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NEW DBN MEMBER: Stephen Marshall from Co Durham Building and Joinery Ltd

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Stephen Marshall.For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Stephen yet, Stephen is Director at County Durham Building and Joinery Ltd, an independent construction company based in Chester-Le Street.Operating since 2010 the company now concentrates on four main areas which are new house builds, extensions, extensive refurbishments and garden rooms and studios.Take a look at his website https://countydurhambuildingandjoinery.co.uk/Connect on Li...

NEW PODCAST: Meet Stephen Clark from JohnsonClark Surveys and Architecture

In this episode Melanie talks to DBN member Stephen Clark from Johnson Clark Building Surveys and Architecture Launched in 2018, JohnsonClark offers a range of surveying and architectural services for residential and commercial clients. Their highly skilled team bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and over 75 years of combined industry experience to each project with a track record of delivering outstanding outcomes to their clients.Listen to Stephens podcast HEREYou can connect with Stephen...

July Wag & Walk Networking Meeting

Thank you to everyone who came along to our Wag & Walk this morning at Land of Oak & Iron. In true northern style we prepared for the worst and hoped for the best and although the sun didn't make an appearance the rain didn't either!We met in the car park at 8.30 and did a 2.5 mile loop on the Derwent Walk and finished up at the cafe for refreshments.Find out about our upcoming networking meetings on our website here: https://lnkd.in/e9Hfy6xYTeam DBN#networking #walkandtalk #wagandwalk #...

NORTH OF TYNE BUSINESS SUPPORT FUND

This project is part-funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the North of Tyne Combined Authority and is now administered by the North East Combined Authority; it has been designed to drive economic growth by helping businesses to access external expertise to implement business growth and improvement plans.The Fund covers up to 50% of eligible business spend and grants are available to support projects costing between £3,000 and £8,000 (excluding VAT) – for more i...

UNLOCK STRATEGIES FOR EMBEDDING EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN YOUR WORPLACE

Creating a workplace where every team member feels safe, valued, and empowered is essential for fostering productivity and success. At UMi, we're committed to helping you effectively embed Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into your organisation's culture. Join us for a strategic webinar hosted by Fraser Kennedy from Croner, where we'll delve into practical steps to integrate EDI principles at every level of your business. Fraser will cover cru...

Small Business Podcast 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 meet Rob Richardson from Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.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 HERE...

NEW DBN MEMBER: Stephen Clark

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Stephen Clark, Director at JohnsonClark Building Surveys and Architecture.Launched in 2018, JohnsonClark offers a range of surveying and architectural services for residential and commercial clients. Their highly skilled team bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and over 75 years of industry experience to each project with a track record of delivering outstanding outcomes to their clients.Connect on LinkedinWebsite: https://www.johnsonclark.co.uk/Welcome ...

LinkedIn Discussion

A handful of members met on Zoom today to discuss LinkedIn.Networking on LinkedIn and Face to Face is not so different. We discovered that no one likes to be 'sold to' and most success stories have come from building relationships.In a world full of 'fake it until you make it' profiles, you can be triggered into thinking that you are doing something wrong as you aren't getting lots of leads from your posts. So here are a few tips that we shared...• Be yourself. Being 'you' sets you apart from ...

ENSURE YOUR ADVERTISING MEETS EDI STANDARDS - LEARN HOW!

Inclusivity is an important aspect of all business activity, and advertising is no exception. The language used in ads can have a huge impact on the audience and when used incorrectly it can cause harm and offence. To help, we’ve pulled together some tips and resources around Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) standards in advertising that will make your advertising applicable to everyone.  Best practice for promoting EDI includes:  Authentic r...

BOOST YOUR BUSINESS: EMBRACE EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION TODAY!

Staying updated on evolving social attitudes, terms, and legislation is essential for businesses to ensure all stakeholders feel safe, respected, and included.  However, it can be a challenge. If you are struggling with the complexities of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), our Introduction to EDI for Businesses is here to help!  Learn key terms, identify impacted areas in your business, and gain valuable insights to develop or enhance your EDI practices. Thi...

SIGN THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

Armed Forces Covenant Signing Event (for local businesses)Date & Time: Friday, 28th June 2024 at 12:00 Jun 28 2024 Venue: 1-3 Brewery Lane, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 9NHThe SME Centre of Excellence invites Ponteland businesses to join us in supporting the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant on 28th June 2024.What is the Armed Forces Covenant?  A voluntary pledge to ensure fair treatment and support for those who serve or have served in the Armed F...

AWARD WINNING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR, STORYTELLER AND TEACHER . . .

Come along for an evening with Adam Bushnell.  Adam will be talking about County Durham Folk Tales.  He will answer questions, sign books and chat.  Check out Adam's website - https://adambushnell.co.uk/ Venue: Consett Golf ClubDate: Thursday, 11th July 2024 - 18:30Cost of entry: £14Buffet includedCharity eventWe don't have physical tickets and need the bookings by 5th July at the latest.Please use reference "Bushnell" for bank transfer.Ms E A Spring - 09-01-28 - 8...

Networking Meeting at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

Thank you to everyone who came along to Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens for our June networking meeting.A special thank you goes to Co-CEO Lucy Jenkins and Development & Fundraising Manager Olivia Willmore for their hospitality and to Barrie McDermid from About Small Business Podcast for recording mini reels for our members to share on their socials - we look forward to seeing them in the next couple of weeks!Those who stayed back enjoyed Olivias whistle stop tour of the chapels, ...

NEW PODCAST: MEET DONNAL LIDDLE FROM THE GENUINE CONNECTION

In this episode Melanie talks to Donna Liddle from The Genuine Connection about her new business which empowers small business owners to thrive by breaking barriers, embracing authenticity, and achieving personal and professional growth together.Donna is new to DBN, you can connect with her via:FacebookInstagramLinkedInLISTEN HERE ...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE

The Civil Service has now entered the pre-election period.  This will last until the General Election concludes.  During this time there will be restrictions on communications activity and Government social media accounts will be quieter than usual.Regards, Paul Sparks...

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: SAVE 50% ON BUSINESS COACHING ACCREDITATION

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and transform your organisation? If so, join The Ethical Coaching Company for an IOL-approved Business Coaching Accreditation this June to save over 50% on the programme. The programme provides you with the tools, training, and support needed to become a confident and ethical business coach.  It's the ideal opportunity to invest in yourself or your business leaders and managers by obtaining a formal coaching accre...

LAUNCH OF THE SUNDERLAND BUSINESS SUPPORT FUND (SBSF)

NBSL, in partnership with Sunderland City Council, are delighted to announce the launch of the new Sunderland Business Support Fund (SBSF) thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Please see all the details attached below and at Sunderland Business Support Fund Overview but the key elements of the offer are:Up to 40% funding for projects that cost between £3,000 and £6,000 (VAT costs cannot be funded)Eligible businesses - SMEs based in Sunderland who are planning to grow...

NEW PODCAST: MEET CLARE DAVIS, TRAVEL COUNSELLOR.

In this new podcast episode Melanie Cant talks to Clare Davis who is an independent, self employed Travel Counsellor.Clare has worked in the travel industry for over 20 years so she comes with bags of experience when it comes to assisting you with your travel arrangements. Clare assists with both leisure and business travel and discusses the benefits of booking with a Travel Counsellor rather than a high street chain or online agent.Listen to the podcast HEREConnect on Linkedin: Clare ...

CONSETT AREA NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM - BUSINESS ONLINE CONSULTATION

The role of our Consett Area Neighbourhood Forum is to develop a Neighbourhood Plan for the Consett Area, and then once this is in place,  implement the plan.As part of the drafting of the Neighbourhood Plan, we are consulting businesses, charities and community groups about  how they feel about the area, and how it could be improved for businesses.  A neighbourhood plan can support and make it easier for existing businesses to expand and new businesses to locate in...

DERWENT RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB OPEN DAY

Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club are having an annual open day on Saturday 1st June. Pop along to have a closer look at the range of watersports available.Free entry, hot and cold drinks available. ...

NEW HELP TO GROW MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS COURSE

UK Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new online training course filled with practical advice and resources for small business leaders.The free short course is an introductory version of the full Help to Grow: Management course to reach even more small businesses.Essentials is the latest addition to the Help to Grow toolkit supporting UK small businesses to scale up and grow.The UK Government has today launched the new Help to Grow: Management Essentials course, a sho...

NEW PODCAST: MEET HELENE CASTEL FROM LN DIGITAL CREATOR

In this episode Melanie talks to Helene Castel, business owner at LN Digital Creator.Helene first attended a DBN meeting in January and hasn't missed a meeting since!She started her business at the turn of the year after working in corporate all her life. Her main focus and passion is website design although she does offer additional digital marketing support to her clients. Helene's native tongue is French which allows her to offer her services in French as well as English.Grab yourself a cuppa...

NEW DBN MEMBER: JUDITH MOHEBBYAN ART

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Judith (Judy) Mohebbyan from Judith Mohebbyan Art.Judith is an abstract fluid artist and sells her art online. She also does commission work for personal spaces and for businesses, creating paintings in their brand colours and style.As well as creating art, she delivers art and well-being workshops, to companies and organisations, as well as support groups.Judith is active on the following social platforms:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithmohebbyanart/...

WELCOME DONNA LIDDLE FROM THE GENUINE CONNECTION

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Donna Liddle business owner at The Genuine Connection 👋Donna is a Confidante & Coach empowering business owners to grow authentically by nurturing their mental health and guiding them to embrace their true self so that they can cultivate a thriving business aligned with their values and find fulfilment in both their professional and personal lives.I you haven't already met Donna at one of our meetings please look out for her and introduce yourself.  ...

JUNE NETWORKING MEETING CONFIRMED AT USHAW HISTORIC HOUSE, CHAPELS AND GARDENS!

We are thrilled to announce that our June meeting will be held at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.For those who haven't been to Ushaw before you're in for a treat! Ushaw’s history is tied to the development and growth of Christianity in our region. Beginning over a millenium ago with St Aiden in Lindisfarne!We are sure that most of our members will have met Olivia Willmore who is Development and Fundraising Manager at Ushaw. She recorded a Podcast with us earlier this year, if y...