Willy Wonka to talk more about his sweet life
acole@thekmgroup.co.uk The man once dubbed the Willy Wonka of Kent has stepped down as managing director of his company after finding he was in demand to speak about his favourite subject – chocolate.
Angus Kennedy, a chocolate taster who runs Kennedy’s Confection, in Churchill Square, Kings Hill, after moving from Paddock Wood, will continue to have an active interest in the business.
But, after being snapped up for a Channel 4 documentary and two chat shows on American television, he said he could not ignore the pull of public speaking on the subject.
Although not able to reveal details about the Channel 4 programme, which was filmed in Glasgow, he said his comments on it would prove controversial.
He said: “I have resigned as MD and won’t be doing the day-to-day stuff. It will enable me to focus on the chocolate side.
“I cannot believe it is happening really. I want to be a good person and to inspire.”
Father-of-five Mr Kennedy, who has recently moved with his family from East Farleigh to London Road, Maidstone, said he was also offering free talks at schools.
He said his success showed it was possible to succeed despite leaving school with no qualifications.
“I have managed to get all this with the worst preparation possible,” he said.
Mr Kennedy flew to New York on Friday to appear on Al Jazeera America and another talk show. “We are going to take a little bit of Kent to New York.
“They wanted me to talk about life in Kent, school kids and a look into family life. The Americans are fascinated by us! And the chocolate of course.”
He added: “It feels like a dream. They want to know how I made this amazing job, from and against all odds.”
Mr Kennedy hit the headlines in 2010 after being selected as a taster for one of the world’s leading chocolate manufacturers, and again two years later when he was told his cholesterol was becoming dangerously high after piling on two stone due to the tasting.
He also donated chocolate to the KM’s Christmas appeal with Maidstone Homeless Care in 2013 to be included in emergency food parcels during the festive period.