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NEW MEMBER: Welcome Joanne Fowler from Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Joanne Fowler from Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies.Some of you may have met Joanne earlier in the year when she came along to our March meeting at Derwentside College. At this meeting Joanne made some great contacts and gained a new customer! Joanne is Account Manager at Bunzl and responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with her customers. Bunzl is one the of UK’s leading supplier of janitorial, cleaning, and hygiene ...

THE DURHAM BRICK SHOW LANDS THIS WEEKEND!

Calling all LEGO®️ lovers!  This Saturday and Sunday, feast your eyes on a fantastic array of intricate bricks at first ever Durham Brick Show You can expect:A wide range of displays and trade standsIncredibly detailed modelsSee how exhibits compare to your own creations at homeTrack down that elusive plastic part you’ve been trying to find for far too longBrick pitsA fun trail to test your minifigure-spotting abilities.PLUS a speed-build challenge - can you build the tallest...

NEW MEMBER: Welcome Shirley Bone from SB Hypnotherapy

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Shirley Bone from SB Hypnotherapy.Shirley is a fully qualified hypnotherapist and neuro-linguistic programming practitioner.Over the last 15 years Shirley has helped women overcome limiting beliefs that have held them back from living a happy, healthy life. Whether it be moving on from a marriage/ relationship breakdown, having the confidence to climb the corporate ladder or simply overcoming beliefs that were instilled from childhood. Shirley has help...

MASTER YOUR MARKET RESEARCH AND UNLOCK NEW EXPORT MARKETS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Effective and carefully planned market research is the key to success when expanding your business into new global markets.Knowing where to start with market research can be overwhelming, so that's why the UK Export Academy are here to help with a new webinar series that will give you the tools you need to make informed decisions when you look to new export markets.The first session is on Tuesday, 10th September 2024, so don't miss out on securing your free spot!Session 1 - Tuesday, 10...

HOW TO GROW AN AI-ENABLED HUMAN-LED BUSINESS - INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERT STEVE ERDAL

Tune into the latest episode of UMicast, featuring Steve Erdal, an expert in scaling AI-driven businesses.  In this insightful discussion, Steve shares actionable tips on how to harness the power of AI without losing sight of the people who matter most - your customers and team. Key takeaways include: The origins of Wordnerds, an AI-powered customer feedback platform available as a standalone or managed service.How the founders overcame investor challenges, went all-in, ...

CONSETT FARMERS MARKET - SATURDAY, 14th SEPTEMER 2024

Join us for a special edition of the regular Saturday market on Middle Street, Consett, County Durham, DH8 5QJ.Consett Farmers' Market!  We are excited to join the regular Saturday Market on Middle Street for an unforgettable day filled with all the farm-fresh produce, artisanal treats, and handcrafted goods you love - plus a few extra surprises! When: Saturday 14th September 2024Time: 10am-3pmWhere: Middle Street, Consett, DH8 5QJWhether you're stocking up on fresh produce for the wee...

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER - NORTHERN CANCER VOICES

My name is Tori Bradison, and I am the CEO of a small Charity Northern Cancer Voices.  We are a network of patients, carers and volunteers that cover the North East and North Cumbria working with anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.Northern Cancer Voices, a charity based in South Tyneside and operating across the North East and North Cumbria, is actively seeking new volunteers to join their mission.  The charity, led by CEO Tori Bradison, is dedicated to improving cancer services and...

MELANIE WALKS 20 MILES T0 RAISE MONEY FOR WILLOW BURN HOSPICE

On Saturday, 31th August Melanie participated in the Steel Town 20 walk to raise much needed funds for Willow Burn Hospice and in memory of Gemma Justice.Gemma and her husband Steven were DBN members for a time and continuously supported our meetings with their warm hospitality when we have hosted our networking mornings at the Derwent Walk Pub in Ebchester.After learning about Gemma's passing Melanie thought it would be a nice idea to fundraise in Gemma's name and thought it would be fitting to...

THE USHAW FLOWER FESTIVAL IS BACK NEXT WEEKEND!

DATES: Friday, 6th - Sunday, 8th September 2024A Floral Journey AwaitsWith more than 30 bespoke flower arrangements and installations to go on show in Ushaw’s historic buildings.  This year, flower arrangements have the theme of ‘A Moment in Time’ depicting moments from history; some personal, some national, others international.Event is included with Annual Membership and Day Pass, pre-booking required.Craft Stalls GaloreWe are also hosting a craft and flower market in our stunning R...

DERWENT VALLEY NEWS - REQUEST FOR ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

The Derwent Valley Partnership is collating articles for its Winter 2024 edition of Derwent Valley News which will be distributed to all households in the Derwent Valley area in November 2024. We are looking for articles from organisations, partners (housing, health, police, fire, CVS) community groups, community partnerships, residents associations, or individual residents on local information from the Derwent Valley area to include in the magazine. Due t...

THE USHAW CLASSIC CAR & BIKE SHOW IS BACK THIS SUNDAY!

DATE & TIME: Sunday, 25th August 2024 - 10:00-16:00What’s better than one Ushaw Classic Car & Bike Show? TWO!On Sunday 25 August from 10:00-16:00, come to Ushaw for a fun-filled day.  As you can enjoy:Hundreds of classic and retro vehicles takeover the stunning estate of UshawFamily-friendly activitiesAutojumble/Trade stallsNorthern Soul DJsDelicious street food and an onsite bar for the dayFurther information here.Included with Annual Membership and Day Pass....

AUGUST NETWORKING MEETING AT CONSETT RUGBY CLUB

It was lovely to see so many of you at our meeting this morning at Consett Rugby Club.Thank you to Stephen Marshall from County Durham Building & Joinery Ltd for being our guest speaker today and delivering an interesting presentation about the construction industry and highlighting examples of his work.Our speed networking went on until way after 11am!  It was great to see you all deep in conversation 😀Our September event is going to be our biggest this year.  A combined meetin...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE - NEWS ROUNDUP

Other news and events from around the networkUnlocking the Potential: Navigating the Energy Storage Landscape in PolandTuesday, 27th August 2024 - 11:00-12:30 BST time (12:00-13:30 Polish time)The Polish Energy Storage Association and the British Embassy in Warsaw invite you to a webinar to gain insights from experts on key issues and developments in Poland's energy storage market.  Participation is free of charge and there will be an opportunity for Q&A with the speakers.Register here....

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND TRADE

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds have instructed officials to immediately begin work to align the UK Infrastructure Bank and the British Business Bank under a new National Wealth Fund that will invest in the new industries of the future.Read more here....

NEW MEMBER: WELCOME KL ACCOUNTANTS

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Ryan Dodds and Tom Lee from KL Accountants.KL Accountants are based at Viewpoint in Consett. They are a small team of chartered accountants helping businesses of all sizes to achieve compliance and optimise their tax position.We'll be sharing more about KL Accountants in due course, in the meantime make sure you give them a follow and introduce yourself on their socials below:FacebookLinkedInWebsite: https://www.klaccountants.co.uk/...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE (DBT)

Discover your business potential in the EUDATE & TIME: Wednesday, 18th September 2024, 09:30-15:00VENUE: Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Pl, Leeds LS1 4BZThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to invite UK companies to an event, supporting new to export and experienced companies in the Consumer Retail supply chain (B2B and B2C) who are targeting the EU. The process of trade with our neighbours in the EU changed post Brexit.  A key objective of this event is to d...

STAY COMPLIANT: FREE CONTRACT & POLICY BOOK + HEALTH & SAFETY CHECK INSIDE

Ensuring your business is legally compliant and safe for your employees is crucial. Our partner, Croner, is dedicated to helping you achieve this effortlessly by offering two invaluable free resources exclusively for Sat Nav Members. The Two Offers Include: FREE Contract, Policy, and Handbook Check Employees are safeguarded by employment law, and it's crucial for your business to be protected as well.  Therefore, Croner is offering a FREE Contract, Policy, and Handb...

The Small Business Podcast featuring DBN member Owen Weightman.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your current career or seeking inspiration to pursue your passions, this episode offers invaluable insights and encouragement. Tune in now and embark on a journey of entrepreneurial fulfilment and life balance with Owen Weightman from 3D Virtual Spaces, exclusively on the 'About Small Business' podcast!...

About Small Business Short Reel

Barrie McDermott from About Small Business Podcast asks Donna:What has been your biggest challenge?What are you most proud of?About Small Business Podcast explores stories of UK small business owners, celebrating successes, learning from mistakes, and providing support and inspiration.For more short reels and stories you can take a look at the ASB YouTube channel HERE...

NEW PODCAST: Meet Stephen Marshall from County Durham Building and Joinery Ltd

In this episode Melanie talks to Stephen about his career to date. At 17 yrs old Stephen joined the army, started college in his 30's to train as a joiner and set up his own business in 2010.Stephen and Melanie also discuss the 'ups and downs' of being a business owner, building industry problems and the importance of apprenticeships in the building industry. Listen to the full podcast HEREConnect with Stephen on LinkedInCounty Durham Building and Joinery Website...

Discover your business potential in the EU

When: Wednesday 18 September 2024, 09:30 - 15:00Where: Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Pl, Leeds LS1 4BZThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to invite UK companies to an event, supporting new to export and experienced companies in the Consumer Retail supply chain (B2B and B2C) who are targeting the EU.The process of trade with our neighbours in the EU changed post Brexit. A key objective of this event is to dispel the myths and to support companies in becoming confident onc...

About Small Business Short Reel

Kieron Young, Operations Manager for the Walk and Talk Trust gives a short interview about the Heritage 100 Project.Kieron tells us:What has been his biggest challenge and  what he is particularly proud of?This short reel was created by Barrie McDermott from About Small Business Podcast. About Small Business Podcast explores stories of UK small business owners, celebrating successes, learning from mistakes, and providing support and inspiration.For more short reels and storie...

About Small Business Short Reel

At our June networking meeting Barrie McDermid from About Small Business Podcast came along and created a series of short reels for some of our members.In this reel Barrie interviews Anthony Cunningham from CW Financial Management.The Small Business Podcast explores stories of UK small business owners, celebrating successes, learning from mistakes, and providing support and inspiration. For more short reels and stories you can take a look at their YouTube page HEREConnect with Ant...

ELEVATE YOUR VIDEO CONTENT WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES!

In today’s digital age, creating compelling video content is key to connecting with your audience.  But did you know you could be negatively impacting the environment while doing so?Our latest guide, "How to Be Sustainable When Planning and Producing Video Content," offers essential guidelines on how to create video content sustainably, helping you minimise your carbon footprint without compromising on quality. Here's a sneak peek of what you’ll learn: Planning with ...

Trade Mission to Arab Health 2025

Location: Dubai, UAEDate: 27-31 January 2025The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is pleased to announce that we will be taking a delegation of companies from the English Regions to Arab Health in Dubai, between 27 – 31 January 2025. The Arab Health Exhibition & Congress is the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. Arab Health provides an unrivalled platform for the world's leading hospitals, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to meet the medical and scientific ...