From specialist local service to national franchise network: How The Leak Detective is scaling across the UK.

When David Hunt set out his vision for The Leak Detective, it was clear and focused:

“My vision is to be the go-to leak detection network for the UK.”

At the time, The Leak Detective was already an established specialist service in Scotland. It delivered non-invasive leak detection services for residential, commercial and insurance clients.

What came next was not simply expansion- but the development of a scalable model that could take a highly specialist service and replicate it across multiple UK territories.

A niche service with national demand

Leak detection is a highly specialised field. It requires technical expertise, advanced equipment and a trusted reputation with both customers and insurers.

While demand for these services is consistent across the UK, supply has traditionally been fragmented. Therefore creating a clear opportunity for a structured, national network.

The challenge was not demand, but replication: how to take a specialist, high-skill service and deliver it consistently through a network of independently operated businesses.

Building a scalable franchise model

To achieve this, The Leak Detective transitioned into franchising. The franchise model was designed to support consistent delivery, brand standards and operational excellence across multiple locations.

This included defining territories, developing training pathways, and establishing a structure that would allow franchisees to enter a technical industry with full operational support.

A growing UK network

Today, they have built a fast-growing franchise network. There are currently 16 locations operating across key territories across the UK.

The network continues to expand as demand grows for reliable, professional leak detection services delivered under a unified national brand.

Franchisees include experienced plumbing and heating professionals as well as entrepreneurs looking to enter a specialist service sector with strong demand and recurring opportunity.

As the network gained momentum, growth happened faster than anticipated. David explains:

“To be honest the rapid growth in 2025 took us by surprise, so much so we turned off all the advertising for franchisees and stopped recruiting for 4 months. This gave us time to consolidate and ensure all the franchisees were properly on-boarded.

The vision is still to grow the network to become the recognised UK brand and to keep focusing on training. Across the UK, there is a demand for real technical expertise in our industry and Leak Detective is determined to meet that demand.”

A vision taking shape

What began as a regional specialist business is now evolving into a recognised national network.

David Hunt’s original vision, to create the UK’s go-to leak detection network, is now firmly in motion. The Leak Detective is continuing to expand its footprint and strengthen its presence across the country.

Supporting structured growth

Behind this transformation has been a structured approach to franchising. This has ensured that growth is sustainable and that franchisees are given the right foundations from day one.

Charlie Dickson, at Ashtons Franchise Consulting worked alongside the business to help shape the franchise model and support its rollout across the UK.

However, the success of The Leak Detective is ultimately rooted in the strength of its service offering, its specialist expertise, and the clarity of its long-term vision.

To learn more about The Leak Detective’s franchise opportunity and its continued expansion across the UK, visit the franchise website.