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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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

DBN Member Roundup: Events, Offers, and Opportunities

Welcome to our latest community roundup! It’s a busy start to the year for our members, with everything from historic exhibitions to business growth opportunities. Here is the latest news and a few exclusive offers from across the network......

From Meeting to Milestone for Beamish Park Golf Club

At the Do Business Network, our goal has always been to facilitate the connections that lead to genuine growth. Today, we are proud to share a brilliant success story that started right at one of our meetings last year.Andy from Beamish Park Golf Club first met the team from UMi Get Funding at a DBN event. That initial conversation has now resulted in a transformative £400,000 investment for the club. By connecting with the right expertise within our network, Beamish Park has secured its financ...

Welcome Back: Andy Smith Returns to DBN with a Fresh Perspective on Photography

Do Business Network is pleased to welcome back a familiar face to our community. After three years away, Andy Smith has rejoined the network, bringing with him a refined focus that combines his lifelong passion for sport with his professional expertise in photography.Andy is a Consett-based professional photographer whose work is rooted in the high-pressure world of professional cycling and large-scale outdoor events. This background in sports photography requires an ability to capture decisive ...

Strategic Financial Planning with Anthony Cunningham and David Hardy

At the heart of DBN is the principle of mutual support—members sharing their unique expertise to help the whole community thrive. We are pleased to announce that for our March networking meeting, we will be joined by two of our own members as guest speakers: Anthony Cunningham (CW Financial Management) and David Hardy (LSM Wealth).Following David’s previous presentation, which sparked a high level of engagement and a long list of questions, he is returning to the floor. This time, he is join...

Developing the DBN Peer-Led Mentoring Scheme

Following our update earlier last month, we wanted to keep you informed on our progress with the new DBN mentoring programme.Mentoring was the most requested addition to our calendar in the last member survey. We are committed to getting this right, which is why we have officially started the pilot phase this month. This trial allows us to test the format in a real-world environment to ensure that, when we launch on 1st April, the sessions are as productive and straightforward as possible.The Pi...

Event Highlights: Collaboration and Connection at the Small Business Expo

The atmosphere at this morning’s Small Business Expo was a clear reflection of the ambition within our local enterprise community. Hosted at the historic Beamish Hall Hotel, the event brought together a diverse range of industries, proving once again that the North East’s professional landscape is as varied as it is vibrant.Raising Profiles Through Targeted PitchingA core element of the Do Business Network (DBN) philosophy is ensuring every attendee has a voice. Our five-minute elevator pitc...