Perth & Kinross

Start-Up Adviser

Rachel Key

Rachel works with new and aspiring entrepreneurs to help turn their ideas into thriving businesses. With a BDes (Hons) in Textile Design and a strong background in management and entrepreneurship, she brings a creative and practical perspective to business start-up support. Rachel understands the excitement, and the challenges, that come with starting something new. She takes a supportive, down-to-earth approach, helping clients build solid foundations, develop their business plans, and take confident first steps on their entrepreneurial journey.

Start-Up Adviser

Jenna Woods

Jenna supports new and early-stage entrepreneurs in the Perth area, helping them turn their ideas into viable, sustainable businesses. With a degree in Business Management and a strong background in leadership and management training, particularly in the construction sector, she brings practical insight and a hands-on approach to business start-up support. Jenna understands the challenges of getting a new venture off the ground and works closely with clients to explore opportunities, build confidence, and lay the foundations for long-term success.

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 Adviser

Andrew Webster

Based in our Perth office, Andrew supports businesses across Perth and Kinross with a focus on high-growth potential. He first joined Business Gateway in 1997 and, after time with the Council’s Economic Development Team, returned in 2013. A fully accredited business adviser with qualifications in marketing, Andrew brings decades of experience helping businesses at every stage—from start-up to scale-up—achieve their ambitions.

Growth Team Leader

Emma Kilani

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

Michelle Maddox

Michelle works directly with businesses and communities across Perth & Kinross, offering hands-on support and expert advice where it’s needed most. With a strong background in the food and drink sector and award-winning entrepreneurial experience, she brings practical insight and a passion for helping others succeed. Whether visiting local enterprises or connecting with community groups, Michelle is committed to supporting business growth and innovation.

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

Aly Beresford

Aly brings warmth and positivity to our Perth office. With a degree in Outdoor Education and Adventure Recreation, she’s no stranger to navigating dynamic environments—a skill that’s served her well in her career in office administration. Aly has supported teams across a range of sectors, including fostering, finance, and mental health and wellbeing. Her adaptable nature and calm, can-do attitude make her a key part of the Business Gateway team, helping to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Contracts Manager

Michelle Shepherd

Michelle first joined our local office in 2005 as a receptionist and has grown with the team ever since. Over the years, she’s taken on roles as Team Leader and Deputy Contracts Manager, and now proudly leads as our Contracts Manager. Michelle heads up our amazing team of advisers across Tayside and is genuinely passionate about the work they do. She’s especially proud of the dedication and talent within the team, all focused on supporting local businesses to thrive.