MEET THE CHOC DOC
Neil uses scientific knowledge to create healthier chocolate
DOCTOR Neil Robson previously worked in cancer research – now he’s using his biochemistry skills to create a healthier chocolate bar.
Neil, 44, set up Rebel Chocolate – which contains less sugar, more cocoa, is high in protein and also lactose-free – earlier this year with wife Suzanne.
Here, the scientist, from Glasgow, tells us about his working day.
Can you tell us about Rebel Chocolate products?
We make unique “healthier” chocolate bars that contain 50 per cent less sugar than typical milk chocolate.
Our chocolate also contains 57 per cent cocoa, 25 per cent protein and, uniquely, is lactose-free.
We used modern nutritional knowledge and science to develop our range and we now make just 200 bars a week, which we sell online through our website, and at artisan markets, cafes and chocolate shops.
Because our chocolate has less sugar, the quality of the cocoa really shines through, so the end result is rich delicious chocolate, but chocolate with a healthier twist.
Where did the idea come from?
I sustained a back injury, while martial arts training, which progressively got worse over the years until physically I was unable to continue my scientific research.
I love chocolate but I was always aware of the unhealthy aspects, especially the sugar content of most milk and white chocolate.
I kept seeing children walking around eating large bars of milk chocolate that I knew contained 57 per cent sugar.
I thought there must be a way to reformulate milk chocolate to make it healthier – and so Rebel Chocolate was born.
What’s your career background?
My background is in protein biochemistry, immunology and cancer research.
So when I set myself the challenge to create a healthier chocolate, I was able to draw on my training and experience gained through my scientific research.
While making chocolate is totally different to trying to cure cancer, the thought process of recipe development is very similar to scientific experimentation. What’s a typical day like? The typical days are those where I am physically making the chocolate.
We have a recipe we stick to and the timings throughout the production process are kept consistent. The process takes six days in total.
This cycle is consistent but when trying to get a new business off the ground there is always a long list of other things that need doing.
My wife, Suzanne, is amazing and works a busy full-time professional position elsewhere, then in the evenings and weekends works with me at Rebel Chocolate.
Without Suzanne’s help, Rebel Chocolate would really struggle. Favourite part of the job? When I see a customer taste our chocolate and say: “Wow, that tastes just like great chocolate.”
This type of comment always makes me smile, as it means we have been successful in our goal of making delicious chocolate with a healthier twist.
Any advice for someone thinking of setting up their own business?
Research. Gather as much information as you can about the business area you want to be in. Ask yourself as many questions as possible.
Is there a need for it? Who else is doing it and how are they making it successful? Can you afford to do it? Do you have the skills required to make it successful?
Are you open-minded enough to listen to the advice of others? Have you sought professional advice, such as that offered free by Business Gateway?
The list of questions goes on and on but if you can honestly answer questions such as these you can then sit down and evaluate the information you have gathered.
Then, if you truly believe the information you have gathered is telling you that you are on a winner, go for it.
What help did you receive from Business Gateway?
Business Gateway Glasgow have been a tremendous support. Our adviser really gave us the confidence to move forward from an idea to starting a business.
We were provided with lots of extremely useful templates and information on funding opportunities.
Subsequently, we were successful in obtaining a By Design grant from Scottish Enterprise, which has been a massive help in designing our brand and creating an online presence.
www.rebelchocolate.co.uk