A couple who launched their range cooker business eight years ago are now jetting all over the world installing Agas after adopting a policy of ‘never saying no’ to work.
Alison and Steve Smith started Rural Ranges in 2017 after Steve decided he wanted to work for himself. He took out a personal loan and set up the business in a small shed on a farm.
Alison was on maternity leave with their first child and helped him out with a website and doing the books, and by the time her leave ended she had realised she wanted to join him. Her brother and sister have since joined them, turning Rural Ranges – now based in Bridport – into a real family affair.
This year they scooped the top business award at the West Dorset Gold Awards, which ‘meant the world’ to them. And they are seeing the world too, travelling to America four to six times a year to fill a gap in the market, orders across Europe and with orders in the pipeline in Australia.
Alison said: “When I was a chef I had an order for a birthday cake while I was at Camp Bestival and I just couldn’t do it as I was so busy running the stand. I later found out it was a cake for Fat Boy Slim! So I resolved to never say no to anything ever again.”
So when a customer in America contacted them about installing one of their gorgeous range cookers, they said yes. And they have continued to say yes, leading to lots of work all over the States, where there is little help for Aga owners. Rural Ranges specialises in servicing and converting the cookers so they run more economically. Their refurbs take the cookers right back to bare metal before being painted (40-plus colours) and the conversions can even feature a touchscreen on the wall and remote control. It’s heritage cooking with a very modern twist.
Alison, who since accidentally turning down Fat Boy Slim has gone on to supply cookers for Stacey Solomon and mega-influencer Ballerina Farm, is now running the business, with 12 staff, and has been invited to contribute to Women’s International Network, a DBT (Department of Business and Trade) programme, supporting and nurturing women working in international business – a rare honour.
This year they have expanded their offering, from new Rangemasters and refurbished and converted Agas to including some Ilve, Esse, Charlie and Lacanche.
The Charlie ovens allow you to cook everything in the garden you could in the kitchen – from pizzas and burgers to a full roast.
“People are spending more and more on beautiful outdoor kitchens,” said Alison.
They have added a range of accessories and cookware at their showroom at North Mills Trading Estate, (DT6 3BE), too.
“We are very proud of our business,” said Alison. “And we really enjoy it. We have amazing local customers. We were so surprised to have orders from America, but my policy of never saying no has led to some incredible experiences.”
* ruralranges.com