Meet the team

Steering Group

  • Helen Margaroli

    Interim Chair of Steering Group

    Rae's
    Helen started in hospitality as an end to finding the means to fund travel while backpacking through Australia after leaving university in 2011. It sparked a career turnaround for Helen and she has been in the hospitality industry ever since. Although originally from Angus, Helen grew up in the USA, The Netherlands and spent the majority of her youth traveling.
    The covid-19 pandemic motivated Helen and her husband, Wouter, to move back to Angus and open their restaurant, Rae’s in Montrose. Rae’s has evolved into a catering and hospitality consultancy business.
    The Rae’s concept is hyper-focused on local produce and local talent. Rae’s promotes the best Angus produce and aims to inspire others to use Angus’ rich larder rather than looking further afield.

  • Fiona Walsh

    Coordinator

    Toll House Spirits

    Since graduating with a business & languages degree in 1999, Fiona has been involved in the drinks industry for Diageo, SAB Miller, La Martiniquaise & Lucozade Suntory. She has worked in senior sales & marketing roles with globally recognised brands Guinness, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Peroni & Label 5.

    Following the birth of her 1st son, Fiona decided to take the leap into self-employment and set up a small business support agency, Small Brands; Big Ambition, supporting the food & drink sector in Scotland. By bringing big brand know-how to small start-up businesses, she helps clients on their journey from concept to launch & beyond.

    In early 2017, she created the award winning Redcastle Gin recipe, working with Arbroath based distiller Lewis Scothern, and in 2020 formed Toll House Spirits, named after the Taranty Toll House near Brechin, the childhood home of her late mum.

    Born and brought up in Monifieth, to Angus born parents, Fiona is passionate about the local food & drink industry, believes in the importance of collaboration, provenance and honesty, and loves the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit we have across this fabulous county. As a mum to 2 small boys, life is never dull, but she wouldn’t have it any other way!

  • Daniel Muir

    Steering Group Member

    Supply Chain Scotland

    Daniel Muir runs Supply Chain Scotland, helping clients improve their supply chain processes and business results. With 20+ years experience in leading Scottish food & drink companies he is passionate about promoting best practice in forecasting, planning, customer service and logistics – and helping the food and drink sector and the Scottish economy prosper.

    He joined A4A to help develop and facilitate some of the key activities that were highlighted at the first meeting he attended – particularly around collaboration and distribution.

    He is a keen cyclist and the more energy he uses cycling, the more food and drink he can enjoy with a relatively clear conscience!

  • Louise Nicoll

    Steering Group Member

    Newton Farm

    Director of Newton Farm Holidays & Tours.

    Louise with her husband Graeme run a mixed arable farm of 550 acres between Forfar and Dundee where she has an authentic farm offering with farmhouse B&B, a self catering cottage and hands on educational farm experiences and alpaca walking.  They sell fresh farm eggs and produce lamb, Aberdeen Angus and Limousin cattle and Boer goat.

    Passionate about agritourism, inclusive tourism and the customer experience in Angus.

    Louise, a Rural Leader, is active in several roles in the local Forfar community and beyond where individuals and businesses collaborate to benefit all.

    National winner of VisitScotland Thistle Award for ‘Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House’ 2018/19 and regional winner of ‘Best Outdoor Experience’ 2018/19.

  • Michelle Porter

    Steering Group Member

    Balhungie Berry Farm

    Together with husband David, Michelle runs Balhungie Berry Farm in Monifieth. They grow 20 acres of strawberries, 6 acres of raspberries, 150 acres of potatoes and 600 acres of cereal crops. 

    In the summer months, Michelle runs a fabulous farm shop and berry farm experience, selling their own produce as well as collaborating with other local producers by hosting pop-ups and stocking their products in the shop.

  • Jeni Fallone

    Steering Group Member

    Artisana

    Jeni is the current Director of Angus based Artisana Brownies, an award-winning producer of brownies, traditional Scottish tablet, and indulgent hot chocolate. With a commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, Jeni is dedicated to crafting high-quality, artisanal treats & wedding cakes that showcase the rich flavours of the region. Artisana Brownies has earned multiple awards, helping to highlight Angus as a destination for food lovers in Scotland.

    Before taking over Artisana in 2022, Jeni had a successful career spanning over 20 years in IT, most recently serving as Head of IT & Programme for a large multi-national media and publishing company. Jeni’s  passion for food and hospitality never faded, leading her back to her roots in the culinary world when an opportunity arose in the shape of Artisana. Now, she combines her business and process expertise with her love for artisanal food, focusing on growing Artisana Brownies and working to put Angus firmly on the food map.

  • Jessica Squires

    Steering Group Member

    Upper Dysart Larder

    Jessica is a Director of Upper Dysart, a family-run agritourism destination and farm-to-food business on the Angus coast. She has a degree in Management and a background in primary education, she has a passion for creating memorable visitor experiences that connect people with farming and food.

    Working alongside her family businesses, Stirling Potatoes Ltd, Jessica has helped develop innovative farm diversification projects that showcase Angus produce, support local suppliers and create new opportunities for rural communities. Jessica is a strong advocate for collaboration across the food, drink and tourism sectors and believes Angus has a unique story to tell.

    When she isn’t balancing business life with raising her two young children, Jessica can usually be found planning the next project, caring for the growing collection of animals at Upper Dysart Larder, or finding new ways to celebrate the best of Angus.