Member Article

Solihull oven cleaning boss reveals confusion over lockdown rules

The owner of oven valeting business Ovenu Solihull believes confusion surrounding lockdown rules could be having an impact on those domestic tradespeople that are permitted to work.

Elliott Robinson said he has been contacted by several customers looking to rebook appointments having assumed that he could no longer visit their homes due to the current restrictions.

However, oven cleaning is one of a number of trades and services listed by the government that are able to operate as long as they observe social distancing and hygiene measures.

Elliott said: “I still have a busy order book, but clients have been in touch asking if I’m still open for business.

“There have been so many changes to the rules and regulations over the past year that it has created real confusion, and I’m concerned other local tradespeople may suffer as a result.

During last spring’s initial lockdown, he temporarily mothballed his business but reopened in May when the government published new guidance on domestic working.

Elliott, who took over the franchise in 2007, said business has been busy ever since but that the latest lockdown seems to have created some confusion over the rules.

Ovenu Solihull continues to accept bookings at its discretion, with the strict stipulation that both parties observe the two-metre social distancing rule, along with guidelines on hygiene and cleanliness.

He added: “My absolute priority is to keep myself and my clients safe. Many of my customers want to have their ovens cleaned but weren’t aware that I’m still working.

“Cleaning services are permitted to work inside people’s homes and I’m sure there are quite a few ovens in need of a thorough clean after Christmas – coupled with the fact that people are spending more time cooking and baking.

“It’s very much a job most people detest at the best of times, so being able to have a professional come in and do it in a Covid-secure manner, is one less stress to deal with.”

Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of Ovenu, added: “Elliott has clear Covid-safe working procedures in place, which I hope brings great reassurance to his clients.”

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