A COUPLE from Port Glasgow have come up with a sweet idea after turning their chocolate making hobby into a business.

Joanne and Brian Dick have become the latest tenants to move into Riverside Inverclyde’s (RI) state-of-the-art Kelburn Business Park with their confectionery venture, The New Chocolate Company.

After enjoying creating their own sweet treats in their spare time, the couple spotted a gap in the market and decided to set up their own firm manufacturing quirky and delicious delicacies.

They use the finest Belgian chocolate and ingredients from around the world to make their products, which include raspberry and saffron bars, pear drop flavoured chocolate and their signature melt-in-the-mouth salted caramel.

The couple – who are qualified chocolatiers trained by UK world chocolate master Ruth Hinks – are putting the finishing touches to their lines and will soon sell their goods online and to the corporate sector.

Their venture will also host enjoy team-building days out and workshops at their Kelburn kitchens.

Joanne said: “To do a good job, it is important to have first class, modern premises. Kelburn Business Park is very modern and allows us to consider expansion in the future.

“Riverside Inverclyde has been excellent in helping the business get started.”

The couple watched from their home in the nearby Castlebank estate as the £4.2 million business park was constructed two years ago.

But they admit they never thought they would one day be moving into one of the units. Brian said: “I saw it being built and thought ‘thank goodness something is happening there’, but I never thought we would have a big sign above the door.

“Initially we wondered ‘is this a hobby gone wrong or is it going to be good fun?’.

“But the demand is there – I know it is – and the products will be spot on.  We want to get it absolutely right.”

Joanne will run the company while husband Brian, who already has his own business commitments in Greenock, will provide support with marketing and other aspects.

They are about to take on their first two employees in a few weeks time as production ramps up.

RI acting chief executive Fiona Maguire and property asset manager David Martin welcomed the couple to Kelburn and were given a tour of the chocolate factory.

As well as making bars, moulded pralines, truffles, hampers and macarons, a large part of the business will be workshops for adults and children.

Joanne said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be here and really looking forward to getting down to business.”