Business Loans Scotland

Investing in Scottish Business

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Andrew Dickson

Fund Manager

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Andrew is the Fund Manager for Business Loans Scotland. Prior to transferring to BLS, Andrew was employed by the West of Scotland Loan Fund for over 14 years, responsible for the day to day operations of the Fund including similar funds in the East and South of Scotland.

Andrew has worked in both the private and public sectors, initially in food processing and manufacturing after graduating with an Honours degree in Business Studies from Glasgow Caledonian University. Laterally, Andrew worked in local government, specialising in business development and particularly managing loan funds to ensure small and growing businesses access the finance needed to start up and grow.

Away from work, Andrew is a keen golfer and can be found most weekends hitting a wee white ball around his local golf course.

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Donna Menzies

Loan Fund Officer

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Donna is a Loan Fund Officer for Business Loans Scotland. Prior to transferring to BLS Donna worked for the East of Scotland Investment Fund in a similar role providing support to both businesses and advisers with funding applications.

Donna is responsible for supporting businesses who approach BLS for funding and this includes appraising and checking loan applications as well as handling enquiries. As Donna is based in Perth she usually operates across the East & Highlands areas of Scotland and can also be seen representing BLS at business events and exhibitions helping to raise awareness of the Fund.

Donna started her career within the banking industry and after 25 years and with a BA Hons degree in Financial Services she left to join the public sector within the local economic development team. From here she developed a keen interest in economic development and obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in the subject from Glasgow University.

Donna spends much of her spare time as a taxi driver for her teenage daughter or walking her 2 Golden Retrievers. She also enjoys reading, listening to music and cooking as well as socialising with friends and family.

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Rachel Nimmo

Loan Assistant

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Rachel is the Loan Assistant for Business Loans Scotland and joined the Fund in 2009 after completing an HNC in Administration and IT. Rachel has been involved in previous funds delivered through West of Scotland Loan Fund and East of Scotland Investment Fund.

Rachel is responsible for all Direct Debit collections and is the first point of contact for customers, providing information on loan accounts and repayments. Rachel also provides administrative support to all staff within the Fund.

In her spare time Rachel enjoys running, yoga, catching up with friends and trying out a new afternoon tea. She loves travelling, especially to America where she got married in 2018. Rachel also has a love for animals and has her hands full with two mischievous house rabbits.

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Mark McClymont

Loan Fund Officer

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After a career of more than 30 years in mainstream banking Mark joined the West of Scotland Loan Fund in 2012. Mark brings a wealth of commercial banking experience to the Fund and is now responsible for conducting appraisals on behalf of BLS thus ensuring that SMEs with a good business idea receive the help & support they require to allow the business to grow & thrive.

Out of the office Mark is a keen sports enthusiast with a particular interest in watching football & playing golf.

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Anne Harvey

Finance & Administrative Manager

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Anne is the Finance & Administrative Manager for Business Loans Scotland. Before transferring to BLS, Anne joined West of Scotland Loan Fund from the Private Sector in 2008 and is responsible for the management, administration and financial reporting functions of the Fund including other funds in the East and South of Scotland.

Anne has substantial technical knowledge and management expertise gained within Banking, Investment Management and Public Sector Industries. In addition to working in Scotland, Anne has also worked in London and Overseas, and has a Diploma in Management through the Institute of Leadership & Management.

In her spare time Anne is also a qualified Holistic Therapist and enjoys yoga, has an active social life as well as going to lots of concerts and travelling the world!