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Kickstart Your 2026: The DBN Annual Small Business Expo at Beamish Hall

As we enter the first month of 2026, the priority for many small business owners across the North East is clear: building momentum. While digital strategy is vital, the foundation of a resilient local business often lies in the strength of its professional network.At the Do Business Network (DBN), we are committed to facilitating high-quality, professional environments where local leaders can connect. To launch the year with purpose, we invite you to our Annual Small Business Expo on Tuesday 20t...

Don’t Just Network—Level Up: The DBN Business Boost Workshops

The DBN Business Boost is a series of three focused workshops designed to give small business owners the practical knowledge required to grow their operations. These sessions move beyond surface-level networking, focusing on specific strategies to help you manage and adapt your business. Importantly, these workshops are fully funded for businesses registered within a DH postcode area, with one place available per business.Three Workshops to Transform Your StrategyThese sessions are led by indust...

Reflecting on a Fantastic Finish at Derwentside College

What a brilliant way to wrap up the year! The Do Business Network (DBN) was delighted to spend a productive and positive morning connecting with our members at Derwentside College yesterday. These year-end sessions are crucial for maintaining the strong, supportive atmosphere of our network.The morning was focused on providing clear guidance and strategic direction for 2026. We believe transparency is key, and we shared detailed plans outlining the significant opportunities for all members to en...

Do Business Network Small Business Expo. Let's start 2026 together!

We warmly invite you to join the Do Business Network Annual Small Business Expo—your first essential networking event of 2026!Mark your calendar for Tuesday 20th January at the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel. It's the perfect opportunity to leave the desk behind, meet new people, and bring fresh energy to your business goals.What to Expect During Your Morning:The event runs from 8:30 am and is structured to maximise your connections:8:30 am: Doors open for networking, browsing exhibition stands,...

NETWORKING DATES AND VENUES FOR 2026

Tuesday, 20th January 2026 – Beamish Hall Hotel, Coppy Lane, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0YB – 8:30-10:30 – Shoebox Expo Tuesday, 17th February 2026 – Consett Golf Club, Elmfield Road, Consett, County Durham, DH8 5NN – 8:30-10:30 Tuesday, 17th March 2026 – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Ushaw Moor, County Durham, DH7 7DW – 8:30-10:30 Tuesday, 21st April 2026 – Beamish Golf Club, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0RH – 8:30-1...

The Business Owner's Journey: Why Networking is Your Underrated Lifeline

Running a business is often romanticised, but those of us in the thick of it know the reality is far more complex. It's a rollercoaster of soaring highs and challenging lows, often navigated alone. If you're currently wrestling with an overflowing to-do list, wondering how to secure your next client, or just feeling the pressure of being 'the one in charge', this blog is for you.The Unspoken Burden of the Business OwnerLet's talk about the juggling act. As a business owner, you are simultaneousl...

Discover the Magic of Christmas Through the Ages at Beamish Museum

Visitors are invited to step into a festive journey through time and experience the wonder of Christmas, from the elegance of the Georgian era all the way to the fabulous 1950s.Beamish Museum offers something for everyone as the countdown to the big day begins the traditional way. From twinkling decorations and delicious seasonal treats to nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the museum provides a truly immersive experience.A Historical Christmas JourneyThe time-travelling Christmas adventur...

AI, Automation, and Welcoming Northern Tenants Group

What a great turnout for our networking meeting this morning! Despite a covering of snow here in Consett, our dedicated members and guests showed up in force to connect and collaborate. That's true North East commitment!Thank you to Ben Mushen from Sunderland Software City for an insightful presentation this morning. The session was highly educational and thought-provoking, giving us new ideas on how we can use AI and automation to help improve business systems. We will publish Bens slides on ou...

Is your annual tax return giving you 'Year-End Panic' stress?

For growing SMEs, relying on reactive accounting is a major barrier. You need financial insights throughout the year, not just an expensive post-mortem.We act as your Year-Round Financial Controller, offering proactive support in plain English. We free you up to do what you do best: develop your business.Read this Linkedin article by Westwood Accountancy HERE...

Complimentary Fee Utilities Health Check

We are delighted to bring you a high-value opportunity facilitated by fellow DBN Member, 121 Business Links.If your business operates from a building, we understand the increasing pressure of managing operational costs. We are pleased to offer you a complimentary Fee Utilities Health Check, a service designed to review and potentially reduce your regular business expenditures.What the Expert Health Check IncludesIn a dedicated one-hour session, a specialist from 121 Business Links will meticulou...

DBN Member Spotlight: Young Charity Champions of the Year! (Building Self-Belief)

The Do Business Network (DBN) is thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of valued member, Building Self-Belief, and their inspiring Kye's Kick Off team.This dedicated team recently triumphed at the 2025 North East Charity Awards, where they were named Young Charity Champions of the Year! This achievement is a fantastic example of the passion and positive change happening right within our network.An Inspiring AchievementThe Kye's Kick Off team, based at Boldon School, formed after the tragi...

DBN Member Spotlight: Harrington Brown Wins Gold!

We are absolutely thrilled to extend a massive congratulations to DBN member, Harrington Brown! 🥳This excellent local, independent business, based in Shotley Bridge (near Consett), has secured the prestigious Gold Award in Sales at the EA Masters in London for the third consecutive year.This incredible achievement recognises their dedication to excellence across key client-centric metrics. A special shout-out to Business Owner Jennifer Hartburn and team members James and Aiden for representin...

How We're Helping You Double Your Network and Boost Productivity

The joint networking event between the DBN and the Northern Tenants Business Network on Thursday, 20th November, offers attendees a crucial opportunity to gain expert insight into digital growth. We are proud to welcome Ben Mushen, a Digital Adoption Specialist from Sunderland Software City.Ben’s Core Expertise: Practical Digital TransformationBen Mushen brings genuine, hands-on experience to the stage. His role involves working directly with regional businesses to implement technology that dr...

Tired of networking that doesn't deliver?

The Do Business Network (DBN) is a dynamic community built on practical support and real results. Our focus is on helping small businesses in the North East not just network, but genuinely do business.The Value is Clear: Over 90% of our members do business with each other. That’s the proven return on investment you get from an active, trusted business community.What a DBN Membership Gives Your Business (Just £130 Annually):Practical Expertise: Access to 1-to-1 business coaching, member-to-mem...

The DBN Business Showcase Event

In today's challenging climate, a strong network is more vital than ever for small businesses to grow. At the Do Business Network, we are here to facilitate opportunities to help you promote your business, gain valuable connections, and establish reliable referral sources. Together, we are stronger. Let's work as a business community to help each other thrive in 2026.This event is designed for every attendee to get the opportunity to showcase their business to everyone in the room. You're welcom...

Sweet Success: Networking at Beamish Museum

We had a fantastic networking morning at Beamish Museum today! It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces and to connect with the Business Friends of Beamish too! We kicked off the event with a relaxed cuppa, where we were warmly welcomed by Lisa Powell and Sam Appleby from Beamish. To mark the season, we enjoyed some delicious, spooky-themed shortbread, baked fresh at the famous Beamish Bakery—a treat that certainly set a positive tone for the morning!The room quickly filled with energy a...

KAFFEEHAUS NEWS

Kaffeehaus is absolutely thrilled to announce that they've found the perfect fit for their Sales and Customer Care role!A huge welcome to Chris, who joined the Kaffeehaus team recently.  You'll be spotting him around the roastery more frequently as he settles into his new role.  Do say hi when you next see him. Chris brings a genuine passion for coffee!  With his extensive knowledge and impressive barista skills, he will be here to help advise you on the ideal coffee cho...

Heritage, Hospitality, and Hitting the Green with Kris Kennedy

In this week's episode of the Do Business network podcast, host Melanie Cant takes a closer look at a local institution with a rich history and an eye firmly on the future: Consett District Golf Club.Melanie sits down with the club's Secretary, Kris Kennedy, who provides a fascinating and candid insight into his vital role and the pride he takes in the club's stunning grounds, affectionately referred to as the "beautiful fairways." Consett Golf Club is clearly more than just a place to play; it'...

Member Spotlight: BUILDING SELF-BELIEF

Renovation of the community centre is thanks to £13,000 of funding from Karbon Homes’ Unlocking Social Value Fund.  Karbon has proudly partnered with Building Self-Belief for several years, supporting the charity with a number of its projects and services.CEO of Building Self Belief, Christine Thomas, said: “The centre means we now have an identity and a consistent presence, putting us at the heart of the community. We’ve been based in Consett since 2018 but not h...

CONSETT ROTARY CLUB

Consett Rotary continues to grow its membership as people are increasingly become aware of the community service ethos of the Club. Formed in 1942 Rotary has been serving the people of Consett for over 80 years.Four new members joined at a recent meeting bringing the new membership total since July to eight.Consett Rotary would like to extend an invitation to all DBN members to come along to one of our meetings to see what we get up to.In July, for example, the Rotary Club ra...

NORTHERN CANCER VOICES - FIRST FUNDRAISER!

This weekend marked a major milestone for Northern Cancer Voices as Northern Cancer Voices held their very first fundraising event - and what a challenge it was!Eight incredible fundraisers took on the Yorkshire Two Peaks (yes, not three!) in a demanding hike led by their brilliant guide Orange John. Battling tough terrain and unpredictable weather, the team tackled Ingleborough (723m) and pushed on to Whernside (736m) - with four determined walkers making it t...

SAY GOODBYE TO PAPER BUSINESS CARDS WITH PROFYLE!

Networking doesn’t have to be complicated - or wasteful.  With Profyle, sharing your contact info is instant, smart, and completely carbon-neutral. As an UMi user, you get:Up to 30 days free for up to 3 users20% off your first paid subscriptionA free custom NFC card design when you order 5+ cards UMi uses Profyle themselves and love how easy it makes connecting at events and keeping track of new contacts - no paper piles, no manual data entry. Why y...

The Internet is changing, again!

Amidst headlines about billions of dollars being invested by major US tech firms in the UK, and the release of Sir Tim Berners-Lee’s memoirs, one important story may have slipped under the radar: AI Summaries (or AI Overviews) are set to transform the familiar Google search experience.The impact? A surge in "zero-click" searches, where users get the information they need without ever visiting a website.The challenge? Ensuring your website content is optimised and ready to appear in A...

App of the Month

Stop Hoarding, Start SharingWe’re all guilty of it: snapping hundreds of photos and videos that end up buried in the depths of our phone’s gallery. But what’s the point of capturing those business moments if no one ever gets to see them?Enter Quik, the mobile app that transforms your forgotten footage into visual stories. With just a few taps, Quik automatically edits your clips, adds music, syncs everything to the beat, and delivers a slick video that’s ready to post on your social...

Welcome to DBN, Consett and District Golf Club!

We're delighted to extend a warm welcome to our newest member, Kris Kennedy, the Club Secretary at Consett and District Golf Club.Nestled in the picturesque Derwent Valley, the club has been a cornerstone of the community since 1911. Its stunning 18-hole parkland course, redesigned by the legendary Harry Vardon, is a testament to its commitment to excellence.While celebrated for its top-tier golfing, Consett Golf Club is more than just a course. It's a hub for the community, with a friendly atmo...