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Ovenu has welcomed five new franchisees to its network during the past 10 weeks and created new subcontractor jobs as the demand for its oven cleaning service continues to grow reports the founder and managing director, Rik Hellewell.
The new franchisees have taken the territories of Grantham, Newton Abbot, North Derby, South Oxon and York. Two of the franchisees are trading in new territories while the others have replaced retiring franchisees.
Following a week-long induction for the new franchisees at the company’s Wokingham-based training centre, Ovenu said that Tom Mungall (South Oxon) already had two weeks’ of appointments booked and John Duggleby (York) had secured over 30 bookings by the end of his first trading week.
Several of the new franchisees also made successful applications for a government start-up loan to cover the cost of investing into the franchise, with the process made easier by the company’s support in drawing up a business plan and creating profit forecasts.
Rik Hellewell
Hellewell commented: “Our franchisees have genuinely never been busier, despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus. I know many businesses are in a much less fortunate position and, to a large extent, their hands are tied because of the restrictions.
“While we are definitely benefitting from people spending more time at home cooking and baking, Ovenu was able to break through that initial reluctance by some to invite tradespeople back into their homes.”
Ovenu had also seen almost every other booking since June to be concerning a new home due to the healthy state of both property sales and lettings.
Hellewell explained that he used the period following spring lockdown – when Ovenu franchisees mothballed their businesses for some two months – to draw up robust Covid-secure policies and procedures designed to instil clients with confidence.
Hellewell continues: “I’ve traded through economic turndowns, but I’ve never faced anything like this, it’s a first. However, our success is based on ongoing communication with our franchisees and clients, the fact that we have a unique training facility and an unshakeable belief in our product and procedures.
“In fact, we have had a flood of enquiries from people wanting to become franchisees – all of whom I meet personally to ensure they are committed and possess the right qualities. “Business is booming, and that success is not just down to providence but a great deal of foresight, planning and investment. It’s proof positive that the franchise system works, even in the most challenging of times.”
Ovenu franchisees undertake ISO standard training and use environmentally friendly, bio-degradable products. The oven valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven and placing them into design-registered equipment that uses non-caustic products to clean the oven parts. Ovenu’s Carbon Remover is also approved by the Vitreous Enamel Association.
For further details about the Ovenu franchise or to register for an e-brochure please contact Hellewell on 01189 743 911 or visit www.ovenu.co.uk/oven-cleaning-franchise.