TRAINING THE KEY TO GROWTH DELEGATES TOLD AT OVENU CONFERENCE

Over 70 delegates from the UK and overseas franchise networks attended the 7th annual event in Wokingham, Berkshire, where managing director Rik Hellewell focussed on the importance of on-going training for franchisees to maintain the quality of the Ovenu service in a competitive market place.

In the last year Ovenu has invested in a new training centre, which, in addition to delivering foundation and business familiarisation programmes for its new franchisees, offers refresher courses for existing operators and training on new developments in the industry.

Ovenu has also introduced new innovations such as new bespoke operational tools to speed up the valeting process and add-on products including chemical-free cleaning sponges for customers, which have enhanced franchise profitability.

In the period 2005-2006 franchisees reported that average order values had increased by 10 per cent and were excited by the new innovations, which will benefit their individual businesses.

Ovenu has become one of the fastest growing 'vanchise' operations in the UK with over 100 franchisees delivering the high quality valeting service to householders across the country.

In the past 12 months the respected Ovenu process has been successfully replicated overseas.

Initial reports from the new Ovenu master licences in Australia and the United States indicate that the service is being well-received by customers and will further help Ovenu become a more internationally-recognised brand.

Delegates were told about how the global expansion of the brand will benefit their individual business as the value of each franchise increases as desirability among purchasers increases.

As part of the conference Ovenu hosted an evening reception for the delegates, which offered franchisees the opportunity to network with their colleagues.

Rik Hellewell said: "Our conferences are always very positive events, which give our franchisees a strong understanding of the dynamic and successful network they are part of.

"In the last year Ovenu has experienced considerable growth at home and abroad. The conference gave me the perfect opportunity to impress on our network how important each individual franchisee is to the business. Through attention to detail, high levels of customer service and on-going training the network can ensure the Ovenu brand can maintain its growth as a respected service in UK and abroad."