James lived the business dream. As the founder of Gü Chocolate Puds, at one stage the most successful food company in the UK, credited with revolutionising the quality of desserts. James built the brand with passion, having previously developed a business which, after six years, sold for £32 million. James discovered his true dessert dream - to sell chocolate to the Belgians and soufflés to the French - whilst building his brand.
After selling Gü, James realised that his love of business development completely outweighed money and power; he is living proof that good business is not about the money. In his early career, James joined a graduate programme at strategy consultants Arthur D. Little, a role that gave him the opportunity to learn successful business strategies. He then spent 9 years in the food industry working for Safeway and St Ivel to learn about sales, marketing and running businesses.
Whilst with St Ivel, James moved to Belgium and became a convert to Belgian gastronomy, as he says, I “went native on the chocolate front”. Whilst in Brussels, James’ passion for good quality chocolate began, sparking his pudding venture. Upon reflection, James saw a gap in the market for high-quality chocolate patisserie for the common supermarket, as UK customers were in search of quality over mass-produced products. James vowed to produce a product “more focused than the big brands on using high-quality raw materials to deliver uncompromisingly good products”. The brand was met with rave reviews, having been launched in Sainsburys and Waitrose, as consumer’s fell in love with the nostalgic memories and indulgence of the product.
As an entrepreneur, James promotes a love for business, as a valuable mindset for success. He exemplifies organic entrepreneurship, as he believes that the combination of simple ideas and an innovative approach, will guarantee business success. He is compelling and uniquely talented keynote speaker, as he delivers the message that at the heart of entrepreneurialism lies the idea, the journey, not an exit strategy, and not the final sale price. As a motivational business speaker, James discusses the highs and lows of business, in an honest and eloquent manner.
