The company’s service offers state-of-the art ground-probing radar technology in conjunction with radio-frequency locators, a fibre-optic tracing system, and more-traditional methods such as metal-detection products. The company’s trained operatives provide a fast and accurate locating service that enables the immediate site mark-out of all detected utilities. This includes clay and plastic pipes, power and telecommunications cables, including fibre-optics, and metal pipes. Customers will be able to book the new marking-out service through a central facility through which all administration will be handled, providing local support through an area franchise network whilst offering mobilization on a nation-wide basis. If the investigation need is urgent, Sumo can be on site in a matter of hours. Operating in vans with a striking logo and black and yellow livery, the Sumo concept is currently being piloted in the South East of the UK, with plans to set up at least eight franchises elsewhere in the country over the coming months. The idea is a joint venture between PipeHawk plc, whose GPR system is at the heart of the new service, leading underground survey and mapping expert Geotec Surveys, and Franchise Concepts Ltd, a business development specialist. ,SET TO BECOME a familiar part of the essential works and construction scene, Sumo is the name for a brand-new franchise venture providing a highly-accurate and cost-effective underground investigation service for construction and utility companies and their subcontractors, as well as anyone who has to dig where there might be hidden pipes or cables.