All services

Training with Sarah Ingleby

Small business training courses

Practical skills you and your team can use the next day.

Sometimes the best support isn't doing the work for you. It's helping you do it confidently. From bookkeeping and admin to tendering, my training is friendly, practical and free of jargon.

Solid blue background with small centered loading indicator

Based in Derby, supporting UK sole traders and small businesses.

Experience behind the training

30+ years

In business support, doing the work as well as teaching it.

10+ years

Winning bids, with practical experience to share.

Xero & Sage

Xero Certified Associate and Sage Application Specialist.

More about me

Tendering skills

Bidding for Beginners: Navigating the Tender Process

A half-day introduction for small businesses that are new to bidding, or have tried and want better results. I'll help you understand the process and what makes a strong response.

What I'll cover

  • Preparation: what you need to know before you start
  • Identifying the right opportunities
  • Crafting compelling responses
  • Understanding Social Value
  • Pricing for success
  • Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Ideal for: Small businesses ready to bid for public or private sector contracts.

Explore Bids and Tenders

Your place on the course

Half day, online or in person, for individuals or small groups.

£240.00 per person.

For group bookings of six or more, get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Book your place

Bookkeeping, software and admin

Training to fit your working day

These courses are delivered online or in person, for individuals or teams.

Price on request, tailored to the size of your group and what you need to cover.

Discuss your training needs

Build a steady routine

Bookkeeping Essentials

Get to grips with keeping accurate books, so you can stay on top of your records and feel more prepared when a deadline comes round.

What I'll cover

  • Recording sales, purchases and receipts
  • Bank reconciliations
  • A simple month-end routine
  • VAT and Making Tax Digital basics
  • Working with your accountant at year-end

Ideal for: Sole traders, new business owners and staff taking on the books for the first time.

Ask about Bookkeeping Essentials

Less wrestling with the tools

Make everyday work feel simpler

I'll help you get comfortable with the software and processes behind your business, whether you're starting afresh or improving the way you already work.

Software Training: Xero and Sage

Learn your accounting software with me, a Xero Certified Associate and Sage Application Specialist.

  • Setting up your software, or moving over from spreadsheets
  • Invoicing and purchase entries
  • Bank feeds and reconciliations
  • Reports you'll actually use

Ideal for: Businesses switching to Xero or Sage, or teams who want more from the software they already have.

Admin and Process Training

Practical skills that make the day-to-day run more smoothly, with clearer routines and less time spent hunting for things.

  • Microsoft Office: Excel, Word and Outlook
  • Organising inboxes, files and folders
  • Writing standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Ideal for: Owners and office staff who want to work faster and keep things organised.

A little focused support

Prefer one-to-one? Book a Power Hour

A Power Hour is a one-to-one, 60-minute session for £120, built entirely around you and what's slowing your business down.

Choose from Bookkeeping Software Support, Tender Kickstart, MS Office Essentials, or a Digital Admin Reset.

See Power Hours

60 minutes

Your questions. Your business.

£120

A few useful answers

Choosing your training

You don't need to have it all worked out before getting in touch. Tell me what feels difficult, and I'll help you find a sensible starting point.

Can I book training just for myself?

Yes. Courses are available for individuals as well as groups or teams. If you have a specific question or task to work through, a Power Hour may be a better fit.

Is the training online or in person?

Both options are available. Tell me where you're based and who will be attending, and I can discuss the arrangements with you.

Can you help with compliance and business routines?

Bookkeeping Essentials covers VAT and Making Tax Digital basics. Bidding for Beginners includes Social Value, while Admin and Process Training covers written procedures. If you need help with a wider compliance or business management question, tell me what you need so I can discuss the right support.

What if I need someone to do the work instead?

Training isn't always the answer. I also offer one-off projects and ongoing help with bookkeeping, admin, operations and bids. Have a look at my services, or let's talk through what would take the most pressure off.

Let's find the right fit

Not sure which course is right for you?

Book a free, no-obligation chat. I'll listen to what you or your team need and help you work out the best next step. No pressure.