Member Article

Iain re-opens Dorking-based oven valeting business in response to rising client demand

Iain Carson, who runs oven valeting business Ovenu Dorking, is returning to work on Monday (June 1) after receiving an encouraging number of client enquiries in recent weeks.

He already has 18 bookings, the majority from those rearranging appointments that were cancelled back in March.

Iain, who spent 30 years working for several banks as a credit analyst, changed career four years ago to follow a long-held dream of being his own boss.

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Ovenu Dorking was almost fully booked throughout the months of April and May but now Iain is working hard to rebuild his business.

He had already prepared a range of safety procedures and decided to reopen once the government issued revised guidance relating to working inside people’s homes – which immediately led to him receiving several enquiries.

Iain 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.

Payment can be accepted electronically, so it is possible to complete the whole process with minimal or zero customer contact.

He said: “I, along with many other tradespeople across Surrey, temporarily mothballed my business when lockdown was imposed - a very difficult thing to do when it is your livelihood.

“Since then, I’ve been preparing to re-open at the appropriate time with the correct measures in place. It feels good to be returning to work, but my priority is to keep myself and my clients 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!”

Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Iain 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.”

A poll, involving a sample of 2,110 people, conducted on behalf of Ovenu by independent market research group DEG in early May found that 46 per cent of respondents would consider allowing tradespeople into their home as long as appropriate measures were in place.

As well as Dorking, Iain also covers Reigate and Redhill and surrounding areas.

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