Back to Blog

NBSL SPEEDING UP OUR ONLINE SERVICES TO SUPPORT YOUR NEED

Businesses across Derwentside are regularly applying to the North East Business Support Fund to seek grants to update their business models or improve their communications through the use of digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve been no different from any other business looking at ways to improve delivery mechanics through the use of digital technology. It takes less than 15 minutes to complete our online application process and our advisors can now handle our whole contr...

THIS WEEK, JANE ANDERSON TELLS US ABOUT GOOD NEIGHBOURS AND WHY EVERYBODY NEEDS THEM . . .

May I just raise a hand for my neighbour and her four wonderful kids who last week left this lovely pie on my doorstep for no reason at all (corned beef and potato in case you're wondering and it was delicious). We're not poorly here and we have plenty of food, I even make pies myself.  But none of that made any odds when I opened the door and glanced down.  I nearly had a few tears when I saw it.You can read Jane's full article here....

MELANIE ENCOURAGES US TO DREAM BIG FOR OUR BUSINESSES

Since lockdown began I have been working with many of my existing clients to help them diversify their business.  Some are offering new services, some are selling online, others are finding ways to virtually deliver training courses via their website - it's amazing how we find ways to overcome obstacles that are placed before us! In April I wrote a post on Facebook about the challenges that lay ahead and the need to focus on what we can control rather than what we can't. I quote, "appreciat...

CLADWISE IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AGAIN

Cladwise Bathrooms will now be opening our door by appointment for sales of cladding, tiles, LVT flooring, and bathroom furniture.  We will also now be carrying out bathroom surveys, risk assessments and strategies for installations and all members of the Cladwise Team will be adhering to government advice for PPE and social distancing. There will be no pressure on our customers to allow us to carry out the installations, until they are 100% comfortable with us being in their homes. Please ...

GREG OFFERS VIRTUAL VIEWINGS

Greg O'Connell of GOC Construction Management Ltd tells us that he is now offering virtual property viewings at the Town End Farm development in Bishop Middleham.He recently conducted his first online virtual house tour for a client.  It's another example of how businesses are adapting and turning to online tools to provide a personal service to clients.  Greg said, "although we are currently closed to physical viewings, we can carry out viewings via Zoom or FaceTime on request."...

ANOTHER LOVELY IMAGE FROM PHIL

Phil Benton reminds us what an amazing part of the world we live in.He is now selling a range of these A4 quoted prints on his website. To order yours, please click here to visit Phil's website....

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK - AND FORGET THE WORD "SHOULD"!

Some great no-nonsense advice in Gillian's latest video.  Click here to view it....

MEET GED NAUGHTON OF NAUGHTON MEDIA

We communicate through stories - anecdotes, tall tales, jokes and parables as well as tweets, blogs, e-newsletters and home pages.  Formally put, I'm a content development consultant, but my talent is telling stories that matter, to build relationships and engage with people through words and pictures.  I'd like to work with people to tell their stories and build their relationships. My business "The Write Profile" is brand new, but I've got experience in PR, comms, media and journalis...

DBN MEMBERS NEEDED TO TEST A NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES APP

As a fellow DBN member, I know what incredible small businesses we have within our local community, but unfortunately not everyone in our region is aware of the quality and extent of the supply chain that is right on their doorstep.  I want to change that, and I would love you to help me. I’m looking for DBN members to help me test and mould the final version of the Crust Today App before its live release at the end of July.  The trial will take place over the month of June, with par...

JAMES CREATES NEW VIDEO FOR BRIGHTSIDE

James at Visual Punch created this video to help Brightside show that they are so much more than a 'typical' day service provider.  The focus of the video was to provide the audience with a glimpse into what a typical day was like at Brightside.  We were blown away by what the young adults get to do and how they are helped and supported by the Brightside staff.We challenge you to watch this video without smiling!...

JOANNE HAS SOME NEW BUSINESS ALL STITCHED UP!

I have some exciting news to share with you.  All cross stitch charts from Joanne Rowland Art will shortly be available exclusively at Heaven and Earth Designs.  The Team at HAED are amazing at creating incredibly detailed cross stitch charts that are just perfect for my drawings and paintings and we can't wait to see them! We'll let you know as soon as the first ones are available at heavenandearthdesigns.com Joanne Rowland...

SHARRON SKEEN OF WESTWOOD ACCOUNTANCY ASKS: CAN YOUR BUSINESS CLAIM A CORONAVIRUS STATUTORY SICK PAY REBATE?

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live. If you’re a business with fewer than 250 employees, you may be able to make a claim.For further information, please click here....

DBN BUSINESS COMMUNITY SUPPORTS PROPOSED RAIL LINK TO CONSETT

Last week we ran an article by local MP Richard Holden on a proposed feasibility study into a rail link connecting the Derwent Valley with Gateshead.  We asked for your views and we can report that all of your responses have been positive and in support of the proposal, highlighting both the economic and social benefits of a rail link.David Vickers of Rand Rocket said, “It’s something I’ve had on my mind for about a decade or so and I feel it’s well past time that this was developed...

NORIKO'S NEW CARTOON

You can read Noriko's cartoons here.  Sit back and have a great old chuckle!...

FACEBOOK REVIEW

We'd love your help to grow our amazing network and would be very grateful if you could leave a Facebook Review to tell other business owners why they should consider joining DBN . . ....

MID DURHAM AREA ACTION PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTING WILLOW BURN HOSPICE

Willow Burn Hospice is delighted to announce that Mid Durham AAP, through their COVID-19 funding and funding from County Councillors Jude Considine and Ossie Johnson, are able to support Willow Burn with running costs though the pandemic. It costs £1.2 million to operate the Hospice each year and the hospice team is responsible for raising 70% of this through grants, fundraising, retail income and donations.  Due to the restrictions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, the charity’s ...

JANE ANDERSON ASKS . . .

Can junk food get us through the lockdown?Saved by crisps?Read more about how crisps have been Jane's secret comfort by clicking here....

DISCOVER THE SWORD MAKERS OF SHOTLEY BRIDGE WITH THE LAND OF OAK & IRON

On Wednesday, 1st April 2020, Paul Heatherington was due to host an evening talk ‘The Sword Makers of Shotley Bridge’, at the Heritage Centre in Winlaton Mill.  Sadly, the planned talk and meal had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus situation and the need to practice social distancing. Paul kindly wrote an article for the Land of Oak & Iron, reflecting some of his research and knowledge about the sword makers.  Hopefully you will be able to join us in discovering more on this s...

MOIRA BARNES ASKS...

Zoom exhaustion!  Are you experiencing it? As we start to return to the 'new normal' how are you trying to adjust? Next week I am delivering some sales training for the 'Do Business' Network (DBN) so I am currently preparing my content for that.  However, following a few discussions with colleagues/network what I would normally deliver in 3 hours face to face I am looking at delivering in an hour and a half. The reason being? Zoom exhaustion! Are you experiencing it? Moira ha...

JAMES IBBITSON OF VISUAL PUNCH ASKS...

Have you thought to yourself I need to do more video on LinkedIn, but then realised you don't know where to start? James has published a short guide on LinkedIn that will hopefully put you on the right track to creating videos that provides value to your network. LinkedIn is where we connect with like-minded people, decision-makers and businesses and is a place where we can benefit each other’s professional content.  With 610 million professionals LinkedIn is hard to ignore and If yo...

NEW PHIL BENTON PRINTS

Phil Benton is now selling a range of A4 quoted prints on his website and reports that they are selling fast.  To order your prints, please click here....

CAFÉ NEENA'S COVID-19 STORY

It was lovely to welcome Joanne Malki of Cafe Neena's in Chester-le-Street at our recent Zoom meeting.  As a business operating in the hospitality sector, we asked Joanne to share her current experiences with us. "Our Covid 19 experience has had it's highs and lows the same as most other businesses.  Trading had already started slowing down throughout march, but serving takeaways only was very poor.  Although we still had lots of stock, we had to make the hardest decision ever.&nb...

BUSINESS FLEXIBILITY AT TAYLOREDFIT PHYSIO

Hello my lovelies! Here is a little offering from me. Tayloredfit Physio, owned by myself, Vicky Smith and my husband Mark, is a physio, health and wellness centre, based in Langley Park on the outskirts of Durham. It has grown over the past 2 years and is a busy hub of 24 practitioners providing physio, pilates, massage, aerial yoga and a huge range of treatments and services.  Or should I say was. Like many businesses, our physical doors have been closed since the 23rd March due to c...

SIGN UP FOR THE CDC BUSINESS BOOK CLUB

Joe Murray tells us that CDC Enterprise Agency have launched a Virtual Business Book Club! The Business Book Club is a FREE to join group for business owners and aspiring business owners to enhance their learning and personal development.  Each month they will choose a book to study and members will commit to reading and reflecting on the book. Our first meeting will be held on Wednesday, 17th June at 1 p.m. and their book for June is Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by G...

FROM SIT-MATS TO SCRUBS RUTH IS STAYING SEW POSITIVE IN TIMES OF CRISIS

With business severely affected by the lockdown and like so many others businesses Jacwicks Designs has had to pivot and change.  Ruth has looked for ways to help out in this crisis and keep the business moving forward. With the sit-mat side of the business quiet, she switched to producing scrubs and laundry bags for local care providers.  Ruth volunteered to be an area coordinator to the group, who have collectively provided approximately 10,000 items across the North East. As shops o...