Perth & Kinross

Rachel works with new and aspiring entrepreneurs to help bring their ideas to life and build businesses they feel confident in. With a BDes (Hons) in Textile Design and a strong background in management and entrepreneurship, she brings a creative mindset alongside practical business experience.

Rachel understands both the excitement and uncertainty that can come with starting something new, and takes a friendly, down-to-earth approach to supporting clients as they develop their ideas, build strong foundations and take their first steps in business.

Dennis leads the Tayside Start-Up Team and supports new and aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them turn ideas into successful, sustainable businesses.

With over 30 years’ experience at VisitScotland, he brings strong expertise in marketing, stakeholder engagement, and business development, alongside a deep understanding of the tourism and events sector.

Having worked closely with hundreds of local enterprises, Dennis understands the opportunities and challenges of starting out. He takes a practical, supportive approach, helping clients build confidence, create clear plans, and take focused steps towards their business goals.

Michelle works with businesses looking to grow across Perth and Dundee, offering hands-on support and expert guidance where it's needed most.

With a strong background in the food and drink sector and award-winning entrepreneurial experience, she brings valuable insight, encouragement and a genuine passion for helping local businesses succeed. As part of her role, Michelle also carries out outreach work and is often out in the community meeting business owners, listening to their challenges and helping them identify new opportunities.

She loves supporting ambitious people to develop their ideas, build confidence and take the next steps in their business journey.

Based in our Perth office, Andrew supports businesses across Perth and Kinross to grow, develop and reach their ambitions. He first joined Business Gateway in 1997 and, after time with the Council’s Economic Development Team, returned in 2013. 

With extensive experience supporting businesses at every stage, from new start-ups to growing companies, Andrew brings expert knowledge, a calm and approachable style, and a genuine passion for helping local businesses succeed.

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 starting, growing and managing businesses, including running her own, Emma understands the realities that come with entrepreneurship and is passionate about helping business owners find the right support at the right time.

 Alongside working closely with clients, she also enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with the wider Growth Team, helping colleagues build confidence and develop their strengths.

Sarah leads our Outreach Team across Tayside, bringing Business Gateway support directly into local communities and helping people access advice in a friendly and approachable way. Working across community spaces and out with local businesses, she supports people at every stage, from early ideas and start-ups to businesses looking to grow.

With six years of experience at Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, Sarah brings strong knowledge of the local business community and is passionate about helping people build confidence and take the next step in their business journey.

Aileen brings over 33 years of experience working across a range of industries, supporting businesses with everything from day-to-day operations and account management to all aspects of HR. She’s especially passionate about helping businesses build strong teams and navigate the people side of running a company, whether that’s recruitment, development or longer-term planning.

With a friendly and supportive approach, Aileen enjoys helping businesses find practical solutions and offering guidance every step of the way.

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.

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.