Our Heritage
Since 1995, we have been redefining excellence in reconditioned Aga cookers. From starting small to becoming industry leaders, our story is one of dedication and quality. Led by our directors, our family-run business continues to set the standard in craftsmanship and service.
1995
The Birth of an Idea
In 1995, Range Exchange founders, Loyd and Debby Hitchmough began the search for a second-hand Aga cooker for their own newly converted barn in Cheshire. The barn was crying out for an Aga cooker so they set about looking for a reconditioned one. Loyd found a second-hand oil fired cooker for sale and whilst it served its purpose in terms of functionality, it wasn’t as new and ‘shiny’ looking as they would have liked. With thoughts of how the reconditioning could have been improved, the idea of supplying reconditioned Aga cookers was born.
1995
A Leap of Faith
Seeing there was a niche in the market for providing reconditioned Aga cookers, Loyd left his job in the motor trade to recondition Aga cookers full time. Using the money he had made from the sale of a cooker, Loyd would then go on to buy the next.
1996
Setting up Shop
With demand for reconditioned Aga cookers rapidly increasing, Loyd rented a barn from a local farmer, giving him a dedicated space for reconditioning. Completely self-taught, Loyd would strip the cookers down and repair them, taking great care in returning them back to showroom condition.
1999
From Workshop to Showroom
Loyd and Debby continued renting farm buildings until they took over what was originally a smithy in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. They used the ground floor as a workshop and converted the first floor into their first ever showroom.
2006
Recognition in the Media
In 2006, Loyd was the focus of an article in The Sunday Times newspaper. Named as Britain’s biggest supplier of reconditioned Aga cookers, with a staff of 15, including a team of factory trained technicians. Later in 2010, Loyd featured in The Sunday Times publication You Can Do It Too: The 20 Essential Things Every Budding Entrepreneur Should Know.
2013
A Family-Run Business
In 2013, Loyd and Debby’s youngest daughter, Lucy joined the company full time. Shortly followed by her older sister, Charlotte. In the early years, Charlotte and Lucy would help their dad out by lending a hand in preparing the reconditioned cookers and joining their dad on deliveries. Charlotte and Lucy are now proud directors of the family business actively overseeing its day-to-day operations.
2020
Moving Home
In 2020, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey by relocating to our present workshop and showroom located in Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. This move marked a significant milestone for Range Exchange, providing us with more space to expand our operations and enhance our customer experience with a spacious showroom.
2024
What we do Best
Range Exchange continues to be a family-run business priding itself on our commitment to quality and excellent customer service. Our valuable team, comprising of in-house product specialists, expert engineers and delivery & installation technicians, offer a personal service every step of the way.
