Hugh Leslie, Owner of Oven Rescue South Glasgow
Oven Rescue South Glasgow
After a long and dedicated career in the Police Service, Hugh was ready for a new chapter. In October 2023, following his retirement, Hugh joined Oven Rescue — seeking a business that offered both independence and purpose. The transition from public service to self-employment was a major change, but it gave Hugh the freedom and flexibility he’d been looking for after years in a structured environment.
Hugh began his Oven Rescue journey with a clear determination to make his franchise a success. While he quickly discovered that running a small business required juggling multiple roles — from admin and marketing to hands-on cleaning — he embraced the challenge.
“When I started, I didn’t really know how much hard work was involved. I have to be everything from an admin assistant to bookkeeper to a marketing director — as well as an oven cleaner. However, the biggest benefit is that I’m not answerable to anyone else and have the freedom to organise my own schedule and run the business as I choose.”
Hugh’s dedication and strong work ethic have paid off. In his first six months, he achieved a turnover of over £9k.
An impressive 85–90% of his work is self-generated, showing his ability to build a solid local customer base through reputation and personal effort. His diary is now booked up to four weeks in advance, with around 50% of customers returning for repeat bookings — a strong indicator of service quality and customer satisfaction.
To support ongoing growth, Hugh invests around £400 per month in marketing, including advertising in community magazines alongside digital channels like Google and Facebook. This balanced approach has helped him stay visible both online and locally.
Hugh’s story is a great example of how transferable skills — discipline, reliability, and professionalism — can lead to success in franchising. His experience highlights that while self-employment requires hard work and adaptability, it also offers the freedom, control, and satisfaction that many people seek later in their careers.
With commitment and a willingness to take on every aspect of the business, Hugh has built a rewarding second career on his own terms — proving that it’s never too late to take charge of your future.
Ready to take control of your future like Hugh? Discover how you can build your own successful Oven Rescue business — start your journey today.