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DBN Wag and Walk: Networking with a View (and a Wagging Tail!)

Are you ready to swap the conference room for a breath of fresh air?  We're thrilled to invite you to our September networking event with a difference: the DBN Wag 'n Walk at Beamish!  This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow local businesses in a relaxed, scenic environment - and yes, your four-legged friends are more than welcome to join us!This is a brilliant way to network, share ideas, and build relationships while enjoying the beautiful countryside.Event DetailsWhat...

A Spooky Sweet Treat: Networking with a Twist at Beamish Museum!

Get ready to mix business with a little Halloween magic! On Tuesday, October 21st, the Do Business Network is heading to Beamish Museum for a truly unique and seasonal networking event.We'll start with refreshments and networking in the grand Bank Board Room, where you can connect with your fellow DBN members and Beamish Business Friends. Then, for a truly special experience, we have arranged a visit to Jubilee Confectioners, the famous 1900s sweet shop. You'll get an up-close look at their fest...

THE LAND OF OAK AND IRON EVENTS - SEPTEMBER 2025

All events will take place at The Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre, Spa Well Road, Winlaton Mill, Blaydon upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 6RU unless otherwise stated.Visit our website here....

KAFFEEHAUS - UPCOMING COFFEE COURSE DATES

Join us on a Coffee Courses for a morning of educational fun as we delve into the wonderful world of coffee.  We will cover the journey from bean to cup, experiment along the way with plenty of taste testing and teach you how to prepare a great cup of coffee at home. If you're interested, please make sure to book on soon as we don't have many dates left for the rest of the year.Barista CourseSaturday, 13th September 2025Home Brew CourseSaturday, 27th September 2025B...

KAFFEEHAUS - WE HAVE A NEW UGANDAN COFFEE!

We have a few new coffees on the horizon which we're very excited to tell you about, but we're starting with a change to our St. Cuthbert's Journey.The reason for changing up our St. Cuthbert's Journey coffee is that we ran out of our wonderful Rwandan beans from Rwamatamu.  It is not a permanent change, as we are committed to building a long term partnership with Rwamatamu, however we did need something to tie us over until their new harvest arrives and thus we have, for the interim, chang...

Join our friends at Northern Tenants Network for a free networking opportunity!

In September, the Northern Tenants Network is putting a new twist on their regular meeting with their very first Business Showcase!The Northern Tenants Network is a fantastic expanding group of businesses from North County Durham that meets to share best practice, discuss challenges, and hear about business funding and support. These meetings are a great way to network with other local companies.This new Business Showcase event will feature ten local companies demonstrating products and services...

The Power of an Introduction: A DBN Success Story

In the world of business, we often talk about the power of a strong network. But what does that really mean in practice? Sometimes, it all comes down to a single, well-placed introduction that can open up a world of new opportunities. This is exactly what happened for Andy Hill, the General Manager at Beamish Park Golf Club, after he joined DBN.Since becoming a DBN member, Beamish Park Golf Club has seen a significant return on its investment in the network. The team has built strong connections...

Free Carbon Monoxide (CO) Online Training

We're thrilled to highlight an upcoming opportunity brought to you by Northern Cancer Voices: a Free Carbon Monoxide (CO) Training session, delivered by Tori Braddison.What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?Often called the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly. It's produced when fuels like gas, oil, coal, and wood burn incompletely. Without proper detection, it's impossible to know it's present until it's too late. That's why understanding its ...

PROVISIONAL 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...

USHAW PROMS 2025

Experience the tradition and grandeur of The Last Night of the Proms in the breathtaking St Cuthbert’s Chapel.  Let the powerful voices of the Ushaw Chapel Choir and the stirring sounds of the Bearpark & Esh Brass Band lift your spirits in an unforgettable evening of music.The programme will feature beloved classics including:Hymn to the FallenHow Great Thou Artand the ever-rousing JerusalemBring your flags and your friends - it’s a night of celebration you won’t want to...

KAFFEEHAUS - WE'RE HIRING!

We’re on the lookout for someone to join our team as a part-time roastery assistant with a focus on sales and customer care.  This is a hands-on role and we’re looking for a coffee enthusiast with a can-do attitude who is comfortable fulfilling numerous roles in helping us deliver great coffee and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.  You will also be customer facing and representing Kaffeehaus and thus good communication skills and a friendly, welcoming demeanour are...

THE LAND OF OAK AND IRON - AUGUST 2025

Land of Oak & Iron is the perfect place to take your 4 legged friends for a walk - our Heritage Centre is dog friendly and we even have a doggie treat menu too!To celebrate our 4 legged visitor friends, we are organising this event especially for them (and their human folk).   Join us in and around the Courtyard for our fun Dog Show at 1.30pm - there are different categories such as best dressed dog, best smile, dog most like their owner and best trick along with an award...

A NIGHT OF SOPHISTICATION, CELEBRATION, AND UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES . . .

Beamish Hall HotelWednesday, 31st December 2025 -7:00pm - 1st January 2026 - 1:00amThis New Year’s Eve, we invite you to an enchanting Black & White Ball, where elegance meets indulgence in a night to remember.Dress to impress in your finest black and white attire and prepare for a night of sophistication, celebration, and unforgettable memories in one of the North East’s most enchanting venues.Your evening begins with a sparkling champagne and canapé reception in the grandeur of our hi...

Welcome System Horizons: Crafting Your Business's Digital Foundation

We are thrilled to announce that System Horizons is a new Do Business Network member, and we are delighted to have Martin as part of the DBN community! In today's dynamic digital landscape, a powerful online presence isn't just an advantage – it's a necessity. For businesses seeking to make a memorable first impression and connect effectively with their audience, System Horizons stands out as an expert in crafting bespoke technology solutions, with a particular focus on exceptional website des...

UMi - BUSINESS ADVISER ROLE

Salary: £30,000-£38,000 per annum (depending on experience) + great benefits (including wellbeing days, employee healthcare cash plan, and hybrid working options)Place of work: Navigators Point, Belmont Business Park, Durham, DH1 1TW (hybrid working available)Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to FridayClosing Date: Open until position filled.Do you love working closely with businesses to help them overcome challenges and seize new opportunities?At UMi, we make it easier for busine...

Community & Connections: A Morning at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

It's amazing what a change of scenery can do. This morning, our networking meeting took us to the stunning Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, and it was a morning filled with great connections, fresh perspectives, and inspiring conversations.A huge thank you to the team at Ushaw for being such exceptional hosts. The beautiful setting provided the perfect backdrop for our event, which kicked off with a warm welcome and some delicious tea, coffee, and bacon buns. It was a lovely opportunit...

A Night of Style and Support: Join Us for the Willow Burn Hospice Fashion Show

Get ready for an evening of sustainable fashion, community spirit, and beautiful surroundings! We're thrilled to announce that Willow Burn Hospice is hosting a special pre-loved Fashion Show in their stunning gardens. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some fantastic company, find a new-to-you treasure, and support the vital work of the hospice.It promises to be a relaxed and enjoyable event, celebrating pre-loved fashion and the power of giving back to our community.What to ExpectJoin us ...

A Perfect Partnership Born from Networking

Networking is about more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships that lead to collaboration and success. A fantastic recent example of this comes from a project brought to life by a great connection made at a Do Business Network meeting.The Power of a Great IdeaPhil Benton, a talented photographer and a proud Do Business Network member, was asked to photograph the Cheviots for Wannies Retreat, a beautiful holiday spot deep in the heart of Northumberland. ...

DBN Welcomes Beamish Hall Hotel to the Network!

Great news for the DBN community!We are thrilled to welcome Beamish Hall to our network. Located in the picturesque Beamish Valley, this four-star country house hotel is a fantastic addition to the DBN family.Beamish Hall has a rich history and offers a wide range of facilities that our members can take advantage of, whether for business or pleasure.Key Features for DBN Members:A Tranquil Escape: The hotel offers 43 individually decorated bedrooms and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal re...

BIG CHANGES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES: WHAT THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW PLAN MEANS FOR YOU

The UK Government has launched a new Small Business Plan that it hopes will unlock the full potential of the country’s 5.5 million small and medium-sized enterprises. Called “Backing Your Business”, the plan sets out a multi-year strategy aimed at helping SMEs grow, boost productivity, and navigate a smoother path to success. Here’s what it means for you:Faster payments and less paperwork - New legislation is targeting late payments - the toughest crackdown ...

Congratulations to Building Self Belief: Finalists in the North East Charity Awards!

Congratulations to Christine, Peter, and the entire team at Building Self Belief!We are absolutely thrilled to congratulate them on being named finalists in this year’s North East Charity Awards for their incredible 'Kye’s Kick Off' project.This fantastic programme, in collaboration with the inspiring young people at Boldon School, has made a real difference. The initiative successfully raised over £4,000, which was generously donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust.Being a finalist is a huge a...

Welcome Pascal Fintoni to the Do Business Network!

We are absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Do Business Network, Pascal Fintoni!Some of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Pascal back in February when he delivered an outstanding 'Introduction to AI' presentation at our Business Boost Workshop. We're thrilled that he is now a full member of our network!Pascal brings with him a remarkable 30 years of experience in digital marketing, visual storytelling, and audience engagement. Through his consu...

USHAW LIBRARY OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME!

Step into history, one page at a time . . .  For the first time in Ushaw’s history, the doors to our magnificent Big Library will be open to the public!Date & time: Saturday, 9th August 2025 - Access from 10:00am; last entry at 3:30pm.Be part of history as Ushaw’s magnificent Big Library opens to the public for the very first time, for self-guided discovery.  As part of our Festival of Books, you're invited to step inside this stunning literary treasure - a rare opportunit...

Unlocking Innovation, Elevating Value: “The Lumo Way”

At Lumo, we believe that Research & Development (R&D) isn’t just a tax incentive—it's a business growth catalyst. Through our refined consultancy approach “The Lumo Way” we go far beyond standard tax claim processes. We deliver a method that not only maximises claim value but also enhances HMRC enquiry protection and contributes directly to long-term business strategy and value.The Problem with Traditional R&D ClaimsToo often, R&D tax relief is viewed in isolation, a reac...

ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR STAFF BENEFITS?

Want to reduce costs, improve employee wellbeing, and stand out from the competition? Join us for UMi Makes it Easy... to Manage Staff Benefits and their Tax Implications, hosted by Adrian O’Connell, Head of Tax, and Josh Sanghera, Client Relationship Director at Blu Sky. Whether you're already offering staff benefits or just getting started, this session will help you understand what's tax-efficient, what needs to be reported, and how salary sacrifice can wo...