Scottish Borders

Specialist

Neil

Neil manages the start-up and early business team for Business Gateway across the Scottish Borders. Previously employed in the polymer industry where he held a wide variety of roles in Project Engineering, Manufacturing, Marketing, Business Development and General Sales Management.

Neil also ran his own specialist consultancy in the Polymer industry advising on fire safety within aviation, shipping and rail markets before starting his new career in Welfare-to-Work and Business Gateway where he has helped over 1000 new start businesses.

He lists his specialisations as Marketing, Manufacturing and Digital skills. Away from work Neil loves travel and his garden.

Business Adviser

Robert

Robert is a Business Adviser for the Scottish Borders, coming from an extensive Hospitality background, Robert has experience working internationally onboard cruise liners and vast experience in hotel management in Scotland, with a specific focus on operations, Robert has wide experience in customer service, sales, HR and Health & Safety.

Robert has also created and managed several successful small Businesses including self-catering property’s, Hair Salons, Cafes, and property development.

He lists his specialisations as Hospitality and Operations Management. Away from work Robert enjoys staycations involving fine dining and is a motorbike enthusiast.

Business Adviser

Jill

Jill is a Business Adviser for the Scottish Borders. Jill Previously was employed by a National Youth Charity and assisted multiple start-up businesses providing expertise and guidance.

As well as being a Director of a motivational change company, Jill has also worked with many disadvantaged individuals and families in rural and hard to reach areas to help create opportunities to make positive changes to transform lives.

Jill is passionate about making a difference, she listens to people and gives them the tools and guidance to have the confidence and empowerment to have the courage to become self-employed.

Away from work Jill enjoys reading, hill walking and most importantly spending time with her family.

Business Development Adviser

Liam

Liam is a Business Development Adviser within the Business Gateway Scottish Borders team. He joined Business Gateway as a Business Development Assistant over 2 years ago and has wide experience with pre-start, start up and early years businesses across the Scottish Borders.

He has experience in areas such as: marketing, finance, customer service and sales and he is one of our Digital Triage practitioners. Liam will strive to support emerging entrepreneurs and ensure they receive the best guidance and support in those early years.

As a native of the Scottish Borders, Liam has a keen understanding of the many and varied challenges and opportunities that start-ups and early stage businesses face in the region.

Away from Business Gateway, Liam is a keen sportsman and traveller.

Business Development Assistant

Caja

Caja is our new Business Development Assistant for Business Gateway in the Scottish Borders. She has been involved in the running of many small businesses in the area for the past 24 years. Working in hospitality, flooring, photography, and the greeting card industry. She has wide experience through the start-up process and in providing excellent customer service in the businesses.

She prides herself on being an excellent listener and that will help build strong relationships with founders, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners across the highly varied customer base we have in the Borders.

She will also be working closely with colleagues and students in the local Higher Education establishments to help grow the next generation of new business owners.

Caja understands the key elements of running a business and is passionate about supporting others from the area on their journey into Self-Employment.

In her spare time, Caja enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walking the dog and eating out.