Flo Broughton

Co-founder, Choc on Choc, on cleaning toilets, the soap opera of business and her fear of snakes

flo broughton choc on choc

What was your first-ever job? Cleaning toilets and the dormitories at my school during the summer camps.

What’s been your worst job interview? It was for a well-known supermarket, took place in a store cupboard, and I got turned down because I bit my nails.

What was the first music single you bought? Young at Heart by The Bluebells. I played it and replayed it and now can’t stand the sound of it.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I make chocolate - but they all know it as they have lived through all the dramas with me. In fact, they say I should write a book about all the goings-on. It can be a bit of a soap opera!

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing the chocolates in the shops in unexpected places like when we go on holiday, but also seeing the orders pouring in online.

What’s the least rewarding part? Managing the cashflow - this can be so stressful but cash is king so it is really important.

What’s your motto in life? Feel the fear and do it anyway!

What’s your nickname? Floey.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? To have an amazing holiday home that I could also let the staff use.

What’s your favourite movie? Why? Pretty Woman - it’s because of the fairytale ending.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment in your life? When I arrived at a trade show once, the brand name sign had been spelt wrong so it read Choc on Coc. I had to stand under it for four days.

Do you have any phobias? I’m not a fan of snakes - I can’t really express why I don’t like them, but it’s something to do with the texture -urgh.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? Better payment terms for businesses with turnover under £5m - these should automatically be on 30-day terms.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? Moisturiser. Or should I say chocolate?

What animal best reflects your personality? A grasshopper because I’m into everything and on the go all the time and make a lot of noise. Hopefully I’m not as irritating as a grasshopper, though!