West Lothian

Linzi has been leading the Business Gateway West Lothian team since 2018 and is passionate about ensuring local residents receive the highest standard of support as they launch and grow their businesses. In her role, she oversees the delivery of the service and manages both the Start Up and Growth Advisers, ensuring they have the tools needed to support clients.

Committed to continually improving the service offering, Linzi has led on exciting projects including the launch of the Expert Help Programme and the West Lothian Women in Entrepreneurship Programme. Before taking on the role of Team Leader, Linzi was a Performance Information Officer, managing key projects and reporting on performance. In total, she has been part of the Business Gateway West Lothian team for over 20 years.

She holds a degree in Business Management. Outside of work, Linzi enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and travelling.

David joined the Business Gateway West Lothian team in 2012 as a Start Up Adviser supporting new businesses to set up and start trading, before moving into the Growth Team. He now helps established local businesses grow and develop by providing a wide range of support, including support with accessing funding and training.

David has a degree in Marketing Management from Napier University and has experience working in various sectors within business development, sales and marketing.

As a Business Growth Adviser, Lynn provides tailored support to her clients on key growth issues, helping them to establish their plans and objectives.

Before this, she completed an advanced modern apprenticeship in Engineering with HP and worked as a server engineer for 6 years. She also successfully started and ran her own company whilst raising three boys.

After completing the sale of her business, she joined the Business Gateway West Lothian team in 2018, bringing with her a wealth of experience.

Martin delivers advice and support to a varied portfolio of existing and new start social enterprises and income generating voluntary organisations, including community development trusts, housing associations, credit unions, community sports clubs, income generating charities and a range of other social enterprises.

His support is tailored to the needs of each organisation and includes planning, taking on new premises, employing staff, legal structures, charity regulation, organisational development, community asset transfer and raising awareness of Third Sector support programmes.

 He also works in close partnership with other support organisations. He joined the Business Gateway West Lothian team in 2007, and previously worked as a company director in the retail sector with responsibilities for commercial retail sales and HR. In his spare time, he enjoys walking and running, as well as drawing, painting and going to gigs.

Tahrir is a dedicated Business Adviser with a strong academic and professional background in business administration. She holds a Postgraduate Degree in Business Research and an MBA.

With a solid track record in business consulting, Tahrir helps growing businesses navigate challenges in marketing, logistics, sustainability, and training. She builds strong relationships across the private, public, and third sectors, fostering collaboration and driving growth. Her expertise includes developing business strategies, securing funding, delivering training workshops on sustainability and innovation, and guiding businesses through their Net Zero journey. By providing tailored solutions, she helps businesses align their operations with social responsibility, sustainability, and community impact, strengthening their reputation and driving long-term success.

She has been a key member of the team since 2023.

Lenna joined the West Lothian Business Gateway team in January 2001, having previously worked for British Telecom. Lenna was the Business Information Officer for the team, a role she held for 7 years before progressing to become a business Start Up Adviser in 2011.

 Lenna holds the "Premier Adviser" SVQ level 8 qualification and has an HND in Accounts. Lenna enjoys working with the wide range of clients who engage with Business Gateway and feels privileged that clients often refer family and friends and return to her time and time again.

In her spare time, Lenna enjoys walking and exploring Scotland and has completed the West Highland way. She enjoys singing and is an accomplished artiste in Burns songs.

An experienced start-up adviser, Laura has been part of the Business Gateway West Lothian team since 2009. Laura works closely with pre-start and early stage growth companies assisting them with business planning, financial forecasting and developing strategies to help drive their businesses forward.

Educated to degree level in Business Information Management, Laura has spent her career working within both public and private sector roles and has used this diverse experience to become a skilled listener, adviser and business strategist. Laura mostly enjoys meeting and working with new clients, helping them set out their business goals and mentoring them to develop a successful business.

Jordan has been part of the Business Gateway West Lothian team since 2023, supporting individuals to turn their business ideas into reality.

Before joining Business Gateway, Jordan gained experience working in accounts and childcare, and later went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Event Management at university. She enjoys working closely with clients to help them build strong foundations for their businesses and take their first steps with confidence.

Outside of work, Jordan enjoys hill walking, keeping fit, and spending time with her family.

Amanda has worked in Economic Development since 2013, before joining the Business Gateway team full-time in 2020 to focus on sustainability.

As Business Information and Sustainability Adviser, Amanda works with our business advisers and their clients to offer research support services and sustainability support.

She is passionate about sustainable development and is keen to help local businesses reach their net zero targets.

Emma is a highly creative marketer that is passionate about creating innovative campaigns that highlight the wide range of support available to help West Lothian businesses thrive.

In her role, she is responsible for carrying out all of Business Gateway West Lothian’s marketing activity, which includes managing the social media accounts, content creation, and organising exciting workshops and events. She enjoys connecting with clients online and in person and can often be found at local events.

Emma graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in Business and has experience working in a variety of marketing and sales roles before joining the team in 2023. In her spare time, Emma enjoys reading, watching movies, and staying up to date with the latest social media trends.