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Jingle & Mingle: Join Us for a Festive DBN Christmas Networking!

As the year draws to a close, it's time to celebrate a year of hard work, collaboration, and growth. It's a cherished tradition for us to end the year at Derwentside College, and we're thrilled to invite you to our final networking event of 2025. It's the perfect opportunity to reflect on your achievements and strengthen the connections that will help your business thrive in the new year.This isn't just about business; it's also about a bit of festive fun. After a productive year of networking, ...

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...

Netwalking at its best!

There’s no better way to network than with a stroll through the beautiful countryside, and our latest Wag & Walk was a perfect example.We started bright and early at Beamish Hall, and once again the weather was on our side as we strolled through the beautiful woodlands. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and so were the dogs!A huge thank you to Gareth from Take a Hike for leading us on such a beautiful woodland walk, and to the staff at The Stables for looking after us so wel...

Ushaw's Big Library to Open Again This November!

Following the incredible response to its August opening, Ushaw is delighted to announce that its Big Library will open its doors once again—this time across two days: Friday, 21st and Saturday, 22nd November 2025.To help make visits even more enjoyable, Ushaw has introduced 30-minute pre-bookable time slots. This means there will be no queues, just a relaxed opportunity for visitors to step inside one of Ushaw’s most atmospheric and inspiring spaces.Whether someone is a book lover, a history...

WALKING WITH THE GHOSTS OF DURHAM

Oh Ghost walks are not for me there no such things as ghosts!!A Ghost walk is not just about the ghost stories it is about the history of Durham too.Walking with the Ghosts of Durham shares with you some of the tales of people who used to live in Durham and how some people may well still be experiencing ghosts from the past.Hear tales of characters long gone from the city but they still leave a print of their liVes in the streets and buildings of Durham.Events that happened in and around Durham ...

CHRISTMAS EVENINGS 2025 AT BEAMISH MUSEUM

Tickets on sale Wednesday, 10th September - 10am.Adult £24Child (2-16 years) £15Immerse yourself in an extra-special enchanting evening at Beamish. Enjoy twinkling lights, festive entertainment, and seasonal treats under the night sky.Add an extra festive experience to your evening visit and meet Father Christmas in his festive Grotto at Rowley Station Goods Yard (extra charge applies, see below for more details).  Please note, this is a special festive evening event, and Beamish Unlimite...

HALLOWEEN EVENINGS 2025 AT BEAMISH MUSEUM

Tickets on sale: Thursday, 4th September 2025 - 10am. Adult: £24Child (2-16 years): £15Join us for a special spine-tingling experience as Beamish is transformed into The Un-living Museum of the North.Play the night away with fiendishly family-friendly fun in our 1950s welfare hall.Our cobbled Edwardian street is home to more than just our townsfolk at Halloween, meet the newest inhabitants and enjoy some enthralling entertainment across the museum.No tricks here, just delicious treats fro...

DBN Wag and Walk: Networking with a View (and a Wagging Tail!)

Are you ready to swap the conference room for a breath of fresh air?  We're thrilled to invite you to our September networking event with a difference: the DBN Wag 'n Walk at Beamish!  This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow local businesses in a relaxed, scenic environment - and yes, your four-legged friends are more than welcome to join us!This is a brilliant way to network, share ideas, and build relationships while enjoying the beautiful countryside.Event DetailsWhat...

A Spooky Sweet Treat: Networking with a Twist at Beamish Museum!

Get ready to mix business with a little Halloween magic! On Tuesday, October 21st, the Do Business Network is heading to Beamish Museum for a truly unique and seasonal networking event.We'll start with refreshments and networking in the grand Bank Board Room, where you can connect with your fellow DBN members and Beamish Business Friends. Then, for a truly special experience, we have arranged a visit to Jubilee Confectioners, the famous 1900s sweet shop. You'll get an up-close look at their fest...

THE LAND OF OAK AND IRON EVENTS - SEPTEMBER 2025

All events will take place at The Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 6RU unless otherwise stated.Visit our website here....

KAFFEEHAUS - UPCOMING COFFEE COURSE DATES

Join us on a Coffee Courses for a morning of educational fun as we delve into the wonderful world of coffee.  We will cover the journey from bean to cup, experiment along the way with plenty of taste testing and teach you how to prepare a great cup of coffee at home. If you're interested, please make sure to book on soon as we don't have many dates left for the rest of the year.Barista CourseSaturday, 13th September 2025Home Brew CourseSaturday, 27th September 2025B...

KAFFEEHAUS - WE HAVE A NEW UGANDAN COFFEE!

We have a few new coffees on the horizon which we're very excited to tell you about, but we're starting with a change to our St. Cuthbert's Journey.The reason for changing up our St. Cuthbert's Journey coffee is that we ran out of our wonderful Rwandan beans from Rwamatamu.  It is not a permanent change, as we are committed to building a long term partnership with Rwamatamu, however we did need something to tie us over until their new harvest arrives and thus we have, for the interim, chang...

A Sensational September at Ushaw!

Ushaw has two captivating events scheduled for September, starting with KWAIDAN: Encounters with Lafcadio Hearn. This touring exhibition, on display from Saturday, 6th September to Sunday, 2nd November 2025, is the first of its kind to be shown in the United Kingdom. It features a captivating collection of gothic Japanese fairytales inspired by Lafcadio Hearn's book of ghost stories, making it a perfect fit for spooky season. Entry is free with a Ushaw Membership or Day Pass.Book now!...

No Credit Card, No Risk: Six Months of FounderPass Premium

Recognising how expensive and overwhelming business growth can be, UMi has partnered with FounderPass to provide UMi Sat Nav users with an exclusive deal: six months free of FounderPass Premium.This offer gives users:Over 350 discounts on essential business toolsPerks valued at more than $3M for founders and small teamsGuides, playbooks, and tools specifically designed for entrepreneursThis founder-friendly toolkit is available for six months at no cost and requires no payment details. For addit...

The Power of an Introduction: A DBN Success Story

In the world of business, we often talk about the power of a strong network. But what does that really mean in practice? Sometimes, it all comes down to a single, well-placed introduction that can open up a world of new opportunities. This is exactly what happened for Andy Hill, the General Manager at Beamish Park Golf Club, after he joined DBN.Since becoming a DBN member, Beamish Park Golf Club has seen a significant return on its investment in the network. The team has built strong connections...

Free Carbon Monoxide (CO) Online Training

We're thrilled to highlight an upcoming opportunity brought to you by Northern Cancer Voices: a Free Carbon Monoxide (CO) Training session, delivered by Tori Braddison.What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?Often called the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It's produced when fuels like gas, oil, coal, and wood burn incompletely. Without proper detection, it's impossible to know it's present until it's too late. That's why understanding its ...

PROVISIONAL 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...

USHAW PROMS 2025

Experience the tradition and grandeur of The Last Night of the Proms in the breathtaking St Cuthbert’s Chapel.  Let the powerful voices of the Ushaw Chapel Choir and the stirring sounds of the Bearpark & Esh Brass Band lift your spirits in an unforgettable evening of music.The programme will feature beloved classics including:Hymn to the FallenHow Great Thou Artand the ever-rousing JerusalemBring your flags and your friends - it’s a night of celebration you won’t want to...

THE LAND OF OAK AND IRON - AUGUST 2025

Land of Oak & Iron is the perfect place to take your 4 legged friends for a walk - our Heritage Centre is dog friendly and we even have a doggie treat menu too!To celebrate our 4 legged visitor friends, we are organising this event especially for them (and their human folk).   Join us in and around the Courtyard for our fun Dog Show at 1.30pm - there are different categories such as best dressed dog, best smile, dog most like their owner and best trick along with an award...

A NIGHT OF SOPHISTICATION, CELEBRATION, AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES . . .

Beamish Hall HotelWednesday, 31st December 2025 -7:00pm - 1st January 2026 - 1:00amThis New Year’s Eve, we invite you to an enchanting Black & White Ball, where elegance meets indulgence in a night to remember.Dress to impress in your finest black and white attire and prepare for a night of sophistication, celebration, and unforgettable memories in one of the North East’s most enchanting venues.Your evening begins with a sparkling champagne and canapé reception in the grandeur of our hi...

Welcome System Horizons: Crafting Your Business's Digital Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that System Horizons is a new Do Business Network member, and we are delighted to have Martin as part of the DBN community! In today's dynamic digital landscape, a powerful online presence isn't just an advantage – it's a necessity. For businesses seeking to make a memorable first impression and connect effectively with their audience, System Horizons stands out as an expert in crafting bespoke technology solutions, with a particular focus on exceptional website des...

Community & Connections: A Morning at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

It's amazing what a change of scenery can do. This morning, our networking meeting took us to the stunning Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, and it was a morning filled with great connections, fresh perspectives, and inspiring conversations.A huge thank you to the team at Ushaw for being such exceptional hosts. The beautiful setting provided the perfect backdrop for our event, which kicked off with a warm welcome and some delicious tea, coffee, and bacon buns. It was a lovely opportunit...

A Night of Style and Support: Join Us for the Willow Burn Hospice Fashion Show

Get ready for an evening of sustainable fashion, community spirit, and beautiful surroundings! We're thrilled to announce that Willow Burn Hospice is hosting a special pre-loved Fashion Show in their stunning gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some fantastic company, find a new-to-you treasure, and support the vital work of the hospice.It promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable event, celebrating pre-loved fashion and the power of giving back to our community.What to ExpectJoin us ...

A Perfect Partnership Born from Networking

Networking is about more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships that lead to collaboration and success. A fantastic recent example of this comes from a project brought to life by a great connection made at a Do Business Network meeting.The Power of a Great IdeaPhil Benton, a talented photographer and a proud Do Business Network member, was asked to photograph the Cheviots for Wannies Retreat, a beautiful holiday spot deep in the heart of Northumberland. ...

DBN Welcomes Beamish Hall Hotel to the Network!

Great news for the DBN community!We are thrilled to welcome Beamish Hall to our network. Located in the picturesque Beamish Valley, this four-star country house hotel is a fantastic addition to the DBN family.Beamish Hall has a rich history and offers a wide range of facilities that our members can take advantage of, whether for business or pleasure.Key Features for DBN Members:A Tranquil Escape: The hotel offers 43 individually decorated bedrooms and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal re...