Sarah’s background is marketing and all things digital. She has been through the business start up process herself and built a solid business. She has also been an employee and so has multiple perspectives and skills.

When Sarah is not thinking business she is generally on or near a netball court, coaching or umpiring the game. She is proud to be one of just 2 national A level umpires in the county. Sarah has one daughter at university and loves keeping fit and active.

Sarah, tell us more about your role:

I work as a Business Development Manager supporting businesses from initial conceptual start-ups through to more established SME’s. This is done through our Breakthrough workshops,  group sessions and one-to-one development meetings.  My practical skillset is marketing and digital which is an area many people could use some help with.

What experience do you have working with businesses?

One element of my own business involved meeting new clients and getting to know them and their business as much as possible. This would allow us to tailor a solution that would solve their problem.  I also have personal experience of wearing many hats and learning how to handle things like finance and legal for the first time.  When I say I feel your pain, I really do mean it.

What do you most enjoy about working with businesses?

I really enjoy meeting new people especially people who are passionate and brave enough to run their own business.  I also have quite a caring, nurturing side of me that just wants to help people. I have also received some incredible support and help over the years and want to give something back.

How do you stay inspired?

People in general inspire me and so I tend to read and listen to people with something to say. I’m a TedTalks fan and I love a good business book. Every now and then you come across someone who actually has a unique business idea or angle, that inspires me.

Outside of the day job…

I’m spending precious time with my daughter when she’s home from uni or catching up with friends and family. When I’m not being sociable, I’m on the netball court somewhere in the country blowing a whistle and umpiring the game I love.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Not telling, we’ve only just met!