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'DO BUSINESS' NETWORK NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2020

Our January Newsletter has just gone out.  If you would like to opt into our mailing list, please drop us an email to connect@dobusinessnetwork.com with your name and email address and we'll do the rest. Read our January Newsletter here....

CAN YOU SPONSOR A CUDDLE BALL?

Building Self-Belief CIO is working with young people from Consett Academy and Learning for Life to develop and design new sensory spaces at Learning for Life, a SEND provision in Consett. Several generous DBN members are already donating their time or money and you can help too! Just click the button here to download the list of items available for sponsorship. As a sponsor, you are invited to our launch of the sensory room on Wednesday 20th May at 4.00pm at Learning for Life, Herbert Street, C...

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT LEARNING FOR LIFE?

Learning for Life, is a Charity that provides of education and social care for learners 16 years plus, with a range of special needs and disabilities. We have recently joined DBN and look forward to working with you all. We provide a stimulating, safe and innovative learning for young people and adults with a diverse range of learning, emotional, behavioural and physical disabilities. Our ethos is to provide a personalised approach to learning which encourages: building confidence, enabling comm...

BRENDA BEVERIDGE - ESTATE PLANNER

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you’ve had a lovely festive season and that 2020 is good to us all. A lot of us will have made New year resolutions and for some people that will include getting your affairs in order and you may have considered making your Will. It won’t help you drop a waist size or run a marathon, but it will bring security to your loved ones, who you may have spent time with over Christmas. It’s also important to have Lasting Powers of Attorney in place to enable someone...

NEW VISIT CONSETT WEBSITE GETS READY TO LAUNCH

The Visit Consett website will be ready to launch early February and they are inviting all businesses and community groups to get involved and get published and promoted on the site. Click here to see everything that your business will get in return for supporting Visit Consett and attract more people to our town and surrounding area....

WINDOWS 7 - IT'S TIME TO TAKE ACTION

Sadly Windows 7 is coming to the end of its life on 14th January when  Microsoft will no longer be regularly updating the system with fixes when a security vulnerability is found.However you can still get it upgraded to Windows 10! Why not call us at Centurion Computers to get a free no obligation quote on 01434 604 800. Also if your computer is running slow and unresponsive, just give us a call....

CONSETT'S CLEANING FAIRY CONTINUES TO SPARKLE

Consett-based business, The Cleaning Fairy Ltd, continues to sparkle thanks to funding from the North East Business Support Fund. Having supported the business since its early days, NBSL has been able to provide Emma with a range of masterclasses and funding to help build her business – and her confidence. Recognising the potential for growth through improved digital marketing, Emma has accessed the North East Business Support Fund to work with marketing experts, Elm Marketing Solutions, to su...

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM NORIKO!

It's been almost 13 years since I moved to the UK. I couldn't imagine what life would be like after 13 years when I came here.I didn't know if I would be surrounded by noisy and lively children and I would be running after them all the time! Our children are now 7 years old and 3 years old - their characters can't be more different but they care for each other and enjoy each other's company, and we can't imagine life without them. 2019 was extra special to me as one of my dreams has come true - ...

OUR END OF YEAR CELEBRATION AT PAZZO

Thank you to everyone who came along to our festive breakfast last month. Special thanks to our hosts at Pazzo, to Robson Print for the lovely DBN Desk Calendars and to the winners of our members vote and prize draw. They are, Gillian Fortune, Noriko Matsubara, Nathalie Paris, John Atkinson, Paul Sparks, Ruth Jacobs, Joanne Blackwood, Joanne Rowland, Pauline Thompson and Suzanne Milbourne! And speaking of winners... Following on from the DBN Expo and meeting in December when members filled in th...

DOBUSINESSNETWORK NEWS - DECEMBER 2019.

Our December Newsletter has just gone out.  If you would like to opt into our mailing list, please drop us an email to connect@dobusinessnetwork.com with your name and email address and we'll do the rest. You can read our current Newsletter here....

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO LAUNCHED SOMETHING NEW AT THE DBN LAUNCHPAD EXPO IN OCTOBER

Andrew Smith of ASure Financial launched 'ASure Financial Business Protection'Christine & Peter Thomas of Building Self-Belief CIO launched their charity appeal for business sponsorship of items for the sensory spaces to help young people with profound special needsEmma Goff of The Cleaning Fairy Ltd launched her new branding, marketing materials and Commercial Cleaning ServicesGillian Fortune of Feel Good C.I.C. launched her Stress Express for Busy PeopleJan Cook of Jan Cook Wills & Trusts laun...

IMAGO SKINCARE - PAULINE'S JOURNEY

In what seems to be a previous life, I was working as a social worker and my husband bought me an aromatherapy gift pack for Christmas. I have never looked back! The wonderful team I was working with at the time was being disbanded and I really felt the need to change my path. I decided to train in holistic therapies aiming towards an aromatherapy qualification. Since then, I have worked on developing a full range of products, often in response to requests from clients. I just love creating natu...

CAN YOU SPONSOR A CUDDLE BALL?

Building Self-Belief CIO is working with young people from Consett Academy and Learning for Life to develop and design new sensory spaces at Learning for Life, a SEND provision in Consett. Several generous DBN members are already donating their time or money and you can help too! Just click HERE to download the list of items available for sponsorship. As a sponsor, you are invited to our launch of the sensory room on Wednesday 20th May at 4.00pm at Learning for Life, Herbert Street, Consett. The...

SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON BUSINESS LEGAL SUPPORT FOR DBN MEMBERS

North East Barristers Chambers are offering a service to sole traders and SMEs for up to 5 hours a month of business related legal advice over the phone. They are offering this at a specially reduced rate of £25 a month for DBN members. If a business is a member they can also get 10% off any other legal services and can refer family members for legal services who will also benefit from 10% off usual fees. On 6th Jan 2020 we will add a shopping cart to allow businesses to download business ...

HAVE YOURSELF A CHILLED OUT CHRISTMAS . . .

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WILL YOU BE ANN'S LUCKY WINNER?

Following on from the DBN Expo when people filled in their wish stars, Ann English of Create Intrigue brought her VisionTree along to DBN's December meeting and invited everyone to make a wish for 2020. At Christmas, Ann will pick someone to win an Acorn VisionTree to help grow their business. A brilliant and valuable start to 2020 for the lucky winner. Good luck!...

CRACKING CHRISTMAS MOBILE DEALS AT CENTURION

We are doing a cracking deal on mobile phones as follows, at the moment, in the run up to Christmas:Samsung A20e, unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 5 GB of data at £20 a month, 24 month contract, No upfront charge.SIMO (Sim only) Unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and unlimited data at £27 a month, 12 month contract.Or if you have specific requirements, please get in touch.Have a lovely Christmas, Pamela....

THE EXCITING FUTURE OF RECRUITMENT SUPPORT - AN OFFER FROM WOTJOB

To celebrate becoming DBN members and the official launch of the WotJob platform, WotJob would like to offer the first 5 DBN members to become customers an exciting introductory offer. WotJob is a Video Talent Attraction Platform that gives users the opportunity to learn about different careers, employers and industries through short promotional videos. The platform also enables users to apply directly to opportunities advertised by the employers by video. Receive the full spectru...

BE SURE TO VISIT THE AMAZING WILLOWS COMMUNITY CAFE

We had a wonderful meeting (with a real feel-good vibe) at the lovely Willows Community Café at Willow Burn hospice last month.Sincere thanks to Paul Jackson and his team for making us so welcome (not to mention the fabulous buffet!) and to our guest speakers Mike McGaun, Gillian Fortune and Suzanne Milbourne. We learned how to protect our personal safety, our health and our well-being. A huge thank you to everyone who kindly donated items and money for the Willow Burn Nurses Christmas Fair, yo...

FEEDBACK FROM LAUNCHPAD EXPO [OCTOBER 2019]

From Gary Scott: "I'm really proud of our members and their amazing drive, creativity and enthusiasm. Thanks to everyone who came to our LaunchPad Expo last month. We had a record attendance and our exhibitors proved that energy and innovation is right at the heart of our amazing business network."If you have a small business (or an idea for one), why not join our friendly and supportive group? We have monthly meetings, offer skills, funding, mentoring and training support (all delivered by DBN ...

DOBUSINESSNETWORK NEWS - NOVEMBER 2019.

Our November Newsletter has just gone out.  If you would like to opt into our mailing list, please drop us an email with your name and email address and we'll do the rest.You can read our current Newsletter here....

NEL INVESTMENT FOR GROWING COUNTY DURHAM BUSINESSES

A young County Durham entrepreneur in Tanfield Lea is shaping a successful future for his business after securing a five-figure investment from the North East Small Loan Fund Supported By The European Regional Development Fund. Antony Gray set up Renovo Solutions last year after working his way up with his previous employer from apprentice to operations director.  Antony worked with regional fund management firm NEL Fund Managers to bring in a £50,000 investment which he is using to b...

REUNION WITH MY YEAR 1 TEACHER

Last August, I was giving a talk at Hachinohe Book Center in Japan, promoting my newly published book.  When it was time for Q&A, an elderly lady stood up from the audience seat. That was Mrs Tsuda, my teacher at first grade of elementary school.  I recognised her face right away even though we hadn’t seen each other for over 30 years.  I was the slowest child in the class.  It took me so long to do anything.  I came to school late because I was dawdling.  I could...

SPECIAL OFFER FROM JACWICKS DESIGNS

Just in time for Christmas, Ruth is offering 20% off the Pocket Perch range, just add DBN in the code box and it will be deducted from your order.  All orders will be available to collect from Ruth at the next DBN meeting.  Or if you would like to see the full range Jacwicks Designs is exhibiting at Living North Christmas Fair, Newcastle Rugby Club, Kingston Park Stadium, from 7th-10th November 2019.  Ruth has some free tickets available, if you would like to a...

CHRIS SAYS IT WITH FLOWERS AT WILLOW BURN (THANKS TO HIS DAD!)

Chris Bonas of Great Annual Savings sent us a photo of some flowers he donated to help brighten the wards at Willow Burn. They were grown by his Dad.Great Annual Savings is already helping Willow Burn by working with them as their energy partner and keeping their energy costs down. We think this is a really nice thing to do. Well done Chris!...