Entrepreneur Steve returns to self-employment with Ovenu Littlehampton

After the pandemic ended his previous business, entrepreneur Steve Luckett is now cooking up a fresh start with the launch of oven valeting service Ovenu Littlehampton.

Having spent years working for others, he finally achieved his ambition of becoming his own boss in 2011, setting up a thriving removals company – only to see the market collapse with the arrival of Covid-19 in early 2020.

A return to the corporate world as transport manager for an accident repair company only strengthened his resolve to run his own business, leading him to invest in the Ovenu franchise.

“I really enjoyed the freedom of working for myself, but going back to a salaried role didn’t sit well. A franchise gives me the independence of running my own business, with the reassurance of a trusted brand and ongoing support.” 
Steve Luckett

Taking on a new territory means his immediate focus is on delivering excellent service and building up a loyal client base – but in time, he hopes to recruit an additional oven-cleaning technician.

“I’ve spent much of my career in both customer-facing and managerial roles, so this is the ideal job for me,” added Steve, who is married with three children and four grandchildren. 

“I’m friendly, reliable and take pride in doing a thorough job, qualities I hope people will appreciate.”

Ovenu Littlehampton covers the BN16, BN17 and BN18 postcodes, including Littlehampton, Angmering, East Preston, Rustington, Arun, Yapton, Arundel, Amberley, Fontwell, Burpham, Houghton, and surrounding areas.

Steve, who is originally from London, left school to become a postman and later a Royal Mail office manager, before moving into logistics as a branch manager for a truck rental company.

He’s always held a strong affection for West Sussex, having holidayed there since childhood. Over the years, several family members have moved to the area, and almost three years ago, the couple followed, settling in Arundel.

“Steve has a strong background in customer service, along with the experience of previously running his own business, but most importantly, he has the drive and work ethic to succeed.” 
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of Ovenu

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