Shetland

Business Adviser

Jeffrey

Jeffrey Gaskell has three decades of experience as a freelance business adviser and mentor working with new commercial and social enterprises that have planned, created and sold their offerings in markets in the UK and overseas.

After many years of practice in Northwest England he began working as an advisor with Shetland Business Gateway in early 2009, preparing would be entrepreneurs to be ready to take advantage of opportunities and deal with the rough and tumble of trade. In the crucial period immediately after startup and during later phases of development.

He considers it a privilege to work in Scotland, where there are so many high-quality resources freely available to help people make their start-up dream a thriving reality.

Business Adviser

Diana

Diana Abernethy joined the Business Gateway in 2010. She has over 20 years of experience in business development and has supported clients from a number of different industry sectors including aquaculture, childcare, food and drink, IT, tourism, textiles and retail. She has a good understanding of the issues businesses in these sectors currently face as well as the opportunities available.

She is also involved in the day-to-day running of a small business and has direct experience of the complexities this can involve. She has good local knowledge as well as insights into many sectors and an understanding of the underlying socio-economic conditions, particularly in more rural areas. Diana holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies, a Pg Dip in Local Economic Development and a Diploma in Business Advice and Counselling.

Business Adviser

Genevieve

Genevieve White has lived in Shetland for 18 years. During this time, she’s taught ESOL at Adult Learning, lectured at Shetland College, edited local magazine Shetland Life and written for national and international publications.

Most recently, she’s gained a qualification in copywriting and has started her own business, Campion Comms & Coaching. Genevieve is now combining her love of teaching with her passion for writing to help local business owners write great marketing copy, get more customers and make more money.

Business Adviser

Rene

Rene Looper has over 20 years of experience in digital and business support, Rene is the Founder and MD of Tuminds Ltd. Social media is a fast-moving sector. Rene excels at keeping himself and his team up to date with the latest trends and developments.

Business Adviser

Alastair

Alastair Miller is a senior trainer and consultant with Tuminds who previously ran his own web design company. Alastair's expertise lies in website design and development, data analysis, search engine optimisation, PPC campaigns, e-commerce, email marketing, cyber-security and digital marketing strategies.

Business Adviser

Emma

Emma Gibb is an experienced trainer and consultant passionate about social media, blogging, and creating engaging content. Emma has compiled hundreds of digital strategies for clients and has a professional diploma in digital marketing.

Business Adviser

James

James Beaumont specialises in paid campaigns, both social and search engine advertising, split testing custom audiences and analysing results. With extensive experience in supporting small businesses with their pay-per-click campaigns, he can advise clients on using Facebook and Google ads and promotion through other platforms.

Business Adviser

Leah

Leah Irvine has over ten years’ experience advising and assisting businesses and organisations in Shetland. Her knowledge and understanding of the Shetland economy comes from being involved in a range of Economic Development projects across a wide range of sectors.

Leah has also experienced starting her own business and runs a successful social media platform.

Her main areas of interest are business development, strategies, economic development, problem solving, selling, marketing and content creation.

Leah has a BA (hons) in Management and Marketing with a Diploma in consultancy and a Diploma in Business and Enterprise Support.

Business Gateway Manager

Kirsten

Kirsten Nicolson began her journey with Business Gateway in 2009 overseeing operations at the Orkney office for six years. Transitioning to Shetland in 2015, she assumed the managerial role for the northern isles. Originally moving into economic development in 2004, she has extensive experience in business development, supporting clients to access grants and loans from a number of different industry sectors. She also worked as a self-employed adviser for a while, and has worked for Highlands & Islands Enterprise in Shetland.

Prior to her public sector jobs, she gained over 15 years of experience working in the private sector, where she managed a food and drink processing business, employing up to 45 staff.

Her diverse background and network equips her with an excellent understanding of business challenges and how to assess the necessary support required.

Kirsten holds a BA in Business and Enterprise and a Diploma in Business Advice and Counselling.

Administrator

Nicola

Nicola Halcrow joined Business Gateway Shetland in 2017, bringing 17 years of experience from a business support role in Economic Development. She supports the Business Gateway Shetland team with her strong background in administration and client services. With a good understanding of the local business environment and the resources available through Business Gateway, Nicola is a key asset to the team. She is a reliable and approachable contact for business owners and entrepreneurs.