The coronavirus has changed the lives of millions of people, including local Sherston friends, Giles Robinson and Martin Whitehead, who have swapped their corporate lives for a new business in the drainage and plumbing sector.

Just as the second lockdown kicked off, the pair took the plunge and launched Drain Doctor Chippenham, part of a national drainage and emergency plumbing company, on November 11. They are jointly running the business, with an experienced drainage engineer, Ben, and are already helping many local customers with their drainage and plumbing needs in and around Wiltshire.

Giles and Martin, who met five years ago in their village, started discussing the idea of setting up a business together in 2018.

With the same aspirations and realising the world was about to change, they started researching franchises at the start of 2020 and chose to buy an established brand, which was growing fast and recession proof. Drain Doctor was the perfect fit.

Prior to their new venture together, the duo have achieved success in their own careers. Giles, a qualified engineer and chartered accountant, most recently worked as a financial director for eight years in the optical sector. Martin, also an engineer, began his working life on a farm before turning his hand to construction and civil engineering, where he installed plumbing and drainage systems on commercial sites.

They said: “We were a bit wary about launching during these uncertain times, wondering if people would be trying to look after their pennies, but we realised that drains never stop blocking, so our services would be in constant demand.

“Having researched other franchise sectors, Drain Doctor stuck out as being the most professional brand, with a strong code of values and passion for providing quality and high standard solutions for customers. It just felt right. We both really enjoy meeting people and providing exceptional customer service so buying a Drain Doctor business was a no brainer! We are really looking forward to getting stuck in and being a key player in and around Bath and Chippenham … and becoming an employer of choice in our area.”

When Giles and Martin aren’t busy with their Drain Doctor, they both enjoy Tae Kwon-Do at their local clubs in Chippenham and Malmesbury.

For further information about Drain Doctor Bath & Chippenham and the services it offers, visit www.draindoctor.co.uk