Back to Blog

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...

From Corporate Leadership to Founder Realities with Angela Blake of Y19 Management

When a thirty-year corporate background teaches you how businesses run, starting fresh on your own comes with a completely different set of rules. In this episode, Melanie Cant sits down with Angela Blake of Y19 Management—a fantastic new member of Do Business Network—to talk about the realities of building a business from the ground up.Angela brings a wealth of hard-earned operational experience to the table, and their conversation cuts straight through the noise. They get into the actual c...

Get Found in 2027: AI Search Optimisation for Small Businesses

We are delighted to welcome James Miller from UMi—a fellow DBN member—to deliver a fantastic online training session for our community.Search is changing rapidly. Increasingly, people are asking questions directly to AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and Perplexity instead of browsing through pages of traditional search results. These platforms use AI to find, interpret, and recommend information from across the web, meaning businesses need to think beyond con...

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...

Welcoming Gill Rice from Collingwood Business Development to DBN

We are delighted to welcome Gill Rice and her company, Collingwood Business Development, to the Do Business Network.With a rich background in technical leadership, manufacturing, and engineering support across the region, Gill brings a wealth of hands-on experience and strategic insight to our business community. A Proven Track Record in Technical LeadershipGill’s expertise in the manufacturing sector runs deep. A Licentiate of the London School of Polymer Technology, she p...

Paws, Pavement, and Community: Our Latest DBN Wag and Walk

Summer is prime time for holidays, but that does not mean business networking stops entirely. Earlier this week, a dedicated group of Do Business Network (DBN) members shrugged off the holiday lull to get outdoors, stretch their legs, and enjoy some proper connection during our latest netwalk—or as we love to call it, a wag and walk, complete with a few four-legged friends coming along to join the fun.We gathered at the Land of Oak and Iron, based in Swalwell, Gateshead—a brilliant heritage ...

Driving Regional Growth: How Strategic Funding Transforms Local Businesses

When regional businesses secure the right support, the ripple effects are felt across the entire local economy. A recent milestone from Renovo Tool Group highlights exactly how targeted investment can accelerate growth, boost productivity, and champion sustainability in manufacturing.Based in Stanley, Renovo Tool Group utilised a comprehensive funding package—including support from the Durham Business Growth programme delivered in partnership with UMi, Business Durham, and RTC North, alongside...

Septembers guest speaker: Gillian Keogh, founder of Gillian Keogh Coaching

Our next Do Business Network meeting is coming up on Tuesday, 8th September at Beamish Hall Hotel, and we are very pleased to announce our guest speaker for the morning.Recent new member Gillian Keogh, founder of Gillian Keogh Coaching, will be taking the floor. With over 24 years of corporate leadership experience, Gillian works with SMEs and larger organisations to help business owners build sustainable commercial performance and navigate periods of change.Her session will be full of practical...

Join Us at Beamish Hall Hotel This September

September will be here before we know it. The end of the summer holidays is a fantastic time to refocus, shake off the holiday routine, and connect with fellow business owners as everyone gets back to business.Our September networking meeting is taking place on Tuesday 8th September at the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel.Whether you are a regular face at our events or thinking about joining us for the very first time, you can expect a warm welcome, practical insights, and plenty of opportunities to...

Moving Beyond "Random Acts of Marketing"

Many business owners find themselves caught in a cycle of constant activity—regularly posting on social media, attending networking events, and perhaps even investing in digital ads. Yet, despite the hours spent, these efforts often feel disjointed, failing to translate into a reliable stream of new clients.The issue rarely lies in the hard work being put in; rather, it is the lack of a cohesive, structured system behind it. Without a joined-up approach, valuable marketing activity can quietly...

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 ...

Member Spotlight: Why Making a Will Matters: Protecting Your Family’s Future

Life gets busy, and it is all too easy to put off sorting out a Will. Many of us assume that our loved ones will automatically inherit everything if the worst happens, or we simply feel it is not relevant to us at this particular time.However, the reality—as highlighted by the team at Jan Cook Wills and Trusts—is that delaying your Will can create significant complications for the people you leave behind. If you do not leave a valid Will, you are considered to have died "intestate," and the ...

Celebrating Member Success: Double Award Recognition for Visual Punch

At Do Business Network, we always take pride in celebrating the milestones and achievements of our members. Today, we want to extend our warmest congratulations to James Ibbitson, founder of Visual Punch, on securing two prestigious awards:Northern Video Company of the Year at the Prestige AwardsVideography Studio of the Year at the My Local Hero AwardsIndustry recognition is a wonderful achievement, but what makes this accomplishment particularly noteworthy is the philosophy behind the work. Be...

UMi’s Claire Hinde Shortlisted for National Industry Award

We are delighted to share that Claire Hinde, Business Funding Executive at UMi, has been shortlisted for Unsung Hero of the Year at the 2026 NACFB Commercial Broker Awards.The award recognises the individuals working behind the scenes in commercial finance whose dedication, resilience and expertise make a real difference to both client outcomes and organisational success. Open to professionals in areas such as operations, compliance, client support and marketing, it celebrates those whose contri...

Member Success Story: Double Award Win & New Launch for Kaffeehaus Coffee Roasters

We love seeing our members recognised for their hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication to quality.We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from Bernhard and Carina at Kaffeehaus Coffee Roasters, who have recently scooped up two prestigious industry awards!Celebrating Local ExcellenceBernhard and Carina’s commitment to roasting exceptional specialty coffee has earned them two brilliant accolades:Coffee Roaster Of The Year for County Durham – North England Prestige AwardsBest Independent...

Member Success Story: DBN Member Mark Sillett Heads to London’s West End

Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our local members hit major milestones and take their expertise to new heights.We are thrilled to share a massive success story from one of our own: Mark Sillett, founder of Mark Sillett Lighting and Sound.Mark has officially been contracted for his very first West End show in London this September!From the North East to the West EndMark will be taking his technical talent to The Other Palace in London to manage the lighting design for Shamilton—the hugely ...

Fully Funded Health & Wellbeing Training for Local Businesses with Pioneering Care Partnership

Supporting the health and wellbeing of your team is an essential part of running a healthy, resilient organisation. However, finding the time and budget for quality workplace training can often be a challenge for busy teams.PCP’s Adult Wellbeing Service at Pioneering Care Partnership is currently offering a range of fully funded training opportunities for local organisations, running throughout July, August, and September.Short, Practical Workplace WorkshopsDelivered online via Microsoft Teams...

Member Case Study: How 121 Business Links Saved A1 Blinds Thousands on Energy Costs

When running a busy manufacturing facility, keeping overheads under control is vital to protecting your bottom line. However, navigating energy markets and finding genuine value can often feel complex and time-consuming.A recent success story between two North East organisations showcases the power of local collaboration and transparent procurement. 121 Business Links worked alongside A1 Blinds to streamline their utility contracts, securing substantial financial savings and long-term budget cer...

Durham County Council Proposes New Selective Licensing Scheme: What Local Businesses Need to Know

Durham County Council has opened a public consultation on a proposed new Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented properties, set to replace the existing scheme when it expires in March 2027. While aimed primarily at private landlords, tenants, and local residents, housing standards and property management directly impact the broader business community and local economy across our region. We encourage local business owners to review the details below and submit any feedback or comments befo...

Member Spotlight: Professional Virtual Office Facilities at The Greenhouse

At Do Business Network, we are regularly asked by local business owners and entrepreneurs about virtual office facilities. Whether you are running a start-up, working as a sole trader, or expanding an existing business, establishing a professional presence without the overhead of physical office space is a common priority.Our DBN members at The Greenhouse have the perfect solution for businesses looking for flexibility and a reliable regional presence.The Benefits of a Virtual Office at The Gree...

Sunshine, Sailing & Great Company at the Derwent Reservoir

On Wednesday, 15th July, Do Business Network gathered at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club for our second summer BBQ and sailing evening. We couldn't have asked for better weather—the sun was out, temperatures hit 23°C, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.Events like this remind us of the value of relaxed, face-to-face networking. Leaving the traditional boardroom setup behind gives everyone a chance to connect naturally, share experiences, and build genuine relationships.A Team EffortAn evening...

Welcome to DBN, Tom Lawlor!

We are absolutely delighted to welcome another new member to the Do Business Network: Tom Lawlor, who is an Account Executive at H&H Insurance Brokers.If you haven't met Tom yet, you are in for a treat. He has a brilliant, bubbly energy, a great sense of humour, and a genuine passion for getting stuck into our local business community.Tom is seven years into his insurance career, with a massive amount of experience across broking, claims, and consultancy. He joined the North East team at H&a...

Welcoming Fran Williams of Steeltown Business Services to DBN

At Do Business Network, we are always proud to welcome professionals who bring genuine expertise, a wealth of practical experience, and a real passion for supporting the small business community. We have been incredibly busy growing our community recently, and Fran is one of seven fantastic new members to join the network over the last few weeks. We are absolutely delighted to introduce one of our newest members, Fran Williams, founder of Steeltown Business Services.For many small business owner...

Real Business Insights, Shared by Real Experts: Launching Our Peer-Led Training This September

When you run a business, there is no shortage of advice out there. But there is a massive difference between textbook theories and the practical, lived experience of someone who is actually doing the work day in, day out.At Do Business Network, we have always believed that our greatest asset is the collective knowledge of our members. That is why, starting this September, we are launching a brand-new series of accessible, peer-led training sessions designed to bridge knowledge gaps, share practi...