Drain DoctorPlumbing franchisees celebrated their best year yet at the group's annual convention at the Hilton Dunblane Hydro in February after arhieving 34.8 per cent uplift in annual turnover last year compared with 2003. Highlight of the weekend's programme was a  gala dinner when chairman Freddie Mitman presented trophies and awards to top-performing franchisees and most promising newcomers.

The programme also included presentations by leading UK motivational business guru Richard Denny, whose books have been translated into 20 languages, and guest speakers from Drain Doctor's US-based sister company, Mr Rooter.

SENSATIONAL
"Even by Drain Doctor standards last year's results were sensational, coming as they did after several years of over 20 per cent annual growth," said Freddie. "However, our franchisees know you can never rest on your laurels, so Richard Denny inspired them to attain higher targets while our American colleagues described how some of their successful techniques could be adapted to the UK marker"

The franchise of the year award went to Allan and Jacqui Rook, who achieved just short of a £1 million turnover from their south-coast franchise area. They have built a 19- strong team with a fleet of 11 technician vans and two vans for managers, plus additional specialized vehicles for jetting, re-lining and excavation work.

"There's plenty more potential for future growth," says Allan, who previously served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and ran a property management business. "The Drain Doctor business system is definitely designed to generate consistent success and I was disappointed not to hit £1 million last year. We have established a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and we are winning business from other operators who fail to deliver on their promises" After being assigned the Southampton franchise in May 1996, he initially neglected to apply Drain Doctor's code business systems and, as a result, failed i achieve his anticipated targets, His business really took off, though, once he fully adopted the system.

"Plumbing and drainage repairs is a customer service business and Drain Doctor established unprecedented standards of customer service  when launched in the UK in 1993," said Allan "Other companies have tried to follow lead but we are continually seeking ways of delivering customer delight. We believe all our people are company ambassadors and their professionalism is central to out top line service."

SUCCESS
Even new franchisee Wayne Prime can testify to the success of the Drain Doctor ethos. Wayne was a member of the groups head office technical team, but left to manage another business. "When I discovered the Drain Doctor Plumbing franchise in Wolverhampton was available I jumped at the opportunity" he said, "I have always admired Drain Doctor's high standards of customer service and I believe it's the route to success."

Franchise sales director Jan Mitman explained the unique benefits of  the Doctor service. " People facing a plumbing or drainage problem want immediate solutions and our franchisees offers a 24-hour  rescue service, whether it's the middle of the night, a weekend, a bank holiday or even Christmas Day.

"There are no call out charges,no extras for working unsocial hours and offer up-front, no obligation, fixed price quotations. All our work is guaranteed and our technician even use plastic boot covers and work mats to protect interior floor coverings. That standard of service earns us a constant flow of thank-you letters from grateful customers who recommend us to their friends and relatives. This is a recession proof business because plumbing leaks and blocked drains cannot be ignored."

Drain Doctor Plumbing's operating systems set similar dazzling levels of technical professionalism across its range of services, These include high pressure jetting, closed circuit camera surveys and 'no-dig' relining drain repairs. Drain Doctor Plumbing is a full member or the British Franchise Association and was a finalist in the 2003 Franchise of the Year competition. Its insistence on delivering dazzling standards of customer service is demonstrated by its membership of the UK Trader Confederation and its registration under the UK government's Quality Mark Approved scheme.

Full training  is provided for franchisees - and their technicians-professional business and technical support is available from a highly experienced head office team. Marketing support included TV and Yellow Pages; advertising and media relations.
Potential franchisees require a minimum total investment of £35,000 to get started, although the company can help source up to 70 per cent financing for suitable applicants.