The Leak Detective franchise has signed up five new franchisees in the past few months.
They are joining the network from Milton Keynes, Oxford, Birmingham, Humberside, Devon and Cornwall.
Franchises become specialists in leak detection and remedial work using the company’s proven techniques and technology, a company statement said. The business opportunity is aimed at plumbers and those with a technical background. The statement added that it can deliver potential earnings of up to £100,000 a year.
The businesses behind the franchise, Water Loss Solutions and Paradigm Reinstatements, has a 10 year track record of success and profitability in this sector, it cited.
David Hunt, co-founder and an ex-police officer, said: “Everyday businesses and households are losing many thousands of pounds through water leaks. Often these go undetected for some length of time and are only discovered when a large water bill arrives in the mail. Most insurance companies offer ‘trace and access’ cover today which means they will pay for a qualified tradesman to trace the source of the leak.
“Sometimes the source is obvious but in many cases it is more difficult to locate, as modern building techniques mean pipes are often boxed in for cosmetic reasons. There is therefore a high demand for trained water leak engineers who have the skills to quickly trace the leak, stop it and rectify any damage as required.
“For the past 10 years we have operated successful leak detection and property repair businesses in Scotland. However, we have experienced significant demand for our specialist services throughout the UK.
“To meet this demand we are now establishing a franchise network of trained technicians throughout the UK. We already have the partnerships and affiliations with major brands in the insurance industry which we believe will be a valuable source of new business for franchisees coming on board.”
The franchise offers a number of revenue streams, it noted, as once the leak problem is solved the business or householder then needs support to repair and reinstate properties damaged by the leak. Potential earnings, subject to certain conditions, could be in the region of £100,000, with strong gross margins, it was added.
Alex Golding, Oxford-based Leak Detective, added: “I’ve been involved in the building industry since the early 1990s. I was the main contractor for the conversion of an office block into 158 high end luxury apartments. When that contract was completed I moved into civil engineering/utilities and in particular water mains repair and maintenance.
“COVID was a difficult time and I decided to sell the company. After COVID I became involved in repair/renovation of properties damaged by escape of water. I was interested in a post I saw on Facebook describing a franchise for leak detection as it was relevant to the work and experience I have and links well with other businesses I collaborate with.
“My application for the franchise was dealt with competently and with professionalism and I have been extremely happy with the training and support we have received.”