City analyst makes 'clean' career break with Ovenu Loughton
After 25 years working in the City, John Abbott is turning up the heat on a completely new career with the launch of oven cleaning service Ovenu Loughton.
He spent most of that time with a single financial services firm as a middle office analyst, managing financial and operational risk, but as the business grew from a few dozen employees to more than 500, he found himself increasingly detached from corporate life and began considering a change.
The 45-year-old, who lives in Loughton, said: “Over time, the company changed as it grew. I’d given a huge portion of my life to the City but reached a point where I wanted to build something of my own.”
The idea for his new venture was sparked closer to home after his partner of 30 years arranged for the family oven to be professionally cleaned. Intrigued, he began researching the industry and ultimately chose the Ovenu franchise, attracted by its established reputation, comprehensive training programme and ongoing support.
Ironically, it’s not John’s first hands-on role. Raised in Hainault, he became a double glazing fitter on leaving school, later moving into an entry-level financial position at a Leytonstone shipping firm. While there he attended night classes to gain his accountancy qualifications.
The father-of-three added: “I started out on the vans as a double glazing fitter, so it feels good to be returning to a van and a trade again - albeit a vastly different one from the last couple of decades.
“I bring a lot of transferable skills with me from the City, including attention to detail, professionalism, politeness and a strong work ethic.”
As a new franchisee, John’s immediate focus is on establishing Ovenu Loughton and building a loyal local customer base, with plans to grow the business and eventually employ an additional oven cleaning technician.
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of Ovenu, said: “John is a great example of the diverse backgrounds that our franchisees come from. His City career has instilled discipline, precision and accountability, qualities that translate perfectly into running a successful business.”
The Ovenu process involves dismantling key oven components, such as doors, panels, fans and shelves, and cleaning them in design-registered tank equipment using safe, non-caustic and biodegradable products. The service leaves ovens in near showroom condition, and also covers hobs, extractor hoods, microwaves and range cookers.
Ovenu Loughton covers the IG8, IG9 and IG10 postcodes, which include Loughton, Woodford Green, Woodford Bridge, Redbridge, Buckhurst Hill, Epping Forest, High Beach and surrounding areas.