Rival chimney sweep firms in Greater Manchester became embroiled in a dispute after Mr Soot founder David Sudworth accused competitor Sparkling Flues of setting up websites branding him the "backstabber of the year." The row erupted after Sudworth expanded his Wigan-based business into Manchester, an area already served by Sparkling Flues, which is owned by Emma and Paul Roddy's company Living Innovations. A domain-name watchdog subsequently ruled against the rival firm, ordering the offending websites to be handed over to Sudworth.

The two sites, mr.soot.co.uk and mrsoot.co.uk, redirected users to a page mocking Sudworth with an edited "medal" image, appearing shortly after a director at Living Innovations texted him expressing dissatisfaction with his expansion. Nominet, the UK domains watchdog, ruled the firm had likely known of Mr Soot's trademark before registering the sites, that they were "inherently likely to confuse" customers, and were "unfairly detrimental" to Sudworth's trademark rights, ordering their transfer to him. Living Innovations said the offending page had been removed and cited "exceptional personal circumstances," and has said it will not pursue the matter further, while Mr Soot has since grown to four offices and a training centre.