Drainage franchise sets its sights on tripling its turnover in five years

A five-year plan to create jobs and triple turnover is top of the agenda for the new owner of drainage franchise Metro Rod South Yorkshire.

Taking over as managing director of the business following the retirement of former owners David and Carol Gilbert, Daniel Rhodes has ambitious goals to grow the franchise which covers Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley and Chesterfield.

Rhodes, 39, has 20 years’ experience in construction and has previously owned and managed a franchise business.

He specialises in procurement and buying, and – being Doncaster based – has worked for various Yorkshire-based businesses including Southdale Homes, ABR Projects and Wincro Metal Industries.

He inherits a team of 15 civils, drainage and pump experts and a fleet of 12 vehicles including a tanker – a service he says has potential to grow across the region in coming years.

Since taking over as MD, Rhodes has created two apprenticeship opportunities for an office-based admin assistant and trainee drainage engineer, for which he is currently hiring.

Metro Rod South Yorkshire works with Sheffield City Council and St Leger Homes as well as a variety of large, well known brands including Costa Coffee and KFC.

Rhodes said: “Metro Rod is well recognised across South Yorkshire as a thriving business so when the opportunity arose to step into the role of MD, I jumped at it. David and Carol have created a well-established and reputable company so I have big shoes to fill.

“As part of this, we’re already on the lookout for two apprentices who want to take on roles which provide them with the practical, hands-on experience they need to begin their career.

“That will coincide with a five-year plan to take the business from making £1m per year, to £3m per year.

“That’s more than feasible, as there is a wealth of untapped opportunity in the region for me to explore. We’ll be promoting our tanker services heavily, with the hope of expanding this part of the business very soon.”

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