Former project management consultant Simon and partner Hema were employed by companies in the constructions sector but have decided now that the time is right to concentrate on their own business in plumbing and drainage.
Patel said: “Simon and I have been considering franchising for some time, particularly in the sector in which we have most experience, construction. We visited the British Franchise Association Show in Manchester and looked at a number of opportunities - including drainage. We settled on Drain Doctor because we like the way it does business and franchise director Jan Mitman really sells the business."
Charmak added: “Drain Doctor has a proven system that offers a largely recession-proof opportunity where we can still be independent operators running our own business but with all the back-up that comes with being part of a large national organisation. We looked at other plumbing/drainage franchise opportunities but you don't get the same support that you do with a Drain Doctor franchise.”
"Hema and I did all the due diligence, talking to other franchisees and found that with some other franchises you are left on your own. Drain Doctor offers great contacts through its national account network that will help us to develop and grow the business."
The new London South East franchise will provide emergency drainage and plumbing services to people throughout the boroughs of Bromley, Bexley and beyond. While Charmak will start by undertaking plumbing work himself but as he becomes more familiar with the brand and business he intends to take on a role in marketing.
Charmak commented: “We intend to expand the business significantly and make the franchise as big as possible for the area. Within a reasonable space of time we hope to have a staff of qualified plumbers and drainage technicians on call in vans fully equipped to deal with most plumbing and drainage problems."
Charmak and Patel plan to start with one fully equipped van, marketing the business from day one and then to expand the business in a sustainable way, with the plan for another van and technician within six months.
Published: 29 October 2013
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