Ovenu franchisees from across the UK rallied together to raise £1,000 for Cancer Research UK at the company’s annual general meeting.
Among the highlights was the surprise raffle of a professional dartboard set worth £240, originally purchased by the team at Ovenu headquarters to provide some friendly competition during the two-day event.
The dartboard – complete with stand, surround, oche, and two sets of darts – proved a big hit, raising more than £900 for Cancer Research UK, a sum later topped up to £1,000 by Ovenu founder and managing director Rik Hellewell.
“I decided to raffle off the darts gear as one of our oven technicians is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and several other franchisees have had their lives touched by the disease,” said Rik. “Raffling the equipment felt like a meaningful way to support a cause that affects so many people.”
It was won by Anna Mason of Ovenu Burton, who generously sold the set on to two fellow franchisees for £100, before donating the cash to boost the final sum raised.
Anna said: “I’m no darts player, so I was quite relieved when someone offered to take it off my hands — it saved me having to pack it all into my van!”
Rik added: “Our AGM is always a fantastic opportunity for our franchisees to come together, catch up, and socialise – but just as importantly, it’s a chance to share ideas, best practice, and learn more about how the franchise is growing and evolving.
“I was also delighted to welcome six new franchisees who’ve joined us in the first four months of the year, a strong sign of the continued growth and success of the business.”
Ovenu is the UK’s largest franchised oven cleaning network, with nearly 100 franchisees operating the length and breadth of the UK.
Barry Neilon of Ovenu Winchester was crowned champion of the Ovenu darts tournament, which took place during the AGM at the Abbey Hotel in Redditch.
The event also featured the Ovenu golf tournament, played on the hotel’s course, and won by first-time attendee Danny Kearns of Ovenu Jersey.
Meanwhile, Chris Robilliard of Ovenu Guernsey raced to glory in the fiercely contested Scalextric Grand Prix, with Elliott Robinson of Ovenu Solihull recording the fastest lap – an impressive 6.8 seconds – with Rik Hellewell a close second.
Reflecting on the weekend, Rik said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable event that struck the right balance between business and pleasure. I’d like to thank everyone who took part, contributed, and helped make it such a success.”