Ovenu Continues Australian Expansion with Awarding of Queensland State Licence

By: Ovenu | 0 Shares 96 Reads

January 04, 2008 // Franchising.com // - Ovenu, the UK-based international oven valeting franchise, has continued its expansion into Australia with the awarding of the State Licence for Queensland.

Toby Bowes, 41, and his wife Carolyn, 39, have purchased the State Licence with their first franchise being launched in the Redland region of Queensland.

The couple, who will initially operate the Redland franchise, plan to expand the service across Queensland during the next 18 months with a franchisee recruitment programme.

British-born teacher Toby, and Carolyn who used to work for British Airways, emigrated in 2003. They see Ovenu's franchise offering as the perfect opportunity to set up their own business, but with the support and guidance of an established and profitable brand.

Ovenu was launched in Australia in 2005 when the Master Licence was awarded to Perth-based Bernard and Janet Bannon.

The Bannons have lived in Australia for 18 years after emigrating from the UK. They discovered Ovenu during a business trip to the Channel Islands. After meeting with Ovenu Managing Director Rik Hellewell the couple were impressed with the franchise offering and were keen to bring the concept to Australia.

The company's 14-year development in the UK has allowed the service to become easily replicable anywhere around the world, which was an attractive proposition to the Bannons. In addition, Ovenu's environmentally friendly products all meet Australia's strict regulations.

Since its introduction to the country, Ovenu has established a fleet of three vehicles operating in Western Australia with a further two planned for early 2008.

Ovenu was founded by entrepreneur Rik Hellewell who, since 1993, has transformed the business from a sole trader operation into a multi-continent franchise operation.

In addition to creating a UK network of more than 100 operatives who have benefitted from Ovenu's comprehensive and supportive franchise model, the company also operates in the United States and various locations across Europe.

Toby Bowes said: "There is a very real opportunity for us to establish a successful Ovenu operation in Queensland. Once we have established the Redland franchise we are very keen to share the business model with other potential franchisees across the state and further grow Ovenu's excellent reputation across Australia."

Bernard Bannon said: "Toby and Carolyn have secured an established franchise offering, which is prospering both here in Australia and in locations around the world. Our expansion across the country is starting to gain pace and with committed and driven licence holders and franchisees, such as the Bowes, I am sure Ovenu will flourish in Australia."

Rik Hellewell, Managing Director of Ovenu, said: "The initial success of our Australian operation, including the awarding of the Queensland licence, further confirms my belief that we have created a globally-replicable franchise model. I fully expect the Ovenu brand to become a fully-established and recognised franchise in Australia within the next few years."