A Swindon-based entrepreneur has won an award at an event celebrating the armed forces community.

Phillip Jones, a veteran of the Royal Logistics Corps and founder of The Chocolate Soldier, was named the winner of the Business Start-Up category at the Soldiering On Awards.

Mr Jones' company, The Chocolate Soldier, began when he started experimenting with chocolate towards the end of his military career, having joined the Royal Logistics Corps as a chef in 1999.

Phillip Jones (centre left) being presented with his awardPhillip Jones (centre left) being presented with his award (Image: Soldiering On Awards)

After teaching himself how to work with chocolate, he began selling his creations to family and friends, which quickly gained popularity.

The Chocolate Soldier now provides handmade chocolates through an e-commerce shop and wholesales to restaurants, cafes, hotels, and military dinner nights.

At peak production, the company can make 1,500 chocolates a day.

The Soldiering On Awards celebrated the achievements of serving personnel, veterans, and their families across 12 categories.

The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, sent a letter of support, praising the 36 finalists as the "very best of the armed forces community".

Jeremy Vine (left) hosted the event alongside Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair CarnsJeremy Vine (left) hosted the event alongside Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns (Image: Soldiering On Awards) He said: “You showcase the true heights of what we can achieve. I am deeply proud of our serving personnel, veterans, and their families for the contribution you make to our society.”

The event also saw the launch of a new charitable project, the Soldiering On Academy, which will aim to help economically inactive members of the armed forces community re-enter the workforce.

The project's initial cohort will be made up of wounded, injured, and sick veterans. 

Well known veterans including adventurer Bear Grylls, pilot and astronaut Tim Peake, and ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ chief instructor Billy Billingham sent video messages of support.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, addressed the 500 guests and said: “These remarkable individuals, projects, and organisations exemplify the valuable and lasting contribution of the armed forces community.

Soldiering On Awards 2024 winnersSoldiering On Awards 2024 winners (Image: Soldiering On Awards) “The Soldiering on Awards help to recognise the achievement and selfless commitment of our service personnel and veterans when supporting the nation.

"Their powerful stories demonstrate what it means to serve our country - they deserve our highest praise.”

The event was hosted by presenter and journalist Jeremy Vine, and featured performances from soprano Christina Johnston, electric string quartet Stringfever, and the Ensemble of the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment.

The evening also featured the Nepalese Khukhuri Dance performed by The Queen's Gurkha Signals.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 16, at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel.

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