Angus

Start-Up Adviser

Chris Copping

Based in Angus, Chris supports start-ups and early-stage businesses across the region, working with entrepreneurs to build strong foundations for their ventures. With wide-ranging commercial experience in aquaculture, salmon processing, speciality foods, and, more recently, aquatech innovation, Chris brings valuable insight and a practical, down-to-earth approach to every conversation. Whether it’s refining a business idea or working through the early stages of starting up, Chris offers tailored advice and guidance to help new ventures get off to a confident start.

Start-Up Team Leader

George Ellis

Coming from a rural background, George understands the challenges many small businesses face. With a business degree from the University of Dundee and years of experience in the hospitality sector, he enjoys working with start-ups and seeing their journey from first steps to steady growth. Having worked closely with businesses to help them achieve their ambitions, George brings a practical, hands-on approach to his role. He’s been part of both the Perth and Angus teams, and now leads the Tayside Start-Up Team—sharing his varied experience to support new businesses across the region.

Growth Team Leader

Emma Kalani

Emma joined the Perth Business Gateway office in 2021 as a Start-Up Adviser, before moving into a Growth Adviser role in Dundee in 2023. She now supports the wider team as Growth Team Leader. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in starting, growing, and managing businesses—including her own—Emma truly understands the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. She’s passionate about helping business owners access the right support, tools, and advice to grow sustainably. Alongside working directly with clients, Emma also shares her knowledge and experience with the rest of the Growth Team, helping the team build on their strengths.

Outreach Business Adviser

Kate Clark

With 35 years of experience in the private sector, Kate began her career as a designer in the fashion industry, working with major high-street retailers. She later transitioned into account management and then into the field of ballistic body armour, where she led teams in delivering contracts globally. Kate now brings this extensive experience to support businesses of all kinds. She has a passion for the Angus area, appreciating both its diverse range of businesses and its beautiful landscapes, which she enjoys exploring in her outreach role.

Outreach Team Leader

Sarah Young

Sarah leads our Outreach Team across Tayside, supporting advisers and working directly with communities to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. With six years of experience at Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, she brings deep knowledge of the local business landscape and a strong network of contacts. Sarah is passionate about connecting people with the right support, tools, and opportunities to help their ideas thrive.

HR Business Adviser

Aileen McGowan

Aileen brings over 33 years of experience across a range of industries, supporting businesses with everything from operational tasks and account management to all things HR. She’s especially passionate about helping companies navigate the challenges of building and managing their teams—whether it’s day-to-day support or long-term strategy. From recruitment to retirement, Aileen is there to offer practical advice and guidance every step of the way.

Business Administrator

Jennifer Edwards

Jennifer is the cheerful and welcoming face of our Angus office. With 20 years of administrative experience across a variety of sectors—including facilities management, oil and gas, and utilities—she plays a vital role in connecting local businesses with the Business Gateway team. Her friendly approach and wealth of experience help ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Contracts Manager

Michelle Shepherd

Michelle joined the local office in 2005 as a receptionist, before working her way up to become Team Leader. She collaborates with established businesses that are ready to explore new markets, take on additional staff or premises, and ultimately increase their turnover. In her role, she not only supports clients but also shares her knowledge with the rest of the team.