Ovenu

Former chimney sweep Barrie Neilon is hoping to stoke up the flames of success in his new business venture, oven cleaning service Ovenu Winchester.

The father-of-three has already been encouraged by the number of clients contacting him in his first few weeks and forecasts that demand will increase in the run-up to Christmas.

A long-held ambition to run his own businesses, combined with a growing reluctance to venture onto house roofs, prompted him to invest in respected franchise operation, Ovenu.

The 40-year-old, who lives with his family on the outskirts of Winchester, said: “I’m really proud to have set up business up and I’ve already received plenty of positive feedback from local people.

“I’m focused on building up my client base, and eventually I’d like to reach the point where I can take on an additional oven technician.

“I’m really enjoying the job and meeting new people, together with the fact that I can keep my feet on the ground!”

He had worked as a HETAS approved chimney sweep since 2018, and also installed biomass and wood burning heating systems. Prior to that, he was a scaffolder for 18 years.

Being his own boss also allows him to structure his work life around family commitments, which includes his partner and children aged 10, seven and five.

He added: “I did think about starting a business a couple of years ago, but it all felt a bit daunting. Being part of a franchise means I not only have the tried and trusted Ovenu brand behind me, but I also have the reassurance of a full training package and ongoing support.”

Barrie is a keen member of Winchester School of Martial Arts, where he practices Brazilian Ju Jitsu. His children are also active participants, with his two eldest competing across the country, with one recently selected for the English Open BJJ Championships in London.

Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of Ovenu, said: “Barrie is a welcome addition to our network. He already has a great deal of technical ability and is focused on delivering a quality service, all the attributes needed to quickly build a successful business.”

The Ovenu process involves dismantling key components such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them in design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic and biodegradable products to clean the parts. The whole process leaves the oven in near showroom condition. As well as conventional ovens, it also covers hobs, extractor hoods, microwaves, together with range cookers and ovens.

As well as the cathedral city, Ovenu Winchester covers all surrounding areas covered by the 01962 dial code, including Cheriton, Hursley, Owslebury, and Sparsholt.

For a free quote call Barrie on 01962 458438, email winchester@ovenu.co.uk or visit https://www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/winchester/

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF OVENU

For further information contact Andrew Douglas 01325 363436

Photo caption: Barrie Neilon of Ovenu Winchester

Editors’ Notes:

Ovenu is the leading UK and international domestic oven cleaning and valeting specialist. All cleaning products used by Ovenu are environmentally friendly, bio-degradable and conform to the latest government REACH regulations. Ovenu’s Carbon Remover is also approved by the Vitreous Enamel Association. The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven and placing them into design-registered equipment, which uses non-caustic, non-toxic and biodegradable products to clean the oven parts. Ovenu was a founder member of the Approved Franchise Association (AFA).