subject: Chocolate Shoes Prove A Tasty Treat [print this page] A former printer has just embarked on a completely new career by opening his own high-class chocolate shop in Thirsk, with the help of Bradford-based chartered accountants Watson Buckle.
Over the past two years, Graham Golisti and his wife Jane have been visiting craft and gift fairs researching unique gifts from around the world. They then came up with the idea of producing high-quality chocolate gifts, and contracted a local firm to produce their designs, made from all natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives.
So far business has been brisk, with the recession failing to dent shoppers enthusiasm, and his range of chocolate shoes proving a particularly popular gift idea in the run-up to Christmas.
Graham had known Watson Buckle managing partner Susan Sedgwick for over 20 years, and when the time came for a complete career change, he immediately sought her advice.
He said: Susan has been my accountant for over 20 years, when I was working in the printing industry, but with some of the changes going on in that sector, it wasnt proving profitable any more.
I approached her at the beginning of this year for advice on the structure of the company and whether our business plan was viable in the current climate. We then had to look at suppliers and find suitable premises, before finally opening in October.
The chocolate are made in the Yorkshire Dales to a variety of designs and sold at our shop in Thirsk. One of our most popular products is our killer heels range shoes made out of chocolate which are very popular, especially among those ladies who are keen on both!
Its early days, but business so far has exceeded all our expectations money may be tight at the moment but people will still pay more for a premium product.
The plan is obviously to firmly establish our first shop in Thirsk, then branch out and open a second shop during 2010, and continue to open one a year for the next three years. The following stage in the five-year plan worked out with Susan will be to franchise the Giftag Chocolate Box brand.
Susan added: Im delighted that Grahams business has got off to such a great start he has proved that even in the most difficult economic times, the right business can succeed.
Particularly in the food and drink sector, people are often prepared to pay that little bit more for a quality product, and I can personally testify that his chocolate is well worth the money!
by: David Aust
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