Glyn and Justine Neal are proving it’s never too late to take on a new challenge – having emerged from early retirement to launch oven cleaning business, Ovenu Leicester West.
The husband-and-wife team, aged 60 and 55, initially embraced a more leisurely pace of life, travelling the UK and spending time with their grandchildren. But after a few years, they found themselves missing the buzz and sense of purpose working life brings.
Glyn, who spent 25 years with Ibstock Brick in Leicester, first as production team leader, later moving to the samples and marketing team, stepped away from full-time work four years ago, while Justine, a qualified pre-school nursery nurse, took early retirement more than two years ago. Now, they have chosen to get back to business.
Having previously dipped his toes into running a small e-commerce venture, Glyn was well aware of the complexities of going it alone and viewed franchising as a more secure and supported route into business ownership. The couple chose Ovenu for its comprehensive training, direct support, and the flexibility the business model offers.
As they build the business in this brand-new territory, the Neals are focused on delivering high-quality service and growing a loyal client base – with the long-term goal of expanding the business by hiring an additional technician.
Glyn said: “Having got up at 5am for 25 years, I grabbed the opportunity to take early retirement with both hands, but after a while I began to miss the buzz of being productive. This business gives us the best of both worlds – the freedom to work on our terms, while still enjoying the satisfaction of building something meaningful.”
Justine added: “Early retirement gave us valuable time with each other and family, but we realised we still had the energy and drive for a new challenge. Ovenu gives us the chance to work together doing something we enjoy.”
Rik Hellewell, founder and Managing Director of Ovenu, said: “Glyn and Justine bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to their new venture, and we’re proud to have them join the Ovenu network. Their story proves that it’s never too late to start something new, and I’m confident they’ll create a thriving, respected, and successful business.”
The Ovenu process involves dismantling key components such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them in design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic and biodegradable products to clean the parts, leaving the oven in near showroom condition. In addition to conventional ovens, it also covers hobs, extractor hoods, microwaves, along with range cookers and ovens.
Ovenu Leicester West covers the LE6, LE9, LE19 and LE3 postcodes including Anstey, Groby, Ratby, Cropston, Newtown Linford, Barwell, Earl Shilton, Stoney Stanton, Sapcote, Narborough, Huncote, Desford, Thurlaston, Peckleton, Potters Marston, Enderby, Littlethorpe, Fosse Park, Leicester Forest East, Kirby Muxloe, Market Bosworth, New Lubbesthorpe, and surrounding areas