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KAFFEEHAUS - WE'RE HIRING!

We’re on the lookout for someone to join our team as a part-time roastery assistant with a focus on sales and customer care.  This is a hands-on role and we’re looking for a coffee enthusiast with a can-do attitude who is comfortable fulfilling numerous roles in helping us deliver great coffee and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.  You will also be customer facing and representing Kaffeehaus and thus good communication skills and a friendly, welcoming demeanour are...

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...

UMi - BUSINESS ADVISER ROLE

Salary: £30,000-£38,000 per annum (depending on experience) + great benefits (including wellbeing days, employee healthcare cash plan, and hybrid working options)Place of work: Navigators Point, Belmont Business Park, Durham, DH1 1TW (hybrid working available)Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to FridayClosing Date: Open until position filled.Do you love working closely with businesses to help them overcome challenges and seize new opportunities?At UMi, we make it easier for busine...

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 ...

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 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...

BIG CHANGES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: WHAT THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW PLAN MEANS FOR YOU

The UK Government has launched a new Small Business Plan that it hopes will unlock the full potential of the country’s 5.5 million small and medium-sized enterprises. Called “Backing Your Business”, the plan sets out a multi-year strategy aimed at helping SMEs grow, boost productivity, and navigate a smoother path to success. Here’s what it means for you:Faster payments and less paperwork - New legislation is targeting late payments - the toughest crackdown ...

Congratulations to Building Self Belief: Finalists in the North East Charity Awards!

Congratulations to Christine, Peter, and the entire team at Building Self Belief!We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate them on being named finalists in this year’s North East Charity Awards for their incredible 'Kye’s Kick Off' project.This fantastic programme, in collaboration with the inspiring young people at Boldon School, has made a real difference. The initiative successfully raised over £4,000, which was generously donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.Being a finalist is a huge a...

Welcome Pascal Fintoni to the Do Business Network!

We are absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Do Business Network, Pascal Fintoni!Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Pascal back in February when he delivered an outstanding 'Introduction to AI' presentation at our Business Boost Workshop. We're thrilled that he is now a full member of our network!Pascal brings with him a remarkable 30 years of experience in digital marketing, visual storytelling, and audience engagement. Through his consu...

USHAW LIBRARY OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Step into history, one page at a time . . .  For the first time in Ushaw’s history, the doors to our magnificent Big Library will be open to the public!Date & time: Saturday, 9th August 2025 - Access from 10:00am; last entry at 3:30pm.Be part of history as Ushaw’s magnificent Big Library opens to the public for the very first time, for self-guided discovery.  As part of our Festival of Books, you're invited to step inside this stunning literary treasure - a rare opportunit...

Unlocking Innovation, Elevating Value: “The Lumo Way”

At Lumo, we believe that Research & Development (R&D) isn’t just a tax incentive—it's a business growth catalyst. Through our refined consultancy approach “The Lumo Way” we go far beyond standard tax claim processes. We deliver a method that not only maximises claim value but also enhances HMRC enquiry protection and contributes directly to long-term business strategy and value.The Problem with Traditional R&D ClaimsToo often, R&D tax relief is viewed in isolation, a reac...

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR STAFF BENEFITS?

Want to reduce costs, improve employee wellbeing, and stand out from the competition? Join us for UMi Makes it Easy... to Manage Staff Benefits and their Tax Implications, hosted by Adrian O’Connell, Head of Tax, and Josh Sanghera, Client Relationship Director at Blu Sky. Whether you're already offering staff benefits or just getting started, this session will help you understand what's tax-efficient, what needs to be reported, and how salary sacrifice can wo...

A Warm Welcome Awaits You at Do Business Network - The Famously Friendly Network Group!

Are you a small business owner in the North East of England looking for a supportive and dynamic community to help your business thrive? Look no further than Do Business Network (DBN)! We are dedicated to providing practical support, fostering growth, and building a vibrant, informed business community by leveraging the collective skills and expertise of local entrepreneurs.What is DBN All About?DBN is more than just a networking group; it's a collaborative environment where business-to-business...

ADVENTURE AWAITS THIS SUMMER AT USHAW!

This summer, adventure awaits every day at Ushaw!  Dive into The Wonderful World of Ladybird Book Artists exhibition, follow the Ladybird Spotting Trail, and let imaginations run wild with our Toy Takeover and outdoor games.Stroll the Summer Garden Trail, explore the Woodland Playpark, and join weekly family fun with our Tales Tuesdays, Summer Yoga, Inflatable Golf, Free Crafts, Mosaics, and more!Read more here....

Sun, Sails, and Superb Networking: DBN's Inaugural Summer BBQ a Resounding Success!

What an incredible evening we had last night at Do Business network's first-ever Summer BBQ! Over 50 fantastic local business owners gathered at the picturesque Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, and it truly was an event to remember. The sun was shining brightly, creating the perfect relaxed atmosphere as we networked and enjoyed the stunning views overlooking Derwent Water.We're still buzzing from the energy and connections made, and it wouldn't have been possible without some truly amazing peopl...

MAJOR UK EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES: WHAT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW

Employment law in the UK is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades.  With major updates already live in 2025 - and more to come through 2027 - every employer in England, Wales, and Scotland needs to be prepared. From updated tribunal rules to expanded protections for parents and carers, these changes are not optional - they’re shaping the way businesses must operate. What’s Changed Already in 2025:  New employment tribunal procedures (Jan...

Member Spotlight: Trish Guy from Pink Spaghetti PA Services – Your Admin-Loving Ally!

Here at Do Business Network, we're passionate about connecting our members with the support they need to thrive. This month, we're shining a spotlight on a fantastic member who embodies the spirit of efficiency and empowerment: Trish Guy from Pink Spaghetti PA Services Durham & Darlington.Trish is not your average Personal Assistant – she's an "admin-loving" force for good, dedicated to providing small business support services to owners, busy professionals, and charities who simply don't ...

Free Carbon Monoxide (CO) Online Training

Here at Northern Cancer Voices, we believe in empowering our community, and sometimes, that means sharing knowledge that can literally save lives. 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, ...

STEPPING IT UP TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITY PARTNERS POINT NORTH

At KAFFEEHAUS, giving back to our local community has always been extremely important to us and we're proud to be regular supporters of Point North.This July, we're stepping it up and taking on their 38.7 miles in July fundraiser to help raise awareness and funds to support the 38.7% of children who are growing up in poverty in County Durham and Tees Valley.For every £100 raised, together we can:Help 5 people attend a class or activity that brings joy or teaches something newSupport 8...

THIS WEEKEND, WE'RE BRINGING VINTAGE AND NOSTALGIC VIBES AT OUR 1940s TAKEOVER

This weekend, we’re bringing vintage and nostalgic vibes at our 1940s takeover.Read on to discover more . . .A sensational weekend of all things vintage and nostalgic is coming!Over the weekend you can enjoy . . .A number of stunning 40s/military vehicles on display 40 Vintage & Handmade themed stallsBritish Army cuisine courtesy of 29th Field KitchenAn impressive (loud!) firing display1940s HairstylistVintage vocalistsWith rain forecasted this weekend, we’re bringing the fun to the...

Member Spotlight: Visual Punch – Story-Driven Video That Gets Results

At the Do Business Network (DBN), we love showcasing members who bring heart, creativity, and commercial impact to the North East business scene. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Visual Punch, led by James Ibbitson - a video partner who’s helping brands find their voice, clarify their message, and turn content into commercial growth.Who is Visual Punch?Visual Punch is not your typical video production company. They're a strategic content partner that works with growi...