Lead for Business Support Services
Gill Millington | Lead for Business Support Services
Gill is a Management Team member responsible for developing, promoting, and delivering Business Support Services, including the Boost Business Lancashire Programme. As the company’s nominated contract manager, she acts as the primary contact with clients, represents the company at contract review meetings, and sets performance targets for the team. Gill leads and motivates a team of Business Relationship Assistants and Advisers, ensuring they provide excellent customer service and meet key performance indicators.
With a focus on collaboration, she builds effective operational relationships with Lancashire’s Local Authorities and contributes to the company’s diversification efforts for sustainability. Gill leverages her expertise to enhance service delivery, engage with Business Advisers to maintain compliance, and respond to funding opportunities that boost income generation. Additionally, she manages external funding projects, presents reports to the Board of Directors, and deputises for the Head of the company as needed.
Business Advisors
Our hugely knowledgeable team comprises business advisors with decades of collective experience. They have advised, operated, and owned businesses of diverse scales across multiple sectors and business domains.
Sue covers West Lancashire as their primary business advisor and brings over 20 years’ experience of supporting Lancashire businesses in various roles including most recently delivering Boost’s Business Advice Service through Winning Pitch and managing the Boost Flying Start team. Sue also helped to deliver the Peer Networks programme across Lancashire.
With a professional background in project management, business software solutions and strategy, Sue provides business advice to entrepreneurs and business leaders seeking to improve or implement new systems and processes. She can offer advice on new technologies and can help point businesses in the right direction to enable their implementation.
Purves is the primary business advisor for Blackburn with Darwen and is an experienced and accredited business adviser with over 20 years’ experience delivering enterprise projects. He can offer expert advice and support to both start ups and existing businesses as well as funding and grants.
Purves has extensive experience as a business development consultant helping businesses at all stages of growth with planning, project management, marketing and team development.
Purves is a school governor at Accrington Academy (currently the vice chairman) with over 15 years service at the school and also currently the chairman of Accrington Stanley Community Trust.
He is also a business mentor for The Prince’s Trust which helps young people from disadvantaged communities to build the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.
In May 2024, accompanied by his wife Abida, Purves attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace as guests of His Majesty King Charles III, in recognition for his services to the county of Lancashire.
Debbie Chinn | Business Advisor
Debbie is working with South Ribble Council as their primary business advisor and has spent over 20 years assisting hundreds of businesses across all sectors. She has managed her own company and as a former director in food manufacturing with a background in hospitality, she is one of our go-to food and drink specialists.
Her experience of running a business means she understands the importance of financial management, results driven sales and marketing, the value of people, customer intelligence and sustainability.
Simon Brooke | Business Advisor
Simon is currently working with Burnley Council as their dedicated business advisor and has spent a career in marketing both client and agency-side, he started an ecommerce business in 2007. A further ecommerce businesses followed, alongside four years as a director of a professional football club. He eventually helped broker a deal to bring in new owners.
Simon started his first business at university, 27 years ago, and understands the realities of being in business. He knows that one thing everyone running a business needs is a trusted ally, someone who understands and listens.
He provides business startups with helpful advice and specialises in hospitality and leisure, sport and marketing, alongside helping to build businesses and high-performing teams.
Andy brings a wealth of experience as a business founder, coach, mentor, advisor, and facilitator and is currently working with Pendle Council as their point of contact as business advisor. He has supported hundreds of business leaders and entrepreneurs across the Northwest through coaching, mentoring, peer group facilitation, and delivering workshops on leadership, team culture, purpose, and public speaking. A qualified coach and a multiple award-winning mentor, Andy is also a TEDx speaker, curator, host, and active fundraiser for local and global charities.
With a background spanning professional services, marketing, and franchising, Andy is also an investor and podcast host. He has trained over 500 mentors, led regional growth and mentoring programmes, and appeared on international BBC News, radio, and various podcasts as a specialist in business mentoring.
Recognised as a super-connector and purpose-driven leadership coach, Andy works with organisations of all sizes, from large corporates to SMEs. He combines deep commercial experience, empathy, and practical strategy to help businesses and people grow with clarity and purpose.
Amir Shafiq | Business Advisor
Amir is working closely with Chorley Council as the main point of contact as their dedicated business advisor and has over 20 years experience working in business advisory and project management roles across Lancashire and the North West.
His areas of specialism include strategic business planning, leadership development, project management, and fostering innovation-led growth. Amir particularly specialises in guiding businesses through growth phases, navigating challenges, and optimising operations for long-term sustainability and success.
Additionally, he has a strong background in business and financial planning, stakeholder management, and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies.
Amir’s role entails close collaboration with businesses to understand their challenges and identify growth opportunities. This begins with an in-depth assessment and onboarding session to perform a bespoke diagnosis, identifying critical focus areas. Subsequently, he assists businesses to develop a growth strategy and action plan tailored to their specific needs.
Gill has spent over 20 years in business support and has a solid foundation working on North West programmes from managing grant funds, funding and offering mentoring as well as advising on business support and knows the region very well. Gill is currently working in all districts as the ‘go to’ finance person using her previous skills to support businesses to obtain funding.
She formerly achieved success in banking where she specialised in corporate business lending and business development as well as managing teams.
Gill has a strong track record in sales, marketing and growth and understands the challenges that businesses experience.
Business Support Helpdesk
Our helpdesk provides a comprehensive guide to the array of local, regional, and national business support programmes available, ensuring businesses have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Joanna Flatley | Boost Helpline
Joanna is a first point of contact at Boost and manages all enquiries coming through Boost Growth Hub. She is here to ensure that you are introduced and signposted to the right support for your business.
There’s a wide range of help available from Boost and Joanna will ensure you are offered the service and support that best suits your needs and challenges.
Gail Shorrocks | Boost Helpline
Gail is a first point of contact at Boost and manages all enquiries coming through Boost Growth Hub. She is here to ensure that you are introduced and signposted to the right support for your business.
There’s a wide range of help available from Boost and Gail will ensure you are offered the service and support that best suits your needs and challenges.
Robeul Hossain | Systems Administrator
Robeul is a key member of the frontline team for the Boost Business Lancashire contract, supporting the Head of Growth Lancashire. He serves as the go-to expert for ICT troubleshooting, ensures reliable systems support, and manages financial oversight by preparing monthly budget reports and monitoring income and expenditure.
In addition to his financial responsibilities, Robeul oversees the company’s social media presence, creating engaging content and analysing audience engagement to drive client satisfaction. His diverse skill set includes WordPress management, email system administration, and data management, along with expertise in digital marketing and resource management. Robeul is dedicated to enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness within the organisation.