Nicholas J. Ovenden

Nick Ovendon was born in 1958 in Ashford, Kent, England. Nick started in the business with his father as a young child riding alongside him and learning the vehicle recovery process. Since 1973 Nick has been the managing director of Ashford Recovery Ltd. And in 2005 also took over the managing director job for 24 Seven Car and Van Hire both based in the UK.

Over the past 20 years dedicating himself to the betterment of the industry and focused on improving safety and training techniques Nick has served and held numerous positions throughout the industry in the UK including: Regional Chairman for AVRO Region 11, National AVRO Council Member for Region 11, IVR Council Member, IVR Chairman, IVR Vice President, IVR Vice Chairman and currently serves as the President of the IVR which is the most recognized organization for recovery in Europe. As if that wasn’t enough to keep Nick busy on top of his business he has dedicated time to the Road Haulage Association and the Rescue and Recovery Group since 2006 bringing forth the views of operators and the IVR to improve standards in the UK. Nick has spent time in the US as well working alongside industry trainers in events such as “Brainstorming with the pro’s” and Miller Industries first ever rotator school where he has focused on shedding light on the difficult recoveries and techniques required to perform the job on the UK’s narrow and demanding professionalism. Each time proudly displaying his roots and the heritage for which has developed some of the world’s best recovery operators. He has been instrumental in organizing training events and improving operator safety through recoveries.

His industry certifications are second to none and read like a professors list at Harvard including all aspects of equipment, techniques and trainers both in Europe and in the States. Nicks accomplishments and dedication have not gone unnoticed earning him numerous accolades to include: AVRO Award for Exemplary Devotion to a Fellow Member, Bill Jackson Award for Professional Excellence (3 times!), AVRO Fellowship Award, and in 2008 Nick received the personal Achievement Award at the European Tow Show.

Married to his wife Angie they have three children Robbie, Danielle, and Jolie. Nick continues to operate his business, train operators and improve the industry in the UK as certified European Towing and Recovery Instructor and currently training as an ITSSAR CAT 4 Tutor.