Argyll & Bute

We are here to support businesses based in Argyll and Bute. We offer free and impartial advice to anyone wanting to start up or develop their business.

View our offices Call us: 01546 604 555
Contact form

Meet the Team

Our team are committed to helping businesses in Argyll and Bute to flourish. We have an experienced team of professional and approachable business advisers, support officers and a network of expert contractors, available to provide the right support for your business.

  • Lyndsey Phillips

    Lyndsey Phillips

    Business Adviser

    Lyndsey has over 30 years of experience working with SMEs and large organisations in the Private, Public and Third Sector, across a range of industry sectors. She has also run her own successful businesses, winning awards along the way. Lyndsey has a BA Hons, with focus in Business Strategy and Social Psychology and is a qualified Food and Dairy Technologist, Coach and Trainer. She is a past President of the Association of Scottish Businesswomen.
  • Donald Melville

    Donald Melville

    Business Adviser

    Donald joined the team in 2013 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise where he was a Development Manager for the Strengthening Communities Team. Prior to that, Donald provided support to Business Start-ups and was previously recognised as Business Advisor of the Year for the Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust. He has qualifications in Business Counselling, Business and Enterprise Support and also Premier Adviser.
  • Jen Smith

    Jen Smith

    Business Adviser

    Jen has been a Business Gateway adviser for over 20 years. Having set up and operated small businesses including picture framing, craft manufacturing, cookery classes and several business consultancies, Jen understands the skills that business owners have to quickly learn to grow the business. Jen has a background in catering and a passion for food and customer service. She has an HND in Hotel Keeping and Catering, a BA (Hons) in Service Sector Management and an MPhil in Social Science Research. Jen has been a Visiting Lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University in Economics and Enterprise, has a Diploma in Business Advice and Counselling and is Premier Adviser accredited.
  • John MacDonald

    John MacDonald

    Business Adviser

    John joined the team in 2023 after working in consulting and investment management for 25 years advising a wide variety of businesses, large and small, as well as setting up two businesses himself. With a PhD in Physics, an excellent understanding of the financial underpinnings of business and particular experience with private equity, including venture capital and growth equity, John is well placed to help Business Gateway's small business clients to set up, grow and potentially move on to the next level.
  • Sam Ford

    Sam Ford

    Business Support Officer

    Sam has been with the team since June 2009. Sam has a varied background having studied Fashion and Textiles, Business Administration and Digital Marketing and worked in a variety of different positions from PA for a design company to the buyer for a construction company. Sam moved back to Argyll in 2002 to join the Highlands and Islands Enterprise team, where her roles included managing the Business Start-up Programme and as a Development Manager working with businesses and social enterprises in the area. Sam has also run a couple of her own part time businesses over the years as a nail technician, Zumba Instructor and property rental, she has also dabbled in the MLM industry with a couple of different companies.
  • Katie Rafferty

    Katie Rafferty

    Business Support Officer

    Katie joined the team in 2023 after being part of Economic Development and Business Gateway in another region for nearly 10 years. She has a BA in Marketing and has been a Business Adviser in the Young Enterprise programme. Katie has a background in hospitality after running her family hotel in Kintyre and has a passion for social media.

Want to speak to the team?

We offer local advice, webinars, events, networking and much more. So get in touch with us today.

Complete our contact form

Our postal address

Argyll and Bute Council
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RT

Please note this address is for postal enquiries only. 

Upcoming events in Argyll & Bute

View all events

Business Support - Adviser sessions - Dunoon

Wednesday, February 25th

09:30 - 16:00 In Person Argyll & Bute

Business Support - Adviser sessions - Helensburgh

Thursday, February 26th

10:00 - 15:00 In Person Argyll & Bute

Business Support - Adviser sessions - Oban

Friday, February 27th

10:00 - 12:45 In Person Argyll & Bute

Hear from the businesses we're supporting

Mull coffee roastery brews up growing customer base

Discover how a Mull-based coffee roastery expanded its wholesale business, secured new premises, and invested in sustainability with support from Business Gateway just two years after launching.

Read more

Argyll businessman carves out growth

Argyll sawmill Loch Awe Hardwoods increased turnover and achieved business growth with Business Gateway support, including funding and digital advice. Discover their journey to success.

Read more

Argyll & Bute couple open candle shop

Loch Fyne Candles, started by an Argyll & Bute couple, has opened its first shop with support from Business Gateway, turning a candle-making hobby into a growing business.

Read more

Find your nearest office