Kitchen Chat Seals Business Success for Ovenu Chichester
A routine oven clean at his mother-in-law’s home turned into a life-changing business opportunity for Ashley Graham - who is now the proud new owner of Ovenu Chichester.
When franchisee Alisdair Murray mentioned he was considering selling the oven cleaning service after many successful years, Ashley’s mother-in-law - herself a long-standing customer – quickly picked up the phone to alert him.
“I really liked the idea of taking over a flourishing business with a good reputation and strong client base,” said Ashley, 48.
“After years working in the corporate world, I wanted the chance to build something meaningful of my own, and it certainly helped that it already had my mother-in-law’s seal of approval!”
Ashley brings more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector. After leaving university, he began his career as a restaurant manager, progressing to become an area manager for an Italian restaurant chain, a role he held for 14 years. He later went on to run his own street food business in Norfolk before returning to London to take up an operations manager position with another restaurant group.
He added: “My background has always centred on customer service. Whether managing restaurants or running my own venture, it’s about building strong relationships by providing a reliable, professional service clients trust.”
The move has also enabled Ashley to relocate from Twickenham to the Chichester area with partner Sarah and baby son, Jos, allowing them to enjoy family life by the coast.
Alisdair, a former flight dispatcher at Gatwick Airport, has led the business for well over a decade and will remain alongside Ashley as an oven technician, gradually stepping back as he transitions towards retirement.
“Ashley understands the importance of customer care and high standards, and is perfectly placed with this resale to build on an already successful business.”
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of Ovenu
Ovenu Chichester covers the PO18 to PO22 postcodes, including Chichester, Selsey, Bognor Regis, East Wittering, Goodwood, Fontwell, Tangmere, Westbourne, East Dean and surrounding areas.
The Ovenu process involves dismantling key oven components - such as doors, interior 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.