Ovenu: Recruiting like It's 1999

Ovenu, the UK’s largest oven-cleaning network, has reported one of its strongest years for franchise recruitment since its launch in 1999, welcoming 16 new franchisees in 2025 along with four additional sub-contractors.

The majority invested in brand-new territories, with only just three joining through the resale of long-established and successful businesses in Warrington, Salisbury, and Guernsey.

The latest recruits are from a broad range of backgrounds, spanning IT, communications, and managerial roles through to trade services such as car detailing, truck driving, and chimney sweeping. Their motivations were equally varied: some were facing the threat of redundancy or restructuring, others sought greater control of their working lives, while many were attracted by the prospect of an improved work-life balance.

Their ages ranged from those in their 30s to early 60s, including husband-and-wife team Glyn and Justine Neal, who turned their backs on the boredom of early retirement to launch Ovenu Leicester West. The new territories stretch from Hampshire, West Sussex, and Kent in the South to Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Staffordshire in the Midlands.

Rik Hellewell, who founded Ovenu in 1994 before launching it as a franchise in 1999, said the surge in interest reflects both its internal investment and wider market conditions.

“We’ve had one of the best years for recruiting new franchisees since Ovenu began franchising, and I expect this level of interest to continue into 2026. People are increasingly looking for opportunities that offer stability and strong earning potential, and a well-run franchise can provide exactly that."

“Our role is to give every franchisee the best possible platform for success, and the interest we’re seeing shows that our model continues to resonate. During periods of market volatility, the best approach is to stick to proven business fundamentals. While many companies have stood still or cut investment, we’ve taken a proactive approach, which is paying dividends.

“Crucially, Ovenu offers people the independence of running their own business with the reassurance of a recognised brand, proven business model, and ongoing support, removing much of the uncertainty associated with launching an independent venture.”