Member Article

Gulls supporter Rob prepares to clean up with new oven valeting business

Gulls fan Rob Burkitt is hoping his new oven valeting business Ovenu Newton Abbot will prove a flyaway success.

The 33-year-old, who is on the board of the Torquay United Supporters’ Trust (TUST), made the decision to set up the venture during the height of lockdown – having concluded that being his own boss would allow him greater control of his future.

He spent more than 18 years as a domestic appliance engineer working for Comet, Dimplex and more recently BSH, a job that involved long hours travelling throughout the South West.

Launching Ovenu Newton Abbot has already allowed Rob to spend more time with his young family and, once he has established the business, he has plans to grow it to a level where he can operate additional vans and employ a sub-contractor.

The father-of-three, who is married to Sara, said he is fulfilling a long-held ambition to become his own boss, and has received advice and support from neighbouring Ovenu Torquay franchisee Nick Cummins.

Rob said: “I’m really excited about this new venture. It is a new franchise area so there will be plenty of hard work to build up the customer base and earn a reputation for delivering a quality service.

“At least being a former domestic appliances engineer means I really do know my way around an oven!” Rob, who is originally from West Bromwich, moved to the resort with his family as a young boy and grew up just down the road from Torquay United’s Plainmoor home.

The adopted Gulls supporter – who is also a committed West Brom fan - was co-opted onto the TUST board in 2018 and is responsible for its social media. Rik Hellewell, managing director of Ovenu, said: “Rob is used to being in a customer-facing role and has the technical ability and drive to make his business a huge success.”

Ovenu Newton Abbot covers Newton Abbot together with surrounding areas, including Teignmouth, Dawlish, Ashburton. Bovey Tracey, Chagford and Moretonhampstead.

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