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Looking Back at the Last 12 Months: Celebrating Our North East Business Community

As we head toward the end of the year, it is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day running of our businesses and forget to pause and look at what we have actually achieved.At our meeting at Derwentside College next week, we will be taking a moment to reflect on the past 12 months and celebrate some of the brilliant milestones our community has reached. We will also be sending out our annual member questionnaire later this month to help shape what Do Business Network looks like in 2027.Remember...

Kickstart 2027 with purpose at the DBN Business Showcase Event

As 2026 draws to a close and we look towards a fresh start, the priority for small business owners across the North East is getting ready to hit the ground running. While online strategy and digital tools are vital, nothing replaces the impact of face-to-face connections. At DBN, our word of the year for 2027 is Resilient—because the true foundation of a strong, adaptable business lies in the strength of its local network and the people standing alongside it.To help you launch the new year wit...

Member Congratulations: Beamish Hall Hotel Awarded AA 4-Star Accreditation!

We are thrilled to extend a huge congratulations to our DBN partners at Beamish Hall Hotel, who recently announced their official AA 4-Star accreditation!This prestigious milestone is a wonderful recognition of the quality, character, and exceptional hospitality that make Beamish Hall such a standout location in our region. As everyone who attends our DBN events there knows, the historic surroundings and attentive staff create a truly special environment for guests and local businesses alike.Tak...

New Website for County Durham Building and Joinery

At the Do Business Network, we are always talking about the strength of our local community and the power of businesses supporting businesses. I don’t usually use our DBN platform to talk about my own client projects at Elm Marketing Solutions, but I wanted to share this story because it highlights the real impact of our regional network—specifically how fellow DBN member UMi stepped in to help one of our long-standing business owners take a huge digital leap forward.The Challenge: A 11-Year...

DBN Member Noriko and Her Son Bring a Powerful Story to Life

At the Do Business Network, we love celebrating the incredible talent and collaborative achievements within our community. Today, we are shining a light on artist, illustrator, and DBN member Noriko Matsubara, who recently co-illustrated a newly published book alongside her son.The book, The Adventures of Kody and Aron: Through the Eyes of the Wise...AKA Mum!, was written by Monique McPherson—a mother of two non-speaking autistic sons. It offers a deeply moving, raw, and honest memoir of resil...

Our 2027 Dates Are Published!

Our full calendar of DBN events for 2027 is now published on the website. At DBN, our word of the year for 2027 is Resilient—reflecting the strength, adaptability, and support that come from a connected local business community. Head over to our meeting page to explore the full schedule, get your key dates in the diary, and join us in building a more resilient North East network in 2027!...

Member Success: Harrington Brown Estate Agents Named Gold Award Winners!

At the Do Business Network, we are always thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our members. Today, we are sending a huge congratulations to our very local neighbours at Harrington Brown Estate Agents in Shotley Bridge, Consett, who have officially been named Gold Award winners in the Best Estate Agent Guide!Recognised Among the Top 20% NationwideThe Best Estate Agent Guide independently assesses over 15,000 estate agency branches across the UK. Their rigorous evaluation focuses on key indic...

Free Carbon Monoxide & Community Safety Training: 11th November

Supporting Local Safety: Free Carbon Monoxide & Energy Support Session from Northern Cancer VoicesAt Do Business Network (DBN), we are always keen to highlight the vital work being done by organisations across our region. That is why we are pleased to help spread the word about an upcoming online training session delivered by our friends at Northern Cancer Voices.On 11th November, Northern Cancer Voices is hosting a free session in partnership with Northern Gas Networks as part of their ongo...

Happy 3rd Birthday to Northern Cancer Voices! 🎂

Everyone at Do Business Network (DBN) would like to send a huge congratulations to DBN member Tori Bradison and the entire team at Northern Cancer Voices as they celebrate their third anniversary as a registered charity today.Over the past three years, Tori and her team have done vital work across our region, turning lived experiences into meaningful, lasting change for cancer awareness, care, and support services.Achieving a milestone like this is a testament to the incredible dedication of the...

Why You Should Attend the Tees Valley ERF Meet the Buyer Event

Major regional infrastructure projects offer significant opportunities for local businesses, and the upcoming Tees Valley Energy Recovery Facility (TV ERF) project is a key example.If you want to secure supply chain contracts, build direct relationships with main contractors, or expand your market across the North East, save the date for Tuesday, 10th November 2026.Event DetailsDate: Tuesday, 10th November 2026Times: Morning Session (09:00 – 12:00) | Afternoon Session (13:00 – 16:00)Venue: C...

What a Fantastic Turnout at Beamish Museum!

After a lovely walk through the grounds, we made our way round to the Drovers Tavern, where we were welcomed by a roaring open fire, piping hot tea and coffee, and delicious homemade shortbread baked fresh right on site at the museum's town centre bakery.Honesty, Self-Reflection, and Business GrowthOur guest speaker for the morning was Angela Blake from Y19 Management, who led us through an insightful, practical session.Angela had everyone complete a self-assessment questionnaire, encouraging us...

If you are a sole trader or a landlord, you may have seen HMRC’s recent campaign warning that the tax system is changing.

From 6 April 2027, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment will become mandatory for individuals with qualifying turnover above £30,000. Over one million business owners and property owners across the UK will be brought into this phase.While 2027 might feel a long way off, the decisions you make now regarding your record-keeping will determine how seamless or stressful this transition becomes.What Is Changing Under MTD for Income Tax?Under the current system, most sole traders a...

Investing in Your Team: How PCP and the Better Health at Work Award Transform Workplace Wellbeing

We recently sat down to record an episode of the DBN podcast with Bobby Hewitson and Karen Stobbart from the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) to discuss how local businesses across the North East and Cumbria can improve their workplace culture.In this episode, Bobby and Karen break down how the fully funded Better Health at Work Award helps companies of all sizes support their employees through everything from mental health and physical activity to cancer awareness and financial wellbeing.We ta...

November Networking at Derwentside College

We are absolutely thrilled to head to the college for our November gathering. While this is a change to our original schedule, we are really excited to be back at Derwentside College at the Steel House Bistro and to be looked after by Angelo and his catering students. (Just FYI, Angelo makes the best coffees and the catering team always do an absolute belter of a bacon butty!)Morning Itinerary8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrival, networking, coffee, and bacon butties9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome, guest s...

Festive Finale at Ushaw: Christmas Quiz, Magical Surroundings, and Bringing a Guest for Free

We are thrilled to round off the year in truly magical fashion at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens. Moved to December to take advantage of the festive season, Ushaw is beautifully decorated at Christmas time, making it a wonderful sight to look forward to. To make our final gathering extra special, we will be hosting our end-of-year Christmas quiz complete with prizes, which is always great fun and a brilliant way to celebrate our community's achievements.Morning Itinerary8:30 AM – 9:...

October networking at Beamish Museum

We are excited to announce that our networking meeting on Tuesday 20th October will see us returning to Beamish Museum. These meetings are always a highlight in the Do Business Network calendar, and this upcoming session promises to be particularly special as we gather at one of the museum's newest exhibits in the 1820s Landscape: The Drovers Tavern.To add a bit of historical context to our morning, a member of Beamish staff will be sharing insights about the story of droving and ...

Wrapping Up 2026 in Style: The Last Three Do Business Network Events You Don't Want to Miss

As the year draws to a close, it is time for the final big push before Christmas. For local business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs across County Durham, the festive season is not just about winding down—it is about finishing strong, strengthening local connections, and setting the groundwork for the year ahead.The Do Business Network has lined up three fantastic networking events to close out 2026. While a few adjustments to the schedule have been made due to unforeseen circumstances,...

Peer-Led Training: Supporting Growth Through Shared Expertise

Running a business can sometimes feel like a continuous cycle of reacting to the day-to-day. That is why community support and continuous learning are so vital for growth.At the Do Business Network, we do not just connect local business owners—we invest in helping each other level up through practical, peer-led training.Putting Marketing in PerspectiveA shining example of this collaboration came from our September session, where Allison Dore from Hello Friday delivered an engaging, pressure-fr...

From a Ten-Year-Old Disco to the Edinburgh Fringe: The Mark Sillett Story

Every business owner has an origin story, but few start quite as early as Mark Sillett.At just ten years old, Mark ran a disco for his class. That single event led to a request for a Year Six disco, prompting him to source his first set of speakers. From those modest beginnings, Mark Sillett Lighting, Sound and Entertainment has steadily evolved. Today, at twenty-eight years old, Mark's portfolio includes local highlights like the Consett Christmas Tree Festival, alongside major technical work a...

Equipping Your Business for Growth: Free Autumn Training Courses from Business Durham

Navigating the challenges of scaling a business requires continuous learning and practical insight. For members of the Do Business Network (DBN), staying ahead means regularly reviewing strategies, refining your presence, and uncovering new ways to connect with clients.While these training courses are not exclusive to DBN members, we are delighted to highlight them because they are being delivered by Business Durham, who is a valued DBN member. These hands-on sessions provide practical takeaways...

A huge DBN welcome to our newest member, This Is Me Agency!

We are delighted to welcome Michelle Dobson from This Is Me Agency, to the Do Business Network.Based in Consett at the Derwentside Business Centre and serving the whole of the UK, Michelle brings a wealth of expertise and tailored support to our business community.Championing Workplace Accessibility & SupportEvery workplace should be accessible, but standard office setups and generic HR policies don’t always meet everyone's needs. Whether someone is self-employed, an employee, or an employ...

Video Marketing That Drives Real Results for Small Businesses

When it comes to elevating a brand, professional videography is a game-changer. Working with an expert like James Ibbitson from Visual Punch brings high-end production value, creative direction, and striking visual storytelling that completely transforms how a business connects with its audience.However, alongside high-production campaigns, everyday social media presence requires a steady stream of content. The good news is that business owners do not need a professional crew for every single po...

Women in Leadership: An Introduction

Supporting our community's growth and creating spaces for peer learning is at the heart of what we do. That is why we are pleased to share details of an upcoming opportunity brought to us by the Social Enterprise Academy.The North East BIC in Sunderland is hosting a one-day event on 30th September focusing entirely on women in leadership.This session is facilitated by Kate Duffy from Junction Point, an exceptional trainer and a fantastic female leader in business whose expertise makes this a bri...

Exclusive DBN Member Offer: 30% Off Meeting Room Hire at The Greenhouse

We love sharing fantastic opportunities from our network community, and Nanci and the team at The Greenhouse in Stanley have put together a brilliant exclusive offer for DBN members.As we head into the final stretch of the year, getting your team together in a fresh, inspiring space can make all the difference for planning, strategy, and refocusing. To help make that easier, The Greenhouse is offering all DBN members 30% off meeting room hire right through until the end of the year.The Special R...

Kicking Off September: Networking at Beamish Hall Hotel

We had a lovely morning at Beamish Hall Hotel for our September networking meeting, and being our first get-together back after the summer break, it was wonderful to reconnect and see everyone again.After grabbing a coffee and a bacon buttie, we sat down for a brilliant talk by Gillian Keogh from Gillian Keogh Coaching. Entitled "Brains, Behaviour, and Business," Gillian dived into the science behind our brain chemistry—touching on dopamine and endorphins—and cleverly linked it back to how w...