Narelle McClelland

General Manager

Qualified with a Bachelor Of Commerce, majoring in Accounting, holds a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment, Narelle is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Narelle has been a successful business owner with a wealth of experience in business management and development. Narelle has held management positions in both private enterprise and Local Government and more recently has owned and managed businesses in both the retail and service industry. Narelle understands the challenges facing small business owners in the start up and growth of their business, and is now focused on the growth and development of The Business Centre in delivering innovative and world competitive business assistance.

Michael Hilsden

Business Advisor and Mentor

Mike is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management,  a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society, Oxford University Advanced Arithmetic.

Michael is focused on helping to build a sustainable and vibrant business economy in the Great Lakes Region. For a number of years Michael has been involved in running, coaching and mentoring Australian companies, both large and small for the purpose of building dominance in their field.

He has extensive. experience in international sales and marketing, finance management along with strategic and tactical planning. His strengths are in business development, IT, competitive intelligence, powerful sales and marketing tactics. 

Quanita Chivers

Business Advisor and Trainer

Quanita holds an Advanced Diploma in Accounting, Certificate IV in Training and Assessing, Certificate IV Small Business Management and  is a member of the Australian Institute of Directors, AIEF and APEC.  As a Master Practitioner & Trainer of NLP, Quanita takes Business Mentoring to the next level. Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Behavioural Science, Quanita brings a depth of knowledge to all clients in understanding people - from partners to employees to customers.

Quanita has a love for business that matches her extensive career as an Accountant, Business Owner, Mentor and Finance Director. With a wealth of commercial exposure in a variety of Industries, Quanita enhances her focus and expertise on larger company structures.  This expert has taken numerous companies ranging from startup businesses that launched internationally, to large multinational Blue Chip companies to maximum performance.

Brooke Phillips

Business Advisor and Trainer

Brooke holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessing, Certificate IV in Small Business Management and is a Registered JP.

Brooke was a director of a commercial and industrial landscaping company for 8 years and has contributed to many industries including Trade, Retail and Hospitality. She has a love of local industry and understands the demands placed on SME's, having nearly 20 years experience specialising in growing small business. Her down to earth nature allows her to gain a practical understanding of your business and provide easy steps to overcome your challenges.

Brookes passion is with young start up's, new and progressive ways of problem solving and sharing the latest technology to apply to your business.

Cheryl Anderson

Administration and Business Advisor Assistant

Cheryl is currently studying a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.  For 15 years Cheryl was a partner in an entertainment business which encompassed all areas of promotion, marketing and advertising.

With many years experience in office management roles, Cheryl offers a decisive yet creative people focus at The Business Centre.  As your first point of contact with Business Advisory Services, Cheryl will diagnose exactly how we can be of assistance and steer you in the right direction.  

Colin Merrick

Business Advisor and Trainer

Colin holds a Master of Business Degree from Newcastle University, a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and many other business qualifications which compliment the success he has achieved in his own business ventures.

With over 25 years of Retail business experience, Colin has provided hundreds of business owners, franchisee's and managers solid guidance, support and direction in some of the major shopping centres in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Lower Hunter Regions.

Colin is at The Business Centre to make a difference and is passionate about assisting small business owners in personal skills, business knowledge and understanding the reality of the small business arena.

Margaret O'Carroll

Business Development and Project Management

Holding a BA (Hons) degree in Visual Communication and a Post Graduate qualification in Education, Margaret has extensive experience in Business Development, Office and Project Management.

Having assisted a range of industries locally and internationally, Margaret's strength lies in relationship management and creative solutions while her positive mindset ensures local small business owners and collaborative organisations will enjoy a strong relationship with The Business Centre.

With a streamlined approach to systems and a proactive ability in anticipating needs of our serviced and virtual office tenants, Margaret's balance of lightness and strong capability will ensure any job, no matter how big or small, will get done.

Angela Dowdell

Reception and Administration

With over 10 years experience in Reception and administration in the local area, Angela brings warmth and efficiency to your first experience at The Business Centre.

Angela ensures that you receive the assistance you need in a bright and friendly yet highly efficient way. Strong troubleshooting abilities compliment the eye for detail that Angela displays while working with accounts and diary management.

With a genuine love of people and ease of interaction, your enquiry will always be welcome and a smooth experience ensured.

Paulina Mangano

Small Business Mentor

Qualifications including a Certificate IV in Training & Assessing and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management enhances Paulinas own small business experience which started 20 years ago in a range of industries including Hospitality, Wholesale and Retail.

Having worked in several different roles at The Business Centre since 2002, Paulina is passionate about assisting the local small business community and provides a unique and motivating approach to guidance and advice.

By understanding the demands placed on small business owners, Paulina uses her skills in marketing, branding, purchasing and planning to ensure that her clients achieve their dreams and unlock their full potential.

Lorraine Flynn

Business Advisor

Having worked in Executive roles and as a Business Advisor to Industry for over 25 years Lorraine holds a Diploma of Marketing and has studied Business Management, Research and Public Speaking.  

Lorraine has established a strong network of contacts that allows her to bring people together with like-minded needs to learn from each other's experiences.  

With experience that includes Exporting, Project Management, Communication and Economic Development, Lorraine is keen to assist our clients at The Business Centre by offering sound and relevant advice to business and to look for growth opportunities.