Spotlight Series: Dominic Hutchings
Legacy Club shines a light on some of our members to see what makes them and their business tick.
We spoke to Dominic Hutchings, private chef an Founder of sustainable protein bar brand, Mr H Bars.
Please tell us a little bit about you the person (not you the business owner): I'm Dominic and I'm a trained chef with 8 years experience working in Michelin star restaurants and 5* hotels. I started when I was 16 and graduated on The Specialised Chef's Scholarship. Throughout my time in the kitchen, I started to specialise in pastry and chocolate. I got the chance to compete at The Junior Chocolate Masters and also The UK Pastry Open at a young age and since then I focused on chocolate. With having a passion for chocolate, I entered my own brand of chocolates and won a total of 8 awards for them through The Academy of Chocolate. I'm fortunate enough as well to be part of the judging panel for 3 years now. In my spare time, I compete in CrossFit which keeps my mind active and at the same time, is a brand booster for Mr H Bars.
Describe your business in less than 30 words: A premium protein bar range focusing on quality of ingredients bringing out the natural flavours while using 100% sustainable chocolate.
What industry or sector does your business fall in to?: Food (Snack Bar/Protein Bar)
What did you do before you started your business?: I was a chef for 3 years at Coworth Park, moved onto Pennyhill Park for 2 years as a pastry chef and also did 7 months as The Head Pastry Chef at Wentworth Golf Club. In my time, I also carried out placements at Dinner By Heston and also The Fat Duck.
What have been the biggest struggles that you have encountered, and what did you do to overcome them?: Increasing the sales and learning the marketing side of the business. This has been a struggle for the past 6 months as there is no right answer with how you approach it. Sometimes it could work for your business and for another, it won't. With most of these things, they are trial and error. I'm still overcoming it all and using external help to improve the overall success and growth of the company.
Have you had any external investment to date?: Yes
What has been the impact of COVID-19 on your business and did you make any changes, or pivots?: We had a massive impact at the start where all the outlets were shut. With just starting up, it was hard to build brand awareness as no one was going out anywhere. Luckily as everything started to re-open, we could send out samples and get the product out there for a lot of people.
Do you struggle with, or have you found any of the following barriers to your business growth?: Leadership Capacity, Access to markets
Do you have any business hero's, if so, who are they?: It would have to be Ben Francis. Looking on how he built Gymshark from nothing is nothing short of inspirational. Seeing on how he's growing the business in modern day and seeing on how it's been adapted is incredible.
Financial Rewards or Business Awards?: Financial Rewards
What was the last book you read?: Happy Sexy Millionaire - Steven Bartlett
Tell us something totally unique about your business: We are the only protein bar company in the UK to use 100% sustainable chocolate
Would you like to be kept up to date with details about Legacy Club?: Hell Yeah!
Finally, please tell us what we can look forward to with your business in the next 12 months.: We are launching a new vegan range beginning of February along with expanding our flavour range. We are also looking into attending trade events, so keep an eye out as we will be announcing everything on our social media @mrhbars.
