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NEW PODCAST: MEET MICHELLE SPINKS FROM FLEET RECRUITMENT

In this episode Michelle Spinks from Fleet Recruitment talks to Melanie about reasons why an employer may decide to outsource their hiring process and highlights the main benefits that a recruitment agency provides to a businesses.Listen to podcast HEREConnect with Michelle on LinkedIn HERE...

UNLOCK THE POWER OF AI FOR YOUR BUSINESS WITH UMi! WATCH NOW!

Whether you find the potential of AI exciting or a bit scary, one thing is for sure: it’s becoming more ingrained in our lives and businesses, so we’re going to have to learn to work with it. To find out more about the AI tools available, how to use them, and how to minimise risk, watch our recent UMi Makes it Easy to Unlock the Power of AI for your Business with Salvia Mirza from Resonant Consulting. Salvia will cover key topics such as...

DURHAM COFFEE - INTRODUCING OUR NEW CHARITY COFFEE

HELLO fellow coffee lovers!We have just launched our brand new Limited Edition Charity Coffee and we're excited to tell you all about it!Our new coffee is a delightful fully washed bean from Rwamatamu Coffee in Rwanda and will be supporting the Oasis Community Housing charity.Oasis Community Housing are a homelessness charity working across the North East of England.  They believe everyone facing homelessness deserves a hope and a future.  Helping mor...

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND TRADE (DBT) AND NORTHERN POWERHOUSE NEWS

Exporter Spotlight: ICC SolutionsWe caught up with Business Development Manager Liz Conroy to talk about the support the company has received from DBT, including becoming an Northern Powerhouse Export Champion.  Find out more on how they have unlocked opportunities in the USA, Canada and many more, with 84% of the company’s turnover attributed to exporting.  Click here to find out more.North Innovation Women 2024: Women in the SpotlightDace Dizma-Jones is the next woma...

THE WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING (WIN) PROGRAMME COMPLETES FIRST EVER TRADE MISSION

A dozen women from the North’s most innovative businesses have conducted their first ever international trade mission to trigger American demand for their products and services, generating economic growth in the region.The WIN Programme is a new DBT initiative designed to modernise trade in the UK and accelerate economic growth across the country.  It aims to increase the participation of women-owned and women-led businesses in international trade by providing a collaborative and supporti...

PHIL'S COMEDY GIG FOR CHARITY

DBN member Phil Benton is joining other NE business owners to deliver a fun comedy night to raise money for True Colours Theatre.Phil recently completed a 'Confidence through Comedy' course delivered by Alfie Joey and Cal Halbert in February this year. The course was designed to help people develop public speaking skills though comedy.At the end of the course Phil and twelve others delivered a stand up routine for over 5 minutes each in front of a paying audience!Phil said, "I challenged myself ...

NEW MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Helene Castel from Inspirations by LN.Helene is a freelance design consultant who helps businesses in the health & wellness, and wedding industry elevate their online presence. Creating branding, digital materials and websites (templates or custom made).Please connect with Helene on LinkedIn and make a point of saying hello at our networking meetings.Melanie & David...

DURHAM CRICKET WITH RTC NORTH

We had a fantastic morning at Durham Cricket this week.Thank you to Lesley Hawke and Graham Stafford from RTC North for partnering with us to deliver a morning of networking and learning!  Also, thanks to Paul and John from Better Brand Agency who successfully got us all thinking about our brand strategy and what sets us apart from our competitors.We'd also like to say thank you to Mary Jallow and Michelle Spinks from Utility Warehouse for delivering their pres...

DISCOVER AI FOR BEGINNERS: A GUIDE TO USING AI IN BUSINESS

In today's fast-paced business world, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One game-changing tool that can revolutionise operations is Artificial Intelligence (AI). But with so much on offer, navigating the AI landscape can feel overwhelming. To unlock the power of AI, explore our beginner's guide to using AI in business.  Delve into the into the many ways it can benefit your business, providing efficiency gains and unlocking new possibilities. ...

KEY INSIGHTS FROM THE SPRING BUDGET 2024 FOR BUSINESSES!

The government unveiled its Spring Budget (Wednesday, 6th March 2024), during which the Chancellor elaborated on strategies aimed at fostering economic prosperity and growth. To get your business ready for the upcoming changes, we've outlined what was announced and how it will affect your business. Key updates are: Further NIC Cuts - From April 6, 2024, employee NICs will drop from 10% to 8%, and self-employed Class 4 NIC will fall from 8% to 6%.Raised VAT Registration&n...

CONDIMENT BRAND OF THE YEAR GOES TO SCREAMING CHIMP CHILLI SAUCE LTD!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to DBN member Niall Mackay-Mount for winning Condiment Brand of the Year at this years North East Prestige Awards.Niall from Screaming Chimp Chilli Sauce Company Ltd won Condiment Brand of the Year for the whole of the North East!This is the second year in a row that Niall has won this award. In a letter from Prestige they said, " the passion for what you do really comes across - the judges were impressed with your personal touch and community feel"Congratulations Niall fr...

WILLOW BURN HOSPICE RAISE OVER £22,000!

We had the pleasure of attending the Willow Burn Hospice Diamonds and Pearl ball at Beamish Hall Hotel last Friday.Well done to Rachel Quince and all the volunteers at Willow Burn Hospice for raising over £22k! A big well done to all who supported the evening. All money raised ensures the hospice can continue providing incredible end-of-life and palliative care.👏An amazing night for an amazing cause.🎉...

UNLOCK YOUR INNOVATION JOURNEY WITH R&D TAX CREDITS

Are you seeking ways to fuel innovation within your business while maximising your financial opportunities? Look no further!  We are here to simplify the process of accessing R&D tax credits with our latest 'UMi Makes it easy . . . to support innovation with R&D tax credits' webinar hosted by Roger Daynes from Amplified Solutions. Roger will explain key topics such as: Key details on R&D tax credits eligibility and application.Latest updat...

NEW MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Michelle Spinks from Fleet Recruitment Ltd 🎉 Fleet Recruitment are a recruitment agency based in Durham. They have excellent experience recruiting for a mix of positions across sales, administration, industrial and engineering. They cover all of the UK and keep their costs down so that they can pass on lower fees to their customers.Please connect with Michelle on LinkedIn and make a point of saying hello at our networking meetings.Melanie & David...

NEW MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Anthony Cunningham DipPFS from CW Financial Management 🎉Anthony is a Financial Planner/Advisor who supports people to achieve financial freedom through careful planning and investment decisions.Please connect with him on LinkedIn and make a point of saying hello at our networking meetings.Melanie & David...

UNLOCK TAX-SAVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

Did you know predicting your year end tax position can help you spot opportunities for saving on tax this financial year? To help build your business' resilience and navigate change, UMi partner Ryecroft Glenton outlines some of the areas to consider when maximising your financial efficiency. Key topics covered include: Corporation Tax - This is the main liability businesses must consider when it comes to financial year end planning.Capital Gains - Co...

GOVERNMENT BACKS SMEs WITH NEW HELP TO GROW CAMPAIGN AND SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

The Government is reaffirming its commitment to all of the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses, with the creation of a new Small Business Council due to launch next month (March 2024) which will bring together SME leaders from across the country. Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local communities and drive the UK’s economy, supporting jobs and wages across the country".Click here to access the new Help to Grow website for s...

FREE BUSINESS INDEX FOR CONSETT BASED BUSINESSES

If you attended our February networking meeting you'll have heard Christine Thomas tell us about the new Consett Area Neighbourhood Forum (CANF) website index. Their aim is to create a comprehensive index of the businesses, charities community activities, sport clubs, leisure activities within the designated Consett Area. If you would like to register your business, charity or community group, please follow the link below and register via their online form. Questions in bold is the inf...

BUILDING A BRAND STRATEGY FOR A DIGITAL WORLD

‘Do’ Business Network are very pleased to work closely with RTC North to bring this exciting workshop to County Durham Businesses.The Building a Brand Strategy for a Digital World workshop aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and techniques involved in successfully translating brands to the digital realm.  Participants will gain insights into leveraging digital platforms to maximize brand reach and impact in today's highly competitive and dyn...

FEBRUARY MEETING AT CITIZENS HOUSE, CONSETT

We had a great turn out at our February networking morning. Thank you to Sharon and the team at Citizens House in Consett for looking after us.We welcomed two new members today; Michelle Spinks from Fleet Recruitment and Anthony Cunningham DipPFS from CW Financial Management. Keep an eye out for more information about Michelle and Anthony in our newsletter, blog and socials.Next month we are hosting a joint networking and workshop event with RTC North at Durham Cric...

EXPLORE RECENT AND UPCOMING TAX AND ACCOUNTANCY CHANGES!

Due to ongoing post-Brexit reforms, businesses have undergone numerous changes, with more to come. To help businesses prepare effectively, we have outlined the key tax and accountancy changes expected between January and April 2024, as well as others on the horizon, ensuring your business operates smoothly. Some changes include: UK employees' National Insurance rate drops from 12% to 10%.National Living Wage extends to all workers aged 21+, increasing to £11.4...

WALK & TALK TRUST

Who We AreWe are The Walk & Talk Trust. So, to a degree, the clue is in the name.  But that doesn’t tell the whole story.Our charitable objectives aim to connect people with each other, with nature, with their local environment and, often vitally, with themselves.By engaging with people from all backgrounds and, in particular, those who are socially isolated and/or vulnerable, we promote physical and emotional wellbeing and a sense of social inclusion.Why Are ...

NEW PODCAST: MEET OLIVIA WILLMORE FROM USHAW HISTORIC HOUSE, CHAPEL AND GARDENS

In this episode Melanie welcomes Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens to DBN.Ushaw’s history is tied to the development and growth of Christianity in the region. Beginning over a millenium ago with St Aiden in Lindisfarne.Olivia talks to Melanie about Ushaws rich history, the charity it is today and what plans they have in store for the future. Listen to the podcast HERE Connect with Olivia on LinkedIN HEREVisit Ushaw Website HERE...

WESTWOOD ACCOUNTANCY CELEBRATES 15 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Business Birthday Announcement 🥳Today is Westwood Accountancy's 15th business birthday and Sharron's 25th anniversary since she qualified as a CIMA accountant!When Sharron started in 2009, the country was going through a bad spot (a bit like now) so it probably wasn't the best time to start a business, but she did and here she is 15 years later! Sharron really enjoys what she does and she still has some clients with her who joined her at the beginning, and a lot of them have become friends ra...

FIRST MEETING OF 2024 AT WE ARE UMi

What a great start to 2024!It was lovely to see everyone at our networking meeting at WE ARE UMi this morning.A huge thank you to James Miller , Amanda Armstrong and Suzanne McCreedy for being great hosts and for introducing us to their new ‘Sat Nav’ software that supports SMEs by offering up to date advice, events, funding and financial business support anywhere in the U.K.! We will update our blog with more information about this for anyone who was u...