Neil Palmer founded Border Eco Systems in 2009 in response to a clear gap in the market for reliable biomass installers, at a time when government policy was beginning to drive the transition toward renewable energy.

With a background in motorsport engineering, Neil brings a precision-driven, performance-focused mindset to every project. His strong technical expertise and hands-on approach have been central to the company’s growth, ensuring high standards in the design and installation of sustainable heating systems.

Neil met Georgia, who now also works within the business, and together they have built both a family and a shared vision for the company’s future. With two children and a strong family foundation behind the business, they are both committed to driving it forward.

As an advanced, technically skilled heating company, Border Eco Systems demands continuous investment in training, development, and innovation. Neil remains heavily involved in this process, dedicating significant time and resources to ensure the team maintains the highest standards across every aspect of the business

Originally from South Africa, Paulo trained as a plumber before relocating to the UK. After deciding to make Scotland his permanent home, he committed himself to further training and certification to ensure his skills met UK standards — an investment we were proud to support, recognising his exceptional work ethic and dedication from the very beginning.

Now an advanced engineer, Paulo brings a wealth of technical knowledge, practical experience, and professionalism to the team every day.

Paulo first arrived in Scotland over a decade ago to play a season of rugby for Jed Forest, but quickly found a place he could call home. Since then, he has remained a valued part of the local rugby community and, although officially retired, he can still occasionally be spotted back out on the pitch!

In recent years, Paulo has fully settled into Scottish life, marrying his Scottish wife and continuing to build both his career and his future here.

We’re proud to have him as part of the Border Eco Systems team.

Mark began his journey with BES as an apprentice engineer and has grown with the business, fully qualifying as an engineer four years ago. Since then, he has committed himself to continuous development, building strong technical expertise and a solid understanding of biomass systems.

As part of his ongoing training, Mark has taken part in key industry development opportunities, including a visit to Austria with our main biomass partner ETA, alongside Neil and Paulo. This reflects our commitment to maintaining high standards through continuous training for accreditation and insurance requirements, which Mark fully embraces as part of his role.

Outside of work, Mark has recently moved into his own home and enjoys spending his free time playing golf.

Claire was the first member of staff to join BES, working alongside Neil for many years and helping to build the foundations of the business. She remains a familiar and friendly voice to many of our customers, often being the first point of contact.

With a naturally caring personality and years of experience in customer-facing roles within the airline industry, both in the air and on the ground, Claire brings exceptional customer service skills to the team.

Now based on the outskirts of Jedburgh, Claire enjoys spending time with friends and is an active member of her local community. 

​She has become a valued and much-loved part of the BES family.

Leanda joined the team over two years ago and quickly became an integral part of the business. She brings a strong understanding of systems and products, playing a key role in supporting the day-to-day management of engineers and stock, and working closely with Neil to keep everything running smoothly.

Having been a family friend for many years, Leanda has a genuine connection to the business and a real investment in its success. She has taken to the role exceptionally well, continuing to build her knowledge through ongoing training and development.

Outside of work, Leanda recently became a grandmother — a milestone she proudly shares with her family — while her son is now following a path into motorsport, reflecting the shared passions that run through the team.

Anne joined BES over three years ago, bringing with her a wealth of experience in both customer-facing roles and accounting administration. Her approachable nature and strong organisational skills make her an important part of the day-to-day running of the business.

While on maternity leave nine years ago, Anne made the decision to invest in herself and begin training towards her ICB bookkeeping qualifications, with the goal of improving her career opportunities and work-life balance. Through dedication and hard work, she progressed to Level 3, and since joining BES we have been proud to support and encourage her continued development towards her Level 4 Diploma.

Outside of work, Anne is a busy mum to two daughters. Together with her husband, who is a truck driver, the family often spends weekends touring the country attending truck shows

Terri joined BES as an apprentice engineer after developing a real interest in plumbing and wanting to find a way into the industry as a mature student. Her enthusiasm, determination, and willingness to learn immediately stood out to us. Before joining the team, Terri had experience working with Nissan as well as within the care sector, giving her a strong practical background and excellent people skills.

Since starting with BES, Terri has continued to grow in confidence and ability, embracing the challenges of the industry and developing her technical knowledge through hands-on experience and ongoing training. Some of our more vulnerable customers especially appreciate having a female engineer attend their homes, and Terri’s calm, friendly nature makes her a great fit for the role.

During her time with BES, Terri also got married, and it has been wonderful to watch the couple build their life together. Outside of work, Terri is a huge animal lover and enjoys spending time with her pets.

Georgia, Neil’s partner, joined the BES team in 2013 after returning to work following the arrival of their first child.

Although new to the heating industry at the time, Georgia brought valuable experience from running her own successful business — in a slightly different kind of drainage, more lymphatic than water! Along with this, she brought strong management and business operations skills that have continued to benefit the business.

After taking time out in 2016 to welcome their second child, Georgia returned to BES and has continued to develop her role within the company.

Outside of work, family life keeps her busy, and there may already be a future engineer in the making, with their son showing the same technical curiosity as his dad.

Danny joined BES alongside Aaron a couple of years ago as one of our apprentice engineers. Although we had originally planned to take on just one apprentice, Danny’s attitude, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn made the decision easy to bring both of them into the team.

Since starting with BES, Danny has developed strong practical skills by working closely with our experienced engineers across a variety of installations and maintenance work. He continues to grow in confidence and knowledge through hands-on experience and ongoing training, becoming a valued part of the team.

Outside of work, Danny enjoys playing football for Coldstream FC. BES were proud to sponsor him for the season, recognising the same hard work and commitment he brings to the business every day.

Always has a smile! 

Aaron joined BES alongside Danny a couple of years ago as one of our apprentice engineers. Originally, we were only planning to take on one apprentice — but after meeting them both, we knew we had to make room for two.

Since joining the team, Aaron has gained valuable experience working alongside all of our engineers, building his confidence and developing his practical skills across a wide range of projects. After passing his driving test, he was understandably apprehensive about driving, but once handed the keys to a van he quickly took the responsibility in his stride.

Outside of work, Aaron is a keen rugby player for Jedburgh Rugby Club, where his commitment and leadership have already seen him become team captain. 

We know he will go far in all he sets out to do!

Coco and Ella are the unofficial therapy and guard dogs of BES and an important part of daily life in the office. Usually found curled up under a desk or happily sitting on someone’s lap, they help keep both staff and customers smiling throughout the day.

While they take their supervisory duties very seriously, their main priority is making sure no delivery driver or visitor leaves without handing over a biscuit or two.