Shortly following the sale of Torch Computers, Peter Harris cofounded the Mint Marketing Company which, in 1993, added ChocExpress to its activities - a catalogue/online delivered chocolate gift company. In 2003, the company rebranded itself as Hotel Chocolat and opened its first shop the following year in Watford. By 2008 Hotel Chocolat was the No 1 fastest growing company in the UK according to The Sunday Times/Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100. This was achieved without raising funds.
Today, Hotel Chocolat is one of the most well-know chocolate brands in the UK with a current turnover of over £200m, across 135 shops, and over 2000 employees. It is founded on the cornerstones of originality, authenticity and ethics. In January 2024, the business was acquired by Mars Inc., the fourth largest private family business in the USA.
Join us on the 23rd of October as we host Peter Harris to discuss everything from The Chocolate Tasting Club’s unique method of growth funding, ‘The Chocolate Bond’, and Project Chocolat’s unique tree-to-bar visitor experience on the oldest cocoa farm in St Lucia, to how a casual comment can transform a company’s direction and how to have the perseverance to put ideas into practice.
Speaker Bio
Peter Harris was an early member of the Cambridge high-tech community after qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Binder Hamlyn in London. He co-founded Torch Computers in 1981, acting as director until the company was sold in 1987. Following this, Peter cofounded the Mint Marketing Company which is today Hotel Chocolat, one of the most well-know chocolate brands in the UK. As Finance Director for the first 24 years, Peter was able to balance fast organic growth with good profitability, ensuring profitability in every year of the company’s operations. Peter is an Enterprise Fellow for The Prince’s Trust and has worked there as a business mentor, helping several businesses establish themselves. He regularly presents to the MBA groups at Cambridge University as well as Cambridge University Entrepreneurs (CUE) and won the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008.
5.30 PM – 6.30 PM: Fireside discussion in Keynes Lecture Theatre
6.30 PM – 7.00 PM: Drinks reception and networking in King’s Bar
