Ovenu Wirral South marks 20 years as sales exceed £1m
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 up to 90% of his own work comes from repeat business.
“I think clients trust the Ovenu name, and they know we deliver a premium service. When people come back year after year, it shows you’re doing something right.”
That reputation is reflected in more than 2,500 positive online reviews, the vast majority awarding the business a maximum five stars.
Despite spending two decades tackling one of the household jobs many people dread, he still enjoys the work.
“People laugh when I say I enjoy cleaning ovens, but I genuinely do. There’s real satisfaction in bringing a dirty oven back to life and seeing customers’ reactions never gets old!”
Ovenu Wirral South covers Ellesmere Port, Bromborough, Heswall, Neston, Bebington, and surrounding areas.
Simon, who lives in Ellesmere Port, began his career as a trainee bank manager before moving into roles with British Aerospace and later the print industry, where he spent 17 years as an account manager. Eventually, he decided to pursue his ambition of becoming his own boss.
Looking back, he says his only regret is not making the move sooner.
“It took me a while to take the leap, but once I did, I realised I should have done it years earlier. Being part of a franchise gave me support and structure while still giving me the independence of running my own business.
“It’s been rewarding both personally and professionally, and I’m excited about the future.”
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Reaching 20 years in business is a tremendous achievement and Simon should be incredibly proud. He’s built a highly successful venture through hard work, consistency and outstanding service.”
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.