A businessman with a rather colourful past is making a real ‘car-eer’ change – by launching oven valeting service, Ovenu Uxbridge.
Steve Keep has spent the last 20 years running his own smart repair business – carrying out small to medium-sized body and paint repairs to cars and vans.
However, a chance meeting with another oven valeter, combined with a slow-down in the used vehicle market, provided the impetus he needed to swap cars for kitchens.
The 47-year-old is focused on building up a loyal customer base for Ovenu Uxbridge but has plans to eventually operate extra vans and technicians.
Steve, who is married with two teenage sons, said: “I was speaking with a former roofer who was working as an oven valeter and he sold me on the profession, telling me it was the best move he’d ever made. So far, I must say, he is absolutely right.
“As a smart repairer, I worked part of the week on behalf of commercial garages and the remainder for private customers. That was part of the business I really enjoyed, meeting some really lovely people.”
His wife Kelly is supporting his new venture by doing the accounts, while his youngest son has already expressed an interest in joining him one day.
“I’m keen to build a reputation for delivering high quality work and great customer service, but long-term I’d like to expand the business and create more job opportunities.”
Steve, who is from the Uxbridge area, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity and allows me to build on the knowledge gained from running my previous business.
“The only difference is that instead of turning out shiny cars, I’ll be producing sparking ovens!”
Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of Ovenu, said: “Steve is an experienced businessman with many transferable skills that I’m sure will make Ovenu Uxbridge a huge success.
“I wish to welcome him to the Ovenu network and look forward to working with him to support his future growth plans.”
Ovenu Uxbridge serves homes and businesses throughout the town, as well as the surrounding areas, including Harefield, Ickenham, Hayes and West Drayton.
The valeting process involves dismantling key components of an oven such as the door, interior panels, fan and shelves and placing them not design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic products to clean oven parts. The whole process takes around three to four hours and leaves the oven, hob and exterior in immaculate condition.
For more information on Ovenu Uxbridge, call Steve on 01895 659024, email uxbridge@ovenu.co.uk or visit https://www.ovenu.co.uk/oven_cleaning/uxbridge/