Life has taken a sweet turn for Simon and Charmaine Jagger.

The couple are the new owners of the award-winning Saunders chocolates business based in Crofton stables, near Thursby.

Simon's graphic design business is in a unit just across the way from the chocolate-makers and when owner Bob Cullen said he and his wife Jane were retiring, Simon jumped at the chance.

“Bob said he and Jane were winding the business down and I went home to Charmaine and said I couldn't understand why.

“I thought it would be a great business for Charmaine to run and the next day it was a done deal.”

Charmaine, who is a qualified electrician and was also a leading window designer for fashion company Monsoon was a home mum for the couple's three young children.

She was given a month-long course in how to make the chocolates, how to temper and how to mix ingredients.

“It was quite intense, but it was really interesting and I enjoyed it,” says Charmaine.

“Bob was very precise when he did the training with me. They wanted me to take over Saunders as it was and to maintain the high standards.”

Since taking on the business in June, the couple have taken on all the old customers and have already added some new ones of their own.

They are keen to recruit more corporate work. Simon explains: “There were huge peaks for Jane and Bob at Easter, Valentines and Christmas and we want to even that out a bit.”

For Simon, the new business is a chance to shift into a slightly lower gear.

He worked for Aston Martin and other top national companies but said: “It was never-ending, This is a bit of a lifestyle change for me.”

While Charmaine is in charge of chocolate production, Simon uses his graphic design and business skills to manage the office duties and create the boxes and promotional items.

Jane And Bob Cullen started the business in 2003 at Rheged, but moved to Crofton five years ago.

Simon and Charmaine live near Aikton, close enough for them to cycle in, when they can.

This is the busiest time of the year for the business and they are prepared for some long hours.

Charmaine said: “I'm really enjoying it, but we have to do it together.

“It is a great opportuinty to make it into a family business.”

They have created four new winter flavours – mulled wine, plum pudding, orange and chilli and mixed spice, which will be sold in special four chocolate boxes.

Charmains said: “Bob and Jane have trained me well and Jane has given me all the schedules for production for the coming weeks. Now we just have to put it into practice!”