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Burgers, Business, and the Big Return: The DBN Summer BBQ

After the success of our inaugural BBQ evening last year, we are thrilled to bring the business community together once again for an evening at the Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.Last year, over 50 local professionals joined us for an evening defined by clear skies and great conversation. We enjoyed boat trips on the water in the Drascombe, plenty of food from the grill, and a chance to step away from the desk to connect in a more meaningful way. This year, we are aiming to make the event even b...

Member Spotlight: How Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club Found a Community, Not Just a Network

When we talk about networking, it is easy to focus on the exchange of business cards. However, for Rob Richardson and the team at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club (DRSC), DBN membership has proven to be about much more than just a monthly meeting.Rob recently shared some feedback regarding his experience with the network, and his perspective perfectly captures why we do what we do.Moving Beyond Modest ExpectationsLike many organisations, DRSC joined DBN with modest expectations. They were looking ...

June Meeting Confirmed at Consett Rugby Club

In June, we are back in the heart of Consett at the popular Consett Rugby Club.The club offers ample free parking on-site, and the clubhouse has views over the pitch, providing a relaxed, open feel and a great place to chat with other local business owners.New to DBN?For those who haven’t been along to our networking sessions before, we know that walking into a room of new faces can feel a bit daunting. To help with this, we operate a lanyard system.If it is your first time, you’ll be given ...

Collaboration in Action: Bridging Cultures and Building Self-Belief

Networking is often viewed through the lens of lead generation, but its true value lies in the meaningful partnerships that emerge over time. A prime example of this is the ongoing collaboration between two of our members: Noriko Matsubara (Noriko Art) and Christine and Peter Thomas (Building Self-Belief).Now in its second year, this partnership demonstrates how connecting local expertise with charitable initiatives can create enriching experiences for the community.A Fusion of Art, Culture, and...

Connections, Collaboration, and Growth at Beamish Park Golf Club

There was a fantastic energy in the room this morning as we gathered at the beautiful Beamish Park Golf Club. It was wonderful to welcome so many new faces to our community, and the room was filled with a genuine buzz of positive, productive conversation.A huge thank you must go to Andy Hill, General Manager at Beamish Park, and his attentive team for hosting us so well. The hospitality was excellent, and it’s safe to say the bacon rolls and hot brews were a hit with everyone in attendance.Mor...

Joint Networking Event: DBN & Northern Tenants Network

As the first of two collaborative sessions planned for this year, this meeting builds on the success of past events which are well-regarded for helping attendees forge new business relationships and expand their local networks.Guest Speaker: Allison DoreOur guest speaker is Allison Dore from Hello Friday Consulting. As a growth consultant specialising in customer journey and lead conversion, Allison’s expertise lies in helping service businesses stop leaving money on the table.Her work support...

Supporting One Another: The Value of DBN Member-to-Member Offers

At DBN, we know that networking works best when it’s built on a foundation of mutual value. We’re all in business to succeed, but we also know that the strongest professional relationships often start with a helping hand.That’s exactly why we created the Member-to-Member Offers page. It’s a space where our members can provide exclusive opportunities to one another—helping a peer solve a specific challenge while building the trust that leads to long-term partnerships.Real Value for Real...

Why Consistency is the Secret Ingredient to a Thriving Business Network

We often hear the phrase "you get out what you put in," but in the world of business networking, this isn’t just a cliché—it is a practical reality.When you join Do Business Network, the goal isn’t simply to hand out business cards or attend a one-off meeting; it is to build a reputation and a support system. To do that effectively, you need one specific ingredient: Consistency.Building Trust Over TimeTrust isn't granted the moment you pay a membership fee; it is built through regular int...

The Lanyard System: Making Networking Stress-Free

Walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting, even for the most seasoned professional. At Durham Business Network, we believe the focus should be on building genuine connections, not worrying about how to break the ice. That is why we use a straightforward orange and yellow lanyard system to ensure every person feels welcome the moment they arrive.The logic is simple but effective:Orange lanyards are worn by our established members.Yellow lanyards are for visitors and those attending fo...

Willow Burn Hospice Gala Dinner

Community remains at the heart of everything we do at Do Business Network. This past weekend, it was a privilege to attend the Willow Burn Hospice Gala Dinner at the South Causey Inn in Stanley. DBN was proud to support the event as a sponsor, contributing to an evening dedicated to a cause that provides essential care in our local area.A Night of Generosity and EntertainmentThe atmosphere at South Causey Inn was one of incredible energy and purpose. We were fortunate to be joined by Steffan Ped...

Preparing for Making Tax Digital: Insights from UMi

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is set to transform how we manage and report taxes. With the first major deadline arriving on 6 April 2026, our partners at UMi have shared some essential resources to help DBN members get clear on what these changes mean for them.If you are feeling unsure about how MTD affects your business, you are certainly not alone. To help navigate the transition, Liz Barclay, Chairman and Co-founder of Business111, has released a straightforward three-part podcast series. It break...

DBN April Meeting at Beamish Park Golf Club

Our next Do Business Network meeting takes place on Tuesday 21 April at Beamish Park Golf Club. This April session offers a chance to catch up with fellow members and welcome guests to explore how a local landmark is evolving.Exploring New HorizonsWe are looking forward to hearing about the club’s new pro shop refurb and the start of the AirB&B project. Following a successful funding application through UMI, the club has expanded its offering, and this meeting provides an insight into thos...

DBN Member Offer: FREE Financial Review

A sincere thank you to David Hardy DipPFS and Anthony Cunningham DipPFS for their insightful presentation at our March networking meeting.The session focused on the essential topic of future planning—a subject that resonates with everyone in the room, regardless of industry. As professionals and business owners, the long-term security David and Anthony discussed is something we all strive for, and their expertise sparked a great deal of engagement and meaningful conversation among the group.A ...

Driving Growth through Connection: A DBN Success Story

We were thrilled to receive this email from Andy Hill, Manager at Beamish Park Golf Club, demonstrating how the right introductions lead to real results:"I am unfortunately having to send my apologies for this morning’s meeting. It is an incredibly busy time at Beamish Park Golf Club with our Pro Shop renovation and the launch of our new Airbnb.These two major projects have only been possible due to the UMI funding and support we secured through the network. I would also like to specifically t...

A Bright Morning of Connection at Ushaw Historic House

The sun was out in full force at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens this morning, providing a spectacular backdrop for our latest DBN gathering. There is something uniquely energising about meeting in such a historic setting, especially when the spring weather decides to cooperate.The aroma of fresh bacon rolls greeted our attendees as they arrived, setting a welcoming tone for a morning of focused discussion and professional updates. It was a pleasure to welcome so many guests to the g...

DBN Member Roundup: Events, Offers, and Opportunities

It is a significant month for our network, with a diverse range of activity across the region. From the historic settings of Ushaw to the high-growth finance opportunities at the FUEL Roadshow, there is a clear focus on both cultural engagement and professional development this March.In this edition, we share the latest member updates and provide a closer look at the expertise within our growing community....

DBN Success: 121 Business Links help Ushaw Secure £116k Saving

As we look forward to our March gathering at the historic Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, it is fitting to highlight the exceptional results they achieved with support from fellow DBN members, 121 Business Links.By tendering across 15 suppliers, Ushaw secured a total annual saving of £116,000 on their gas and electricity costs."Working with 121 Business Links has helped Ushaw Historic House to make big savings on our energy costs. This allows us to reinvest in our historic buildings ...

Optimising Your Professional Presence: The DBN LinkedIn Checklist

In today’s professional landscape, your LinkedIn profile often serves as your first digital handshake. Whether you are connecting with fellow DBN members or reaching out to potential clients, ensuring your profile accurately reflects your expertise is essential.As part of our ongoing DBN Business Boost initiative, we are pleased to share an exclusive resource to help you refine your online presence.How DBN Members Are Using LinkedInDuring our recent workshop, we gathered some fascinating insig...

Top Tips to Get the Most Out of Networking at DBN

Networking is about more than just an exchange of contact details; it is about building a foundation of trust and professional credibility within our local community. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a new face in the room, these principles will help you cultivate meaningful connections.Be Prepared: Business Cards and QR CodesWhile the conversation is the most important part of the meeting, providing a simple way for people to follow up is essential. Ensure you have physical business cards...

Introducing New Member, Danielle Fulcher from Drop Anchor Business

We are delighted to introduce our newest DBN member, Danielle Fulcher, who recently joined us at our Consett Golf Club meeting. Danielle is the founder of Drop Anchor Business, and after chatting with her about her journey, it was clear that our community would benefit from her unique approach to business support.From High-Street Banking to Bespoke SupportDanielle is no stranger to the complexities of the business world. Since 2015, she served as a Business Advisor at Barclays, where she spent y...

An Exclusive Offer for DBN Members

Kris Kennedy, the Club Secretary, has been in touch to express how much their team enjoyed hosting our networking morning this month. Kris mentioned that it was a privilege to look after our members and to have the opportunity to showcase the club’s facilities and the beautiful views from "The View" clubhouse.For the club, the morning was about more than just hosting an event; it was about engaging with the local expertise that makes our network so unique.An Exclusive Offer for DBN MembersTo t...

Supporting Local Care: DBN at the Willow Burn Gala 2026

At Do Business Network (DBN), we believe that a strong professional community is defined by how it supports the world around it. We are pleased to announce that DBN is officially a supporting sponsor for the Willow Burn Gala 2026.Willow Burn Hospice provides essential, compassionate care to individuals and families across our region. Their annual Gala is a vital part of their fundraising efforts, ensuring they can continue to offer high-quality palliative and end-of-life care to those who need i...

February Networking: Heritage, New Faces, and Fond Farewells at Consett Golf Club

Our February meeting took place under clear blue skies at Consett Golf Club. The bright morning sun provided an exceptional backdrop, offering members stunning views across the fairway as we gathered for our monthly catch-up.The energy in the room was fantastic. With a high turnout, the clubhouse was quickly filled with the sound of local professionals connecting over coffee and bacon rolls.Local Heritage and Future GrowthWe were delighted to be joined by Kris, Consett Golf Club Secretary, who s...

Remembering Monica Anderton: A Pillar of Our Community

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Monica Frieda Anderton (also known as Monica Gibbs). Monica passed away peacefully at the Freeman Hospital on 4th February 2026, aged 78, following a short illness.While many in our community knew her as a vibrant character and a loyal friend, Monica’s contribution to the Do Business Network went far deeper than many might realise.A Legacy of Quiet DedicationMonica was a foundational part of DBN from its very first days. For many...

Shared Expertise and New Connections: Recapping the Business Boost

Yesterday, Beamish Hall Hotel provided a professional backdrop for our latest workshop. It was a productive day defined by practical learning and the straightforward, collaborative spirit that sits at the heart of the Do Business Network.With the event fully booked, the room brought together a mix of long-standing DBN members and business owners from across the North East. It was encouraging to see such a diverse group of professionals focused on sharing expertise and strengthening their local o...