Black Mountain Gold Chocolate has expanded into new premises in High Street, Crickhowell, supported by Barclays.

The business, owned by Master Chocolatier, Jules James, and managed by his partner, Kathy Newman, produces and retails artisan handmade chocolates via their new luxury shop and online sales.

The business, which now supports three members of staff, was established in 2010 after Jules was delayed at an international airport, while waiting for a flight to his latest job as an executive chef on a luxury yacht. The professional chef and fully qualified Master Scuba Diving Instructor decided that it was time to return to his birthplace in Crickhowell and put his 'Master Chocolatier' qualifications to use.

Jules said: “I always loved chocolate and after conducting a feasibility study, decided that creating an artisan chocolate retail business could provide a living and fulfil my passion for chocolate.

"I love working with chocolate and am one of only a handful of master chocolatiers in the UK.

"Everything is handmade on site from luxury truffles, boxed collections for special occasions to individual bars. The new outlet allows visitors to actually watch me making the chocolate creations while they browse, and we even offer chocolate making classes for those who wish to take a greater interest.”

Emma King, Barclays business manager, said: “Jules is a great example of someone using their expertise and passion to create a viable business.

"I must confess that visiting Jules and Kathy in their chocolate shop is one of my favourite appointments as they never fail to deliver a new truffle or sample to delight the taste buds.

"Barclays Business is committed to using our local knowledge and experience to support such propositions, which are vital to a prosperous economy. The new unit, which has a better location, looks great from a retailing perspective and has even added a small café, serving wonderful hot chocolates to generate additional revenue and allow the business to expand and become a valuable addition to the local business community.”

Jules said: "I’m passionate about chocolate, and my brand of producing individual handmade chocolate from our luxury shop in Crickhowell. The vision is to continue to build a loyal and strong customer base and open additional Black Mountain Gold Chocolate shops across Wales and the rest of the UK, whereby customers come as much for the experience, choice and service as well as the fantastic product. I would encourage anyone who is a fan of chocolate to call in for a sample and view up close and personal how we make such a fantastic product.”