Our History From One Idea to a Nationwide Network
Fifteen years of growth, innovation, and expanding coverage — from a single operator in the North East to 50+ franchisees serving homes and businesses across the UK and beyond. Here is how it happened.
How ZeroDryTime Started
It began with a question our founder David kept hearing from customers: "How long will my carpets take to dry?" Traditional steam cleaning and hot-water extraction left carpets soaking wet for 24–48 hours — a genuine problem for busy households and commercial premises alike.
In 2007, David started experimenting with dry carpet cleaning techniques and quickly recognised a huge gap in the market. Families and businesses needed a professional result without the disruption. By February 2008, ZeroDryTime was incorporated — and the journey began, initially offering carpet and upholstery cleaning only.
In June 2008, Dean Davis joined as Director, bringing additional expertise and ambition. Phil Gibson — with a background in clothes dry cleaning and experience servicing hotels in the North East — became ZeroDryTime's very first franchisee. The model was taking shape: a proven system, delivered locally by trained operators who ran their own businesses under the ZeroDryTime brand.
The Early Years at a Glance
Four milestones that turned a single question into a functioning franchise network.
David recognises that customers consistently ask one question: "How long will my carpets take to dry?" Traditional methods have no good answer. The idea takes hold.
After months of experimentation with dry cleaning techniques, ZeroDryTime is formally incorporated. The journey begins with carpet and upholstery cleaning.
Dean Davis joins as Director. Phil Gibson — from a clothes dry cleaning background, servicing hotels in the North East — becomes ZeroDryTime's first franchisee.
Yusuf and the Adeo Group join the team, providing online and offline marketing, graphic design, and web services — building the brand presence that underpins future growth.
A Timeline of Growth
From a single operator in the North East to a nationwide franchise network — every milestone, verified and in order.
Seven Operators & Global Inspiration
The network reaches 7 franchisees. Researching the industry, the team identifies new techniques and products being used in the USA with strong potential to work in the UK — the seeds of future innovation.
Sixteen Operators & Proprietary Chemistry
Working with specialist chemists, ZeroDryTime develops its own unique encapsulating cleaning chemical — a proprietary formulation that becomes a cornerstone of the system's superior results.
Twenty-Four Operators & New Headquarters
The network grows to 24 franchisees and the business outgrows its original base. New office premises are taken on, giving the growing support team the space to scale operations across the UK.
Fifty-One Operators by Year End
Accelerating growth sees the network pass 46 franchisees early in the year and close 2017 with 51 — the fastest expansion period to date, reflecting growing demand for low-moisture cleaning across the UK.
Sixty-Five Operators in Q1
Sustained year-on-year growth continues, with 65 franchisees recorded in the first quarter of 2019. ZeroDryTime's reputation as the UK's go-to dry cleaning franchise network is firmly established.
Fourteen Operators & Commercial Expansion
Now at 14 franchisees, ZeroDryTime introduces new low-moisture machines capable of deep cleaning large commercial areas rapidly — expanding the service offering beyond domestic into commercial premises.
First International Franchise: New Zealand
ZeroDryTime's model proves its appeal beyond the UK. The company's first international franchise is established in New Zealand — a milestone that validates the system on the world stage.
British Franchise Association Membership
ZeroDryTime joins the British Franchise Association (BFA) and begins exhibiting at franchise shows — a formal commitment to industry standards and a signal to prospective franchisees of the company's credibility.
Sixty Operators & Republic of Ireland Launch
The network hits 60 franchisees and ZeroDryTime establishes its first franchise in the Republic of Ireland — extending the brand's reach to a second country for the first time.
Seven Operators & Global Inspiration
The network reaches 7 franchisees. Researching the industry, the team identifies new techniques and products being used in the USA with strong potential to work in the UK — the seeds of future innovation.
Fourteen Operators & Commercial Expansion
Now at 14 franchisees, ZeroDryTime introduces new low-moisture machines capable of deep cleaning large commercial areas rapidly — expanding the service offering beyond domestic into commercial premises.
Sixteen Operators & Proprietary Chemistry
Working with specialist chemists, ZeroDryTime develops its own unique encapsulating cleaning chemical — a proprietary formulation that becomes a cornerstone of the system's superior results.
First International Franchise: New Zealand
ZeroDryTime's model proves its appeal beyond the UK. The company's first international franchise is established in New Zealand — a milestone that validates the system on the world stage.
Twenty-Four Operators & New Headquarters
The network grows to 24 franchisees and the business outgrows its original base. New office premises are taken on, giving the growing support team the space to scale operations across the UK.
British Franchise Association Membership
ZeroDryTime joins the British Franchise Association (BFA) and begins exhibiting at franchise shows — a formal commitment to industry standards and a signal to prospective franchisees of the company's credibility.
Fifty-One Operators by Year End
Accelerating growth sees the network pass 46 franchisees early in the year and close 2017 with 51 — the fastest expansion period to date, reflecting growing demand for low-moisture cleaning across the UK.
Sixty Operators & Republic of Ireland Launch
The network hits 60 franchisees and ZeroDryTime establishes its first franchise in the Republic of Ireland — extending the brand's reach to a second country for the first time.
Sixty-Five Operators in Q1
Sustained year-on-year growth continues, with 65 franchisees recorded in the first quarter of 2019. ZeroDryTime's reputation as the UK's go-to dry cleaning franchise network is firmly established.
Our Values
The principles that shaped ZeroDryTime from day one — and still guide every operator, every clean, and every customer interaction today.
"No wet carpets. No long waits. No compromise."
The founding principle that has driven ZeroDryTime since 2008 — and still defines everything we do.
Environmentally Responsible
Our system uses a genuine dry organic process that controls moisture at every stage. Biodegradable, non-toxic solutions — safe for families, pets, and the environment. Up to 90% less water than traditional steam cleaning.
Professional Standards, Always
Every ZeroDryTime operator completes a structured training and certification programme before their first clean. BFA membership and full public liability insurance are non-negotiable across the network.
Continuous Innovation
We don't stand still. From developing our proprietary encapsulating chemical in 2013 to researching global industry advances, we invest in getting better — because our customers deserve the best available results.
Local Experts, National Network
Our franchise model puts a trained, accountable professional in your local area — someone invested in their community and their reputation. National standards, delivered with local care.
Honest, Transparent Service
No hidden charges, no surprise costs. Every clean begins with a free in-home assessment and a clear, no-obligation quote. What we say we'll do, we do — and we stand behind every clean we carry out.
Built on the Same Principle Since 2008
Bigger network, more services, more operators — but the answer to that original question has never changed.
Nationwide Coverage
From the North East where we started, to London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland — ZeroDryTime operators are within reach of virtually every UK household.
Accredited & Insured
British Franchise Association member since 2016. Every operator holds comprehensive public liability insurance and completes our full training and certification programme before their first job.
The Same Principle
The answer to that original question — delivered across thousands of homes and commercial premises every year. Dry within 30 minutes. No disruption. Professional results, every time.
Get Started
Ready to Experience the ZeroDryTime Difference?
Find your nearest operator and get a free, no-obligation quote today.