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MELANIE LAUNCHES ANOTHER WEBSITE!

Melanie from Elm Marketing Solutions launched another website this month.  Local architect Garry Hodgson was looking for a clean, modern website to represent his business as his old website was out of date and he struggled to ‘get the look’ he wanted when he updated it himself. Garry wanted his new website to be:☑ On brand☑ Modern☑ Easy to update☑ Mobile responsive☑ HTTPS certified☑ Social Media ConnectedWe think you'll agree that the finished result is fantastic and now tha...

ENJOY VINTAGE STYLE WITH CLADWISE BATHROOMS

Vintage flooring is becoming a new favourite around the house.We are finding many new customers wanting a more classic, vintage look and this Vintage style vinyl lino is a great option for quick application on a budget.Come down to our show room to see it on display.Tim Hutley, Cladwise Bathrooms...

GREG CELEBRATES TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY!

What a transformation we've made with Osbert Barn!  It's a credit to our team and the various sub-contractors that we've worked with.  Transformation Tuesday!  Osbert Barn was in a bit of a state when we inherited it.  With a bit of TLC we’ve brought this old barn back to new life as a beautiful new home. Greg O'Connell, GOC Construction Management...

HAVING TO CONSIDER REDUNDANCIES?

As the nation tries to return to some form of normal living and working, unfortunately there are a lot of businesses who are still struggling with the current economic trading levels and it is difficult to predict recovery times. Unfortunately as a result of this, organisations are considering staff redundancies and of course the winding down of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which has allowed employers to place staff on furlough and draw down payments to cover wages will also likely have ...

GILLIAN'S TOP TIP VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Gillian's top tip video of the week is . . . moaning makes you stress - here's how to stop! Please click here to watch Gillian's latest video....

DO YOU ENJOY A SECRET SIESTA?

Is a little snooze after lunch a sign of laziness or could it be good for you?In her blog this week, Jane Anderson delves into the world of the siesta . . .Please click here to read Jane's blog....

SQUARE OR ROUND? YOU DECIDE

How do you like square coasters?  Ours are usually round, but these were done for someone special.Let me know which you prefer? Joanne Rowland, Joanne Rowland Art...

MARMAX HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!

We have just been notified that we are winners of the International CSR Excellence Awards in not 1 but 2 categories!  We have won an award for our recycling game board and also for manufacturing excellence.  We will find out our level of success in the presentation ceremony."Plastic waste in our oceans is set to triple in the next 20 year because efforts to stem it are barely making an impact."  This is the first paragraph in a news article from The Sun. This harrowing statement f...

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE WITH HAYS TRAVEL

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do - when it comes to service, experience and knowledge . . .  we've got you covered! We look forward to finding your next perfect break!Please click here to view our videos....

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY AT GEORDIES SIGNS (16-20 YEAR OLD)

Geordies Signs is a fast-growing sign and graphics production and installation company based in Consett, County Durham.  We specialise in signage and graphics for the retail, commercial, transport, and education sectors.  We are looking to recruit an apprentice to join our talented team.  For the right candidate, this is a unique opportunity to join our group of specialists and grow in a company that values your input and rewards your effort. We are looking for a candidate who is ...

THE AMAZING ANN ENGLISH!

Just a reminder of some of the business support activities we've been delivering over the past few weeks beautifully captured by the amazing Ann English....

WE'VE BEEN ADDING MORE MASTERCLASSES TO THE DBN MEMBERS VIDEO LIBRARY

We're delighted to report that the DBN members video library is now open!  The four Visual Marketing Masterclasses are only available to the delegates who signed up for the programme but all the rest will be made available to our members as a members benefit.  Not a member?  Join here.The material in the videos represents the hard work of our members who created the masterclasses for fellow DBN members and we'd really appreciate it if you didn't share the passwords with non-member...

FOOTFALL & CUSTOMER SERVICE

As footfall on the highstreet continues to decline having an online presence is certainly something every ‘bricks and mortar’ business should consider.  Melanie Cant from Elm Marketing said, ”more and more consumers are choosing to buy online these days due to busy schedules.  Two years ago I designed an e-commerce website for a local florist as they’d seen a decline on the high street but an increase in answer machine messages on an evening which meant their staff were spendin...

ISABELLA'S ONLINE SUCCESS!

Since the reopening of her coffee shop and the launch of her new website last month, Angela Warner from Isabella's Coffee Shop has seen a steady growth of ‘click and collect’ orders via her website.Like many small business owners with premises, Angela is concerned about there possibly being another wave of covid and being forced into lockdown.  However, she feels that having a ‘click and collect’ pre-order service via her website will certainly help her to continue to run her busine...

WIN AFTERNOON TEA WITH BOWE DIGITAL

How are you enjoying afternoon tea week?We are super happy that we have been running a competition with the stunning Wynyard Hall for you to win afternoon tea for two. Just let us know which celebrity you would take for afternoon tea to be in with a chance of winning - email or message us on social media....

DBN NEWS (16th AUGUST 2020)

How is everyone this week? This was our first week without a training masterclass in recent months and we’ve taken the opportunity to work through our “to do” list …  We’re still working on it which is why this weeks newsletter is (slightly) shorter than usual! Next Tuesday morning we're having an hour’s catch up online with our members.  It’s important to find out what’s happening in the DBN business community and share news and ideas and do some networking and we...

CLAIM A GRANT THROUGH THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME

If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) use this scheme if you're eligible to claim the grant. The scheme is now open. Make your claim from the date we give you. If you’re eligible and your business has been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020, you must make your claim for the second grant on or before 19 October 2020. Who can claim? You can make a claim even if you did not make a claim for the first grant if your ...

NORIKO'S CARTOON: MAGIC PENCILS

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THURSDAY FEASTING AT THE OWL AND OTTER

If you can’t decide, just get everything!And Wednesdays at The O&O got a whole lot sweeter! We’re delighted to take part in the EAT OUT TO HELP OUT government initiative this August.  Join us for lunch or dinner & enjoy 50% off all food & non alcoholic drinks up to the value of £10 per person every Wednesday in August....

IT'S BLOOMING LOVELY AT THE BLACK HORSE BEAMISH!

We love to see the lavender bloom at this time of year. Have you checked out our Garden Menu?  Available to view by clicking here. We still have availability for the restaurant over the weekend.  To book please call 01207 232 569 or book online via our website....

ON WEDNESDAY, 19th AUGUST YOU CAN SING A LONG WITH THE EVER POPULAR FILM 'MAMA MIA' IN THE TIPI . . .

Don’t forget to warm up your vocal chords and dressing up is encouraged.Tickets are £15 per person & includes a Cocktail plus the film; reserve your place on 01207 230 666....

DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE OUR VERY OWN GARDEN CENTRE ON SITE AT BEAMISH HALL?

Beamish Garden Centre is open daily and offers a huge range of flowers, shrubs, trees and plants in all shapes and sizes.  Along with expert advise and top gardening tips the team at the garden centre will help you on your gardening journey this summer.Just click here to find out more....

CAN YOU SPOT THE BEARS AROUND THE MUSEUM?

Make sure to download our Teddy Bear Bingo activity for when you next visit us - just click below and print off your Bingo sheet!...

MAKE THE BEST OF THIS GOOD WEATHER WITH A CUPPA IN OUR BEAUTIFUL GARDENS AT THE WILLOWS CAFÉ, WILLOW BURN

Open Monday to Friday between 1 0.am. - 2.30 p.m., we offer delicious home-baked goods, a selection of hot and cold drinks, indoor and outdoor seating and free parking.You can find us by turning into Lanchester Rise on Howden Bank.  Follow the road around for our car park.Find out more by clicking here....

STEAM TRAINS ARE RETURNING TO THE WORLD'S OLDEST RAILWAY!

We're excited to announce that train tickets are now available to book for Sundays in August.Tickets cost £30 per compartment and allow a maximum of 8 people to travel for one return journey in your own private compartment along the world's oldest railway.  The ticket price includes a FREE guide book and kids activity pack when you arrive at East Tanfield station and a tea, coffee or juice each from Andrews House station.Trains will depart from East Tanfield station at 10.30 a.m., 11.50 a....