Inverclyde

Business Gateway Adviser

Alexis

Alexis is an experienced Business Consultant with over 28 years of providing advisory support to Scotland’s SME sector through Business Gateway and other public-sector programmes. She has worked extensively as a Start-up Adviser and trainer, developing and delivering workshops in Business Planning and Bookkeeping. With a background in administration and the successful operation of her own secretarial business since 1987, Alexis brings strong skills in budgeting, staff training, and implementing effective systems for clients.

She holds an MSc in Entrepreneurial Studies and is Premier Adviser accredited. Alexis enjoys working closely with clients, helping them develop their ideas and progress their business ambitions.

Business Gateway Adviser

Barbara

Barbara joined Business Gateway in 2003. She holds a BA in Hotel & Catering Management, an MPhil, an advanced Certificate in Public Health & Hygiene, and is Premier Adviser accredited. With a strong commercial background from a global quality-of-life services company and extensive experience in business training, she brings deep operational knowledge and excellent interpersonal skills. She is highly effective in helping clients build confidence and take the step into business ownership.

Alongside her role as a Start-up Business Adviser, Barbara runs her own training consultancy, delivering efficiency and effectiveness workshops to public- and private-sector organisations.

Business Gateway Adviser

Charles

Charles joined Business Gateway in 2001 after a thirty–year career in sales and marketing, gaining extensive experience across a wide range of product and service sectors. Having operated at director level for many years, he brings expertise in international product launches, engineering management, business planning, staff deployment, network training, and team leadership.

Most recently, Charles ran his own sales consultancy, providing comprehensive sales and marketing management support to a select portfolio of local companies, including businesses with internationally recognised products. His work has included implementing management structures, developing financial reporting systems, improving stock control procedures, and delivering tailored training programmes for sales and PR teams.

Business Gateway Adviser

Sobia

Sobia built a strong corporate career, most recently in senior sales leadership, before pursuing her passion for health and wellbeing as a self-employed entrepreneur. She now runs a successful two-studio Reformer Pilates business, combining commercial expertise with a commitment to helping clients achieve their fitness goals.

Having benefited from Business Gateway’s support during her own transition, Sobia now works as an adviser, offering practical, empathetic guidance to both new and established businesses. Drawing on firsthand experience of launching and scaling a company, as well as her corporate background, she supports clients in building confidence and shaping their future plans.

Business Gateway Adviser

Niall

Niall brings over 35 years of experience across industries including food manufacturing, construction, training, banking, advisory services and government. His expertise spans project management, financial management, business planning, strategic management and leadership.

He has supported organisations of all sizes, using his broad experience to help clients strengthen, grow and develop their businesses.

Niall holds a law degree and an MBA, and is committed to delivering pragmatic, realistic solutions that drive meaningful business growth.

Business Gateway Adviser

Ronnie

Ronnie is a highly experienced Business Adviser who has supported entrepreneurs and established companies across Scotland with Business Gateway since 2001. Having started and run successful businesses in manufacturing, IT, online retail, and consultancy, he brings practical, real-world insight to his work.

He provides tailored one-to-one advice on strategy, finance, marketing, and business planning, as well as delivering training sessions to help individuals start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Approachable and solutions-focused, Ronnie is committed to helping businesses achieve their goals.