KEiBA entrepreneur
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ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (sponsored by Heart FM and
the Institute of Directors)
Gerard Coleman, Artisan du Chocolat,
Ashford
Gerard Coleman founded a business that
chocoholics adore - and a world class company here in the heart of
Kent.
High quality, innovative product development,
local sourcing and sharp commercial acumen are the main ingredients
of this flourishing multi-million pound business that combines
production with retail.
Artisan du Chocolat is recognised as one of
the finest and most innovative chocolatiers in the UK with a
growing international reputation. It has even featured on The
Apprentice television series.
It is sold in its own shops, as well as
through blue chip names such as Fortnum and Mason, Waitrose, Marks
& Spencer, British Airways and Virgin Airways, not to mention
Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant in London.
Artisan opened a concession in Selfridges in
Oxford Street, London, in November 2008 and a standalone shop in
Notting Hill in 2009. It aims to open another overseas.
Mr Coleman exudes passion for quality, high
standards and what judges called “amazing” world-class product
development.
“Innovation, obsession about quality and
creative excellence are at the core of the business,” they
said.
The chocolate range, made from ground beans,
is tailored to different markets such as the Middle East and Japan
where sales have doubled in the past year. But its bars have even
flown on the Space Shuttle.
The 17,000 sq ft production facility was
developed in a former dairy in a project that Mr Coleman and his
wife funded themselves.
They took only the minimum wage to further
their investment and underline their commitment to the business
without compromising the input of other shareholders.
Using its own ground beans has enabled the
business to broaden its pool of suppliers to co-operatives in
producing countries, making a difference to the lives of the cacao
growers.
This enabled the firm, which now employs 20
people, to develop chocolate bars that are different from
competitors who buy ready-made chocolate and re-melt it.
The directors are involved in the business at
all times and determined to remain 100 per cent independent.
Award judges believe this business has
significant potential to develop over the next few years with new
markets, outlets and products.
Factfile
Winner
Gerard Coleman (Artisan du chocolat ltd)
Location: Ashford
Business Sector: Chocolate manufacturing and
retailing
Key Product/Services: Chocolate/Chocolates
Number of Employees: 20
Established: 2000
Runners-up
Steve Martin (Xmo Strata Ltd)
Location: Marden
Business Sector: Sign installation and
maintenance
Key Product/Services: Nationwide sign
installation and maintenance
Number of Employees: 52
Established: February 2002
Guy Whitehead and Duncan Mackellar –
Armourcoat Surface Finishes
Location: Sevenoaks
Business Sector: Decorative product
innovation, design, manufacturing and distribution
Key Product/Services: Development of high end
decorative products, amufactured and contracted in the UK and
distributed worldwide.
Number of Employees: 46
Established: May 1984
Thursday, June 25 2009
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