A BUSINESSMAN with a colourful past is making a real ‘car-eer’ change – by launching oven valeting service, Ovenu Uxbridge.

Steve Keep, 47, has spent the last 20 years running his own smart repair business – carrying out body and paint repairs to cars and vans.

However, a chance meeting with another oven valeter, combined with a slow-down in the used vehicle market, provided the impetus he needed to change direction.

Steve, married with two teenage sons, said: “I was speaking with a former roofer who was working as an oven valeter and he sold me on the profession.

"He told me it was the best move he’d ever made. So far, I must say, he is absolutely right.”

His wife Kelly is supporting his new venture by doing the accounts, while his younger son has already expressed an interest in joining him one day.

Ovenu Uxbridge serves homes and businesses in the town, as well as Harefield, Ickenham, Hayes and West Drayton.