Metro Plumb is a national plumbing business with more than 40 franchises across the country, with teams of professional plumbers dealing with emergencies, carrying out repairs and installing bathrooms and appliances.
We’re always looking for new franchisees to join us. So if you have the plumbing skills and like the idea of being your own boss, Metro Plumb is an ideal way to grow your business.
Look what you get when you invest in our plumbing franchise
Your own exclusive sales territory
24/7 call centre team supporting your business around the clock
Business support with centralised billing and advice on marketing, sales, accounts and HR
National sales and marketing team, helping the brand grow and securing new national customers
Your own website page, business email and branded uniform
Access to a job management system and IT systems
Unlimited earnings potential
Recession robust business with high growth potential
Franchises can be built into attractive re-saleable assets, protecting your investment
Access to a large range of Commercial customers and National Account work
Why Metro Plumb?
Metro Plumb is a wholly owned division of Metro Rod, the commercial drainage specialists, which was founded in 1983 and acquired by the Franchise Brands plc Group in 2017.
Franchise Brands has extensive expertise in the management and operation of franchise businesses, with a combined network of over 450 franchisees across five franchise brands, which also include Filta, Willow Pumps, ChipsAway, Ovenclean and Barking Mad.
With so much franchising experience behind you, a Metro Plumb franchise could be the ideal way for you to build a successful plumbing business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are we looking for?
We require a minimum NVQ Level 2 plumbing qualification or practical experience that we can competency test. Alternatively, you can partner with a plumber whilst you manage the operations of the business.
If you have good people skills and the ambition to own a highly successful, local business. You’ll fit perfectly.
Why choose a Metro Plumb franchise?
Running a business on your own is tough, being part of a franchise means you are your own boss but you are never on your own. You can access support from over 30 franchisees across the network as well as advice and guidance on all business operations such as HR, accounts, sales, marketing and IT, from the centralised support team.
What plumbing franchises are available?
We currently have plumbing franchises available in:
- Scotland
- Morecambe
- Stoke on Trent
- Derby
- Swansea
- Cardiff
- Gatwick
- Bournemouth
- Devon
- Cornwall
We also have an existing business for sale in Maidstone & Brighton
Even if the location you’re looking for isn’t listed, get in touch so we can understand your exact requirements, we may have a more suitable area soon to be released that we can tell you about.
Contact Tracey Cockerton, Franchise Recruitment Managerm, on tracey.cockerton@metrorod.co.uk for more information.
Do I need to buy a van?
Yes, you will need to purchase a van. We can connect you with our suppliers who are happy to provide quotes for purchase or leasing. They will also wrap the van in the brand design and even fit the inside to make getting on the road even easier.
If you have one already, we can supply the artwork to brand your van.
How much does it cost?
Metro Plumb start-up territories can be purchased for approx. £17k. The other cost you will need to consider is the purchase or financing of a van. We have several initiatives to help you purchase both, with payment plans and finance options. Contact us to discuss and find out how we can help you get started.
Do I need to be a trained plumber to own a Metro Plumb Franchise?
Yes and No. We need you to either be a trained plumber yourself or be able to partner with one.
To grow the business in the early years an understanding of plumbing is required to be able to manage jobs and so that you can advise and quote for customers.
As the business grows it becomes a management franchise in which you as the owner will be managing a wider team of plumbers.
A minimum NVQ Level 2 or proven experience is preferred.
How long do franchisees stay with Metro Plumb?
We have plumbing franchisees that are coming up to 10 years old. When we accept a new franchisee into the business, we do so because we see a long-term partnership together. We are investing in the development of the brand to become the UK’s preferred plumbing service.
Who are Metro Plumb’s customers?
Our primary target market is domestic customers. However, many franchisees also provide services for many residential property owners, landlords and insurance companies.
We also provide franchisees access to large, well-known brands through our National Account customers. Brought on by our Support Centre’s sales team.
This provides a good range of opportunities across many sectors, making Metro Plumb a robust business investment for the long-term future.
Can I get help with finance to buy a Metro Plumb business?
We have a great relationship with several lenders. We can also help directly with spreading the cost of your purchase and even with your fully branded Metro Plumb van.
How do Metro Plumb receive their remuneration?
Royalties known as MSF are deducted on sales. We have several relief schemes that provide kickbacks to support franchisee growth. The better you do, the better we do. A true win, win partnership.
What is the average job value?
£130 is the average job value; however, work can vary from a simple call out and first-time fix to requiring full kitchen or bathroom installations. No two jobs are ever the same; it keeps things exciting and provides no limits on what you can earn.
How many people do I need?
Metro Plumb is a 24/7 business. You can start on your own, but these businesses are growing very quickly, so the ambition to add to your team is welcomed.
How do I source vans and equipment?
We have several great suppliers that can support you with finance for a van. They can rack it out for your tools and wrap it in our Metro Plumb livery before you launch.
Is Metro Plumb a BFA member?
Yes, Metro Plumb are members of the BFA you will find our details on their website.
Why buy a Metro Plumb franchise?
We have a well-run business model that we know works and can make you a very healthy living. In addition, the business can be sold on in the future, netting you a sum to reinvest in your next venture or for a comfortable retirement.
Plumbing is a service that is increasingly in demand, with our support we can help you grow the business and plan for a longer-term future beyond you needing to be physically on the tools yourself.
How does the process work?
Get in touch via our web form, email, or telephone. Our Franchise Recruitment Manager will provide more information and when you’re ready organise a call to chat through your plans. You will have a single dedicated contact throughout the whole process, on hand to answer as many questions for as long as it takes.
We can support you with finance and business planning, arrange your training and support you through launch and for your ongoing franchise journey.
Can I talk to other franchisees?
Yes, you are very welcome to do this. In fact, we encourage it; it’s a great way to get reassurance and ask questions of the people that were once in the same position as you.
How long is the training?
We provide a tailored course that combines some time spent with the support centre team; we send you out into the field. Coupled with a visit to another Metro Plumb territory. We try to provide you with a well-rounded experience that gives you confidence to step into your new role.
Designed to suit you, whether you’re keen to complete it as quickly as possible or spread it over several weeks, we can work around you.
What support does the franchisor give?
We are here for you, each department, whether it’s the call handler in the 24/7 call centre. The marketing team developing the next social media campaign, IT improving how you receive and log your jobs or our technical team supporting you with rates to charge. You have a large team of dedicated individuals all busy behind the scenes supporting you.
Is it only plumbing work?
Depending on your training and skill level we can promote your services on your local landing page. If you are or intend to become Gas Safe for example we can support you in letting your customers know this service is now available.
Are you part of Metro Rod?
Yes, Metro Rod and Metro Plumb share the same Support Centre.
You are invited to explore both brands, as they provide different opportunities please visit the website for more information.
Do I benefit from trade discounts?
Yes, we work with a number of leading suppliers in the UK. For example we provide you with a Screwfix account from day one, with a guaranteed credit limit to allow you to purchase your materials on account, which get managed by us on a monthly basis from your sales.
Not only providing you with this account function, but also access to a group wide discount.
Do you provide fuel cards?
Yes we provide fuel cards to help you manage this cost over the month. This especially makes light work, when you have several vans on the road.
What other franchisees say about Metro Plumb
“I’ve always wanted to run my own business, and with the help of Metro Plumb, I believe I will make this venture very successful”
View Danny’s story and case study:From Employee to Business Owner
Danny Webster, Metro Plumb Warrington
“The period that Tracey arranged meetings and also my induction was excellent in fact, the reason I went forward with the franchise was the replay to my questions from Tracey.
Also I was never pushed into anything or pressured to do things I didn’t want to do, in fact the move over was very impressive and made my welcome into the franchise easier thanks to Tracey. It was also nice to know that if I needed to go to someone you were always there to advise or put me in touch with the right person.
To mark this out of 10 it would be a 20 so in saying this Tracey was very good so 10/10.”
Mark Williams, Metro Plumb Sutton Coldfield
“I started looking into franchises 12 months ago and dealt with many franchise managers all of whom were pushy and desperate which for me was very off putting. From the first conversation with Tracey I knew straight away she was different.
Tracey guided me through everything and always at the end of the phone whenever needed, nothing was ever to much trouble. I had many conversations while I was deciding whether this was the correct company for me and was quite demanding but this never fazed Tracey.
I decided to buy the franchise and am very glad I did. I would like to say a massive thank you for the continued support Tracey is giving us, it is a joy to work with you.”
Mike Charlesworth, Metro Plumb South Manchester
“It’s a great franchise from my experience, having worked for the Metro Rod team in the same area. I really enjoy the work, no two days are the same.”