Member Article

Dave prepares to re-open oven valeting business after increase in customer enquiries

Dave Manning, who runs oven valeting business Ovenu Bristol East, is again accepting customer bookings after introducing a range of precautions to ensure a safe and responsible return to work.

He took the decision after receiving several enquiries from householders concerning oven cleaning over the past few weeks.

The move follows an Ovenu poll that found almost half the public would invite tradespeople into their homes if measures were in place to reduce any possible spread of coronavirus.

He is accepting bookings at his discretion, with the strict stipulation that both parties observe the two-metre social distancing rule, along with guidelines on hygiene and cleanliness. PPE may also be worn.

In addition, with payment only accepted electronically, it is possible to complete the whole process with minimal or zero customer contact.

Dave, who previously worked as a manager at a local garden centre fulfilled a dream to become his own boss when he took over the franchise in 2016.

However, he temporarily mothballed the business when lockdown was imposed and, to maintain an income, became a key worker at supermarket chain Iceland, where he has performed a range of tasks from stacking shelves and working on the tills to picking items for home delivery.

“I’ve been preparing to re-open my business at the appropriate time, with the correct measures in place. My priority is to keep myself and my customers safe.

“Given how much time people have spent cooking and baking during this lockdown period, I would imagine there is quite a bit of work for me to do!”

During the downtime, he has also busied himself by updating his company’s web page to improve the client booking experience.

Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Dave has taken a very responsible approach to reopening his business and has clear guidelines in place.

“I hope this provides reassurance to his customers and allows him to preserve the future of his business and make a contribution to the local economy.”

The poll, involving a sample of 2,110 people, was conducted by independent market research group DEG for Ovenu at the beginning of this month. It found that 46 per cent of respondents would consider allowing tradespeople into their home to carry out work.

Dave covers all of East Bristol, including Hanham, Warmley, Oldland Common, Keynsham and the surrounding areas.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by News Gathering .