Scottish Borders

Manager

Neil

Neil manages the Business Gateway Team across the Scottish Borders as well as the Client hub for South of Scotland Enterprise who deliver the service on behalf of Scottish Borders Council.

He was previously with Business Gateway in Dumfries & Galloway and has delivered Welfare to Work programmes for DWP. Prior to that he in industry for over 25 years and has a wide range of experience from that time including Sales, Engineering, Marketing, Operations, Manufacturing and working internationally. He lists his specialities as marketing, IP and spreadsheets. Away from work he can be found holidaying in Italy.

Business Adviser

Robert

Robert is an Experienced Business Adviser for the Scottish Borders, having worked with hundreds of clients from the region in a wide variety of professions, offering in depth support on topics such as start-up, digital marketing, bookkeeping and IP.

Robert's background is Hospitality, with over 20 years’ experience in Hotel Management as well as managing several successful small businesses including self-catering properties, hair salons, cafes, and property development.

He lists his specialisations as a creative problem solver in Hospitality and Operations Management. Away from work Robert enjoys staycations, fine dining and is a motorbike enthusiast.

Business Adviser

Liam

Liam is a Business Adviser within the Business Gateway Scottish Borders team. Previously as the Business Development Assistant, Liam has over 2 years’ experience in assisting start-ups.

With experience in areas such as: marketing, finance, customer service and sales, Liam is well equipped to serve all clients, ensuring emerging entrepreneurs receive the guidance and support they need.

As a native to the Scottish Borders, Liam has a unique understanding of the different challenges and opportunities that start-ups in the region face.

Business Adviser

Caja

Caja is our new Business Adviser for Business Gateway in the Scottish Borders and joined Business Gateway in 2023 as a Business Assistant. Caja has been involved in the running of many small businesses in the area for the past 25 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 also works 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 the many challenges that are faced in those early years. She 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.

Assistant

Caitlin

Caitlin is the most recent recruit to Business Gateway Borders and is your first point of contact whether you contact us on the phone, email or the BG website. She is an experienced administrator and is looking forward to meeting her new clients. She has already participated in BG Drop in days and jobs fairs in the region.