Former mortgage adviser swaps home office for hands-on business with Ovenu
After a decade helping people secure mortgages from a home office, Tim Smart is embarking on a new business venture with the launch of oven cleaning service Ovenu Guildford.
The 47-year-old, who was born and raised in Godalming and now lives in the Guildford area, decided to continue working for himself while building a business that would allow him to spend more time working locally and meeting customers face-to-face.
Looking for a business opportunity offering both independence and support, Tim chose to invest in the Ovenu franchise, attracted by its recognised brand, proven business model and the fact that the company's head office in Wokingham is less than half an hour from his home.
The new franchise covers the postcodes GU1 to GU3 and GU7, which includes Guildford, Godalming and the surrounding villages, creating a brand-new territory for the national franchise operation.
The Ovenu process involves dismantling key oven components, including doors, panels, fans and shelves, before cleaning them in specialist, design-registered tank equipment using safe, non-caustic and biodegradable products. The service restores ovens to near showroom condition and also covers hobs, extractor hoods, microwaves and range cookers.
Before joining Ovenu, Tim spent the last ten years working as a self-employed mortgage and protection adviser, helping clients across the UK. Prior to that, he held senior business development and management roles, including area manager for the South East with The Book People.
Away from work, Tim enjoys spending time with his partner and their blended family, which includes his 18-year-old son, her two adult children and a growing number of grandchildren.
"I've enjoyed running my own business and wanted to continue doing that, but I was looking for something that would get me out from behind a desk and into my local community," he said.
"For the last decade I've been working with clients all over the country, speaking to people on the phone or online from my home office. I wanted a business where I could meet customers in person and build relationships within the area where I live.
"I spoke to several existing Ovenu franchisees before making my decision and everyone was incredibly positive about the business. The support from head office, the strength of the brand and the way they genuinely care about their franchisees really stood out. It felt like the right fit for me."
"Tim's experience of running his own business and delivering excellent customer service means he's ideally placed to build a successful Ovenu franchise. We're delighted to welcome him to the network and wish him every success as he establishes Ovenu Guildford."
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of Ovenu