Ovenu

In the traditionally male-dominated business landscape, women have consistently proven their ability to succeed and thrive. But one sector where women are conspicuous by their absence is oven valeting – as Ovenu, the UK’s largest established oven cleaning specialists, can testify. Of its more than 100 franchisees across the UK, just six are women.

“There’s quite a lot of dismantling oven components, which I think is something that puts a lot of women off,” says Anna Mason of Ovenu Burton-on-Trent.

“It is hard graft at times but there’s absolutely no reason why the ‘girls’ can’t do this job - as we have all proved.”

Anna looks to the other three female franchisees – Julie Anson-Boynton, Andrea Clark, and Jackie Meredith - who joined her at Ovenu’s recent AGM.

Former primary school learning manager Andrea, of Ovenu Warrington, added: “It’s a male dominated profession for some unknown reason, but we want to highlight the many benefits that running your own franchised oven cleaning business provides to women.

“Being part of Ovenu means you receive all the necessary training, not just the nuts and bolts of oven cleaning, but in operating a business, and on top of that you have access to a fantastic support network.”

Julie-Anson Boynton, who established Ovenu Lichfield in 2018 and recently signed a new five year franchise agreement, did so because she wanted to be her own boss and take control of her career.

“Being a franchisee means you can organise your own schedule and work as much or as little as you want – but obviously the more you work, the more money you earn.

“Women need to bite the bullet and just go for it, especially if they are up for a challenge!”

They all agree that many clients, particularly the elderly, feel more at ease in welcoming a female tradesperson into their home

“I’ve been told by many of my clients, not just the elderly but women with young children, that they feel more comfortable. It’s certainly a big selling point for us.”

Jackie, who launched Ovenu Codsall in 2019 having spent the previous 13 years as a market researcher specialising in retail, said: “I like to have variety in my work life and enjoy meeting different people and visiting different places, so this is absolutely perfect for me.

“I also volunteer for several organisations and with seven grandchildren, being my own boss allows me to build my work around my life and not the other way around.”

Anna, who came to Ovenu in 2015 having previously worked as a senior accounts administrator for a packing supplier and before that as a school hospitality and catering manager, added: “It’s nice knowing you are in control of your time and work when you want to – whether that’s part-time or working six or seven days. It’s that old cliché about work life balance, but it is your choice.

“You receive the right tools and training for the job and if you follow the tried and tested procedures and business model then there is absolutely no reason why a woman can’t succeed and build a successful business.

“I see women involved in food, cleaning, and ironing franchises but there’s no reason that a woman can’t compete equally with the guys when it comes to oven cleaning. It’s either viewed as being too technical or it’s just not on the radar.

“If there are any women out there thinking that this could be the career for them, then I’d say go for it. It delivers a good income.

“We are all shapes and sizes and it’s a great career to have – because there are an awful lot of ovens out there to clean!”

Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of Ovenu, said: “Women have many excellent attributes that make an excellent franchisee – the main two being strong attention to detail and an ability to develop a good rapport with clients.

“Our franchisees enjoy high levels of repeat business and I think generally women possess exceptional customer service skills that allow them to connect with clients, fostering those important long-term relationships and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

“While the franchised oven cleaning industry may be male-dominated, women can thrive by challenging stereotypes. Our own female franchisees have consistently proven their skills, knowledge and ability over many years, and I hope they will inspire other female entrepreneurs to take the leap to become their own boss.”

For further information on becoming an Ovenu franchisee call 01189 743911 or visit to https://www.ovenu.co.uk/oven-cleaning-franchise/.

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF OVENU

For further information contact Andrew Douglas 01325 363436

Photo caption: L-R: Julie Anson-Boynton, Andrea Clark, Anna Mason, and Jackie Meredith are all successful Ovenu franchisees

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).