Love Life's director Gillian Macdonald is featured in the Evening Express

"I get a buzz from helping people establish their own businesses"

Enterprise adviser loves rewarding role - (See original article)

For Gillian Macdonald, helping people start their own businesses is a rewarding role. The 38-year-old works as a business adviser for Enterprise North East Trust (Enterprise) who offers support and advice to hopeful entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

She said: "I get a buzz from helping people set up their own business. For some of them, it’s been their life's dream and it feels great to help them achieve what they want to do."

"A lot of clients come in scared and unsure. They might be experts in their field but just don’t know where to start with the business side of things. That’s where Enterprise comes in, we’re able to offer advice and put them on the right path."

Gillian, who is also a team leader, works long days. "I'm an early bird and generally get to work just after 7am. I start the day by responding to e-emails and confirming course bookings for clients, as well as discussing business plans with them."

"Then I move on to dealing with all the new enquires that come in," she added.

Gillian's favourite aspect of her job is working with clients.

"We get a lot of similar business ideas put to us but it's the different personalities that come through the door that make it really special."

As well as helping others become business-savvy, Gillian also runs her own company. Love Life Limited is a venture Gillian set up 11 years ago with her husband Gordon, who also has a background in business. "It’s a true partnership between us," said Gillian. The company offer personal, business and home improvement and development services and products.

"Online we source and sell a really wide range of products, internationally. It's great to be on the other side of a business as I spend my days helping other people set up their own. Setting up Love Life has given me an idea of how people feel when they start in business, which means I am able to provide the best possible service to them. I lead a busy life but I love my day job and work with such a great team of people. Love Life is a brand which my husband and I have built from scratch, which feels great."