An entrepreneur who founded an ice cream distribution company which achieved an annual £7m turnover has launched an oven valeting business, Ovenu Derby North.
Craig Lonie, who spent more than 20 years supplying one of the UK’s largest restaurant chains with frozen treats, is aiming to replicate that success in the growing oven cleaning market.
The father-of-two found out the business was up for sale when he tried to arrange to have his own oven valeted – only to learn that former owner Colin Nixon had retired.
Craig, who lives in Derbyshire, said: “I couldn’t find an alternative oven cleaning business of the same calibre and immediately realised that it represented a tremendous business opportunity.
“I enjoy being my own boss and this venture offers the possibility to expand and grow the business in future.
“The brand’s reputation for high standards and outstanding customer service match my own and I intend to learn the business from the ground up over the next 12 months before I look to expand by introducing extra vans and employing sub-contractors.”
Glasgow-born Craig, who lived in Yorkshire for two decades before moving to Derbyshire six years ago, took the decision to close his previous company after the restaurant chain took the ice cream distribution service in-house.
A keen photographer and licensed drone pilot, he added: “I’d been searching for the right enterprise for some time and I’m really looking forward to following my entrepreneurial passion with Ovenu Derby North.”
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “It is fantastic to have an established businessman like Craig join the network.
“His hardworking attitude and customer-focused approach are exactly what is needed to be a successful franchisee and I look forward to supporting his future growth ambitions.”
Ovenu Derby North serves homes and businesses across Ashbourne, Bakewell, Ilkeston, Alfreton & Ripley, and the surrounding areas.
The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them into design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic products to clean the oven parts.
For a free quote call 01773 824600, email derbynorth@ovenu.co.uk or visit www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/derby-north/.
