Member Article

Graham overcomes challenge of pandemic to celebrate successful first year in business

Graham Barnard is upbeat about the future thanks to a growing order book as he marks the tumultuous first year of his oven valeting business.

A former operations manager with digital network provider Openreach, he decided to take control of his life by launching Ovenu Brentwood having been made redundant - but within months was confronted by a global pandemic.

“It really has been a make or break year,” he said. “This was a complete change of career for me and my first self-employed venture, so having to contend with COVID-19 as well, was definitely a baptism of fire.”

However, the business has bounced back since reopening in June and the married father-of-two has been amazed at the increasing demand for his services.

“I had started the process of building up the business from scratch when I suddenly had to close. I didn’t want to lose momentum, so became very proactive by taking to social media to communicate with potential customers.

“This was crucial in regaining a full order book and I’ve been rushed off my feet since I reopened once the government revised its guidelines on working in peoples’ homes.

Graham, who also spent 20 years as a telecoms engineer, said: “I was apprehensive about the future but the first month back was entirely booked with new clients.

“Then people got used to the idea of having tradespeople back in their homes and appreciated the covid-safe procedures and systems I have in place.

“Since then I’ve been attracting repeat bookings as well as continuing to attract new clients, many based upon personal recommendations.

“Ovenu gave me an opportunity to achieve my ambition of being my own boss and despite everything that has been thrown at me, I’ve built up a loyal client base that is growing by the day and feel extremely positive about the future.

“I look forward to growing the business and have plans to expand Ovenu Brentwood with more vans and subcontractors.”

Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “I’d like to congratulate Graham on establishing his new business in what has been a very turbulent and uncertain year. He has certainly proved that he has the drive, ambition and commitment necessary to succeed.”

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