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...
January 20, 2026Calico Cultural Editing: More than a Skim and a Spellcheck
If we haven’t met yet, hello! I provide editorial support for busy people who have brilliant ideas but often lack the time and headspace to turn those ideas into powerful and well-edited writing. I work with small business owners, academics and indie authors who are producing something that matters – a website, a report, a book – and that needs to sound like them, but a little more polished and significantly less caffeinated. As a small business owner with a background in quality managemen...
January 20, 202630 Years of Digital Marketing: A Conversation with Pascal Fintoni
In our latest podcast episode, Melanie sat down with DBN member Pascal Fintoni to discuss his 30-year career in digital marketing and business development. Pascal’s experience spans from the mid-1990s, where he managed multi-channel campaigns in the travel industry, to his time as CEO of The Centre for eBusiness for the UK government’s Regional Development Agency.Because the conversation covered such a broad range of topics—from his early career to his current work with Artificial Intellig...
January 15, 2026MAKE FUNDING SIMPLER FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
UMi wants to share something that could make funding simpler for your business.FUEL is a finance & funding roadshow coming to Newcastle on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, designed to cut through jargon and connect you directly with investors, lenders, and funding experts who can help you move faster.If funding feels confusing and slow, you’re not alone. Many UK businesses struggle to access the right support - but FUEL is here to change that.Pre-matched meetings: Sit down with funders who ...
January 14, 2026February Networking Meeting: Consett and District Golf Club
Our February networking meeting will be held at Consett and District Golf Club.We are looking forward to heading over to Consett, especially as we recently welcomed the Club Secretary, Kris Kennedy, to the network. The club has been a fixture in the local area since 1911, and while the course is a major draw, the clubhouse is a great spot for the local business community to get together.What to expectTo be clear: we are not playing golf! This is a standard DBN networking meeting held in a f...
January 12, 2026Mentoring in 2026: More than just networking
When we surveyed our members late last year about what you wanted to see from the DBN in 2026, the feedback was clear. You aren’t just looking for a room full of people; you’re looking for specific, practical advice to help you move your business forward.The demand for mentoring—both in small groups and one-to-one—was high. We are now building that into our calendar for the year ahead in a way that is simple, useful, and straightforward.What we mean by mentoringAt the DBN, mentoring isnâ...
January 12, 2026PR MADE EASY WITH JOURNOLINK
Getting your business noticed in the media can feel impossible when you’re juggling multiple roles - but with JournoLink’s AI-supported PR tools, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re launching a product, celebrating a milestone, or simply raising your profile, JournoLink makes it easy for small businesses to run their own PR campaigns like a pro. As a UMi Sat Nav User, you can access exclusive discounts: Core PR Plan - from £59/month - 5% off5 personalised p...
January 8, 2026DISCOVER ICELAND - CURATED HOSTED JOURNEY
Escape into the land of fire and ice on Clare's next exclusive, personally-hosted Icelandic adventure. Every detail is thoughtfully arranged for you - simply relax and savour each magical moment:Flights available from either Heathrow or Manchester2 nights at the contemporary Storm Hotel, Reykjavik1 night at the stunning Hotel Rangá, south Iceland - renowned for its Northern Lights viewsPrivate return airport transfersBed and breakfast basisIndulgent comfort entrance to the Blue Lagoon, wi...
January 8, 2026LAND OF OAK AND IRON - JANUARY 2026
Wednesday, 7th January until Sunday, 1st March 2026 - Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre - 9:00-16:00The Land of Oak & Iron starts the New Year with this stunning exhibition of Brian Eyler’s landscape photography in their Inside Out Gallery at Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre. ‘Traces of a Journey – Explorations of Depth, Light, and Presence’.Brian is a professional landscape photographer originally from San Diego, now living in Newcastle, UK. After moving in 20...
January 7, 2026Kickstart Your 2026: The DBN Annual Small Business Expo at Beamish Hall
As we enter the first month of 2026, the priority for many small business owners across the North East is clear: building momentum. While digital strategy is vital, the foundation of a resilient local business often lies in the strength of its professional network.At the Do Business Network (DBN), we are committed to facilitating high-quality, professional environments where local leaders can connect. To launch the year with purpose, we invite you to our Annual Small Business Expo on Tuesday 20t...
January 5, 2026Don’t Just Network - Level Up: The DBN Business Boost Workshops
The DBN Business Boost is a series of three focused workshops designed to give small business owners the practical knowledge required to grow their operations. These sessions move beyond surface-level networking, focusing on specific strategies to help you manage and adapt your business. Importantly, these workshops are fully funded for businesses registered within a DH postcode area, with one place available per business.Three Workshops to Transform Your StrategyThese sessions are led by indust...
December 19, 2025Reflecting on a Fantastic Finish at Derwentside College
What a brilliant way to wrap up the year! The Do Business Network (DBN) was delighted to spend a productive and positive morning connecting with our members at Derwentside College yesterday. These year-end sessions are crucial for maintaining the strong, supportive atmosphere of our network.The morning was focused on providing clear guidance and strategic direction for 2026. We believe transparency is key, and we shared detailed plans outlining the significant opportunities for all members to en...
December 10, 2025Do Business Network Small Business Expo. Let's start 2026 together!
We warmly invite you to join the Do Business Network Annual Small Business Expo—your first essential networking event of 2026!Mark your calendar for Tuesday 20th January at the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel. It's the perfect opportunity to leave the desk behind, meet new people, and bring fresh energy to your business goals.What to Expect During Your Morning:The event runs from 8:30 am and is structured to maximise your connections:8:30 am: Doors open for networking, browsing exhibition stands,...
December 9, 2025NETWORKING DATES AND VENUES FOR 2026
Tuesday, 20th January 2026 – Beamish Hall Hotel, Coppy Lane, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0YB – 8:30-10:30 – Shoebox Expo Tuesday, 17th February 2026 – Consett Golf Club, Elmfield Road, Consett, County Durham, DH8 5NN – 8:30-10:30 Tuesday, 17th March 2026 – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Ushaw Moor, County Durham, DH7 7DW – 8:30-10:30 Tuesday, 21st April 2026 – Beamish Golf Club, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0RH – 8:30-1...
December 9, 2025The Business Owner's Journey: Why Networking is Your Underrated Lifeline
Running a business is often romanticised, but those of us in the thick of it know the reality is far more complex. It's a rollercoaster of soaring highs and challenging lows, often navigated alone. If you're currently wrestling with an overflowing to-do list, wondering how to secure your next client, or just feeling the pressure of being 'the one in charge', this blog is for you.The Unspoken Burden of the Business OwnerLet's talk about the juggling act. As a business owner, you are simultaneousl...
December 2, 2025Discover the Magic of Christmas Through the Ages at Beamish Museum
Visitors are invited to step into a festive journey through time and experience the wonder of Christmas, from the elegance of the Georgian era all the way to the fabulous 1950s.Beamish Museum offers something for everyone as the countdown to the big day begins the traditional way. From twinkling decorations and delicious seasonal treats to nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the museum provides a truly immersive experience.A Historical Christmas JourneyThe time-travelling Christmas adventur...
December 1, 2025AI, Automation, and Welcoming Northern Tenants Group
What a great turnout for our networking meeting this morning! Despite a covering of snow here in Consett, our dedicated members and guests showed up in force to connect and collaborate. That's true North East commitment!Thank you to Ben Mushen from Sunderland Software City for an insightful presentation this morning. The session was highly educational and thought-provoking, giving us new ideas on how we can use AI and automation to help improve business systems. We will publish Bens slides on ou...
November 20, 2025Is your annual tax return giving you 'Year-End Panic' stress?
For growing SMEs, relying on reactive accounting is a major barrier. You need financial insights throughout the year, not just an expensive post-mortem.We act as your Year-Round Financial Controller, offering proactive support in plain English. We free you up to do what you do best: develop your business.Read this Linkedin article by Westwood Accountancy HERE...
November 20, 2025Complimentary Fee Utilities Health Check
We are delighted to bring you a high-value opportunity facilitated by fellow DBN Member, 121 Business Links.If your business operates from a building, we understand the increasing pressure of managing operational costs. We are pleased to offer you a complimentary Fee Utilities Health Check, a service designed to review and potentially reduce your regular business expenditures.What the Expert Health Check IncludesIn a dedicated one-hour session, a specialist from 121 Business Links will meticulou...
November 11, 2025DBN Member Spotlight: Young Charity Champions of the Year! (Building Self-Belief)
The Do Business Network (DBN) is thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of valued member, Building Self-Belief, and their inspiring Kye's Kick Off team.This dedicated team recently triumphed at the 2025 North East Charity Awards, where they were named Young Charity Champions of the Year! This achievement is a fantastic example of the passion and positive change happening right within our network.An Inspiring AchievementThe Kye's Kick Off team, based at Boldon School, formed after the tragi...
November 10, 2025DBN Member Spotlight: Harrington Brown Wins Gold!
We are absolutely thrilled to extend a massive congratulations to DBN member, Harrington Brown! 🥳This excellent local, independent business, based in Shotley Bridge (near Consett), has secured the prestigious Gold Award in Sales at the EA Masters in London for the third consecutive year.This incredible achievement recognises their dedication to excellence across key client-centric metrics. A special shout-out to Business Owner Jennifer Hartburn and team members James and Aiden for representin...
November 6, 2025How We're Helping You Double Your Network and Boost Productivity
The joint networking event between the DBN and the Northern Tenants Business Network on Thursday, 20th November, offers attendees a crucial opportunity to gain expert insight into digital growth. We are proud to welcome Ben Mushen, a Digital Adoption Specialist from Sunderland Software City.Ben’s Core Expertise: Practical Digital TransformationBen Mushen brings genuine, hands-on experience to the stage. His role involves working directly with regional businesses to implement technology that dr...
November 4, 2025The DBN Business Showcase Event
In today's challenging climate, a strong network is more vital than ever for small businesses to grow. At the Do Business Network, we are here to facilitate opportunities to help you promote your business, gain valuable connections, and establish reliable referral sources. Together, we are stronger. Let's work as a business community to help each other thrive in 2026.This event is designed for every attendee to get the opportunity to showcase their business to everyone in the room. You're welcom...
November 4, 2025Tired of networking that doesn't deliver?
The Do Business Network (DBN) is a dynamic community built on practical support and real results. Our focus is on helping small businesses in the North East not just network, but genuinely do business.The Value is Clear: Over 90% of our members do business with each other. That’s the proven return on investment you get from an active, trusted business community.What a DBN Membership Gives Your Business (Just £130 Annually):Practical Expertise: Access to 1-to-1 business coaching, member-to-mem...
November 4, 2025Sweet Success: Networking at Beamish Museum
We had a fantastic networking morning at Beamish Museum today! It was brilliant to see so many familiar faces and to connect with the Business Friends of Beamish too! We kicked off the event with a relaxed cuppa, where we were warmly welcomed by Lisa Powell and Sam Appleby from Beamish. To mark the season, we enjoyed some delicious, spooky-themed shortbread, baked fresh at the famous Beamish Bakery—a treat that certainly set a positive tone for the morning!The room quickly filled with energy a...
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