Vehicle Based Franchises

A globetrotting entrepreneur who established successful businesses in two different hemispheres is putting down roots in his native South Devon with the launch of oven cleaning service Ovenu Newton Abbot. Simon Whalley grew up in Torquay before leaving for Australia in the early 1990s, where he ran his own grocery and delicatessen in Melbourne, and then six years ago, he relocated to Spain, setting up an upholstery and carpet cleaning firm. However, after spending more than 30 years overseas...

A former sous chef who spent more than two decades working in some of the Cotswolds' best-known hotel kitchens is cooking up a new career with the launch of oven cleaning service Ovenu Cirencester. Spencer Cross, who lives in the market town and has worked in hospitality since leaving college in 2002, is now taking his expertise from commercial kitchens into clients’ homes. His career has included roles at The King's Head Inn in Bledington, The Swan Inn in Swinbrook and Hyde House, the weddi...

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...

A former broadband engineer has launched oven valeting business Ovenu Tilehurst after a routine clean of his own cooker inspired an unexpected career change. Having accepted redundancy from his office-based role, Tom Trethewey was searching for a business opportunity that would allow him to return to the face-to-face customer interaction he had enjoyed for much of his career. The 39-year-old, who lives in Tilehurst, had spent more than 20 years installing broadband in customers’ homes before m...

Simon Kirkby, who is celebrating 20 years running oven-cleaning business Ovenu Wirral South, reckons he has personally restored the shine to more than 10,500 ovens.Operating as a two-person team since 2014, the business surpassed £1m in sales last year, reflecting its continued growth. Its newest technician, Colin Gilbert, joined in 2024, and Simon’s ambition is to put a third van on the road to meet the rising demand. Customer loyalty plays a key role in this success, with Simon estimating that...

Franchisees from oven cleaning specialist Ovenu have raised £694 for Cancer Research UK at the company’s annual general meeting. The charity was chosen after a franchisee was forced to retire following a diagnosis of prostate cancer, prompting colleagues to rally behind the cause. Held near Redditch, the AGM also gave franchisees an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share best practice and align on the company’s continued growth. Founder and managing director Rik Hellewell highlighte...