team.

You’ll thrive if you bring:

• Commercial experience in managing budgets, KPIs or operations
• Leadership qualities that inspire and develop your team
• A long-term vision to build something substantial
• Commitment to high standards in customer service, safety and compliance

If you’ve ever managed people, budgets, contracts or operations, you already have the transferable skills needed to succeed.

What you’ll receive – the Metro Rod advantage

Choosing Metro Rod means accessing one of the most established support systems in the industry. You’ll receive:

• Full training programme - Technical, operational, financial and business training to set you up for day-one confidence.
• Business launch and growth support - Dedicated onboarding, local marketing, national brand campaigns and ongoing performance support.
• Industry-leading systems - Advanced job management, scheduling, CRM, workforce management and compliance tools to keep your operation efficient and scalable.
• Operational guidance - From engineer recruitment to service standards, pricing, safety, equipment and fleet, we help you put the right structure in place.
• A long-term partnership focus - We work collaboratively to help you grow your fleet, build your customer base and develop a business with real capital value.

What’s next?

If you’re exploring business ownership and want a franchise that offers substance, scale and long-term stability, Metro Rod is ready to meet you. Your next steps:

• Request the Metro Rod Information Pack
• Book a no-obligation conversation with our franchise team
• Explore available territories or upcoming resale opportunities
• Begin mapping out your growth plan in a sector that rewards professionalism and ambition

Interested in Metro Rod?

Contact Tracey Cockerton

Franchise Recruitment Manager

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Click on the link below to receive further information on our franchise opportunity. You can also connect directly with us to ask any questions.

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