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Reflecting on CO Training Session with Northern Cancer Voices

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent training session with Northern Cancer Voices. It was an interesting session, and we appreciate the positive feedback we've received.Everyone who came along learnt a great deal. We are grateful to Northern Cancer Voices for delivering this valuable training free of charge. Their expertise made for an informative experience for all who participated.For those who couldn't make it, we are currently in talks to arrange another training session. We are hop...

Netwalking at its best!

There’s no better way to network than with a stroll through the beautiful countryside, and our latest Wag & Walk was a perfect example.We started bright and early at Beamish Hall, and once again the weather was on our side as we strolled through the beautiful woodlands. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and so were the dogs!A huge thank you to Gareth from Take a Hike for leading us on such a beautiful woodland walk, and to the staff at The Stables for looking after us so wel...

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR, KIM McGUINNESS

A statement from Kim McGuinness:"I am delighted to tell you we have today secured an AI Growth Zone for the North East - a partnership with some of the biggest names in global computing and the UK Government which puts us at the forefront of the next technology revolution. "Our AI Growth Zone will help us attract billions of pounds in new investment to the North East and create up to 5,000 new jobs in the long term. It will supercharge our own technology s...

WALKING WITH THE GHOSTS OF DURHAM

Oh Ghost walks are not for me there no such things as ghosts!!A Ghost walk is not just about the ghost stories it is about the history of Durham too.Walking with the Ghosts of Durham shares with you some of the tales of people who used to live in Durham and how some people may well still be experiencing ghosts from the past.Hear tales of characters long gone from the city but they still leave a print of their liVes in the streets and buildings of Durham.Events that happened in and around Durham ...

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUSINESS FINANCE

As part of British Business Bank’s Business Finance Week 2025, UMi are excited to invite you to a free virtual event: Understanding Different Types of Business FinanceDate: Saturday, 4th October 2025Time: 11:00am - 12:00noon Join UMi for an hour of insight and inspiration as they explore the different types of business finance available to growing businesses. Hear first-hand experiences from successful entrepreneurs who have navigated the funding journey...

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...

No Credit Card, No Risk: Six Months of FounderPass Premium

Recognising how expensive and overwhelming business growth can be, UMi has partnered with FounderPass to provide UMi Sat Nav users with an exclusive deal: six months free of FounderPass Premium.This offer gives users:Over 350 discounts on essential business toolsPerks valued at more than $3M for founders and small teamsGuides, playbooks, and tools specifically designed for entrepreneursThis founder-friendly toolkit is available for six months at no cost and requires no payment details. For addit...

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...

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...

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...

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...

A Warm Welcome Awaits You at Do Business Network - The Famously Friendly Network Group!

Are you a small business owner in the North East of England looking for a supportive and dynamic community to help your business thrive? Look no further than Do Business Network (DBN)! We are dedicated to providing practical support, fostering growth, and building a vibrant, informed business community by leveraging the collective skills and expertise of local entrepreneurs.What is DBN All About?DBN is more than just a networking group; it's a collaborative environment where business-to-business...

Sun, Sails, and Superb Networking: DBN's Inaugural Summer BBQ a Resounding Success!

What an incredible evening we had last night at Do Business network's first-ever Summer BBQ! Over 50 fantastic local business owners gathered at the picturesque Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, and it truly was an event to remember. The sun was shining brightly, creating the perfect relaxed atmosphere as we networked and enjoyed the stunning views overlooking Derwent Water.We're still buzzing from the energy and connections made, and it wouldn't have been possible without some truly amazing peopl...

MAJOR UK EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES: WHAT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO KNOW

Employment law in the UK is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades.  With major updates already live in 2025 - and more to come through 2027 - every employer in England, Wales, and Scotland needs to be prepared. From updated tribunal rules to expanded protections for parents and carers, these changes are not optional - they’re shaping the way businesses must operate. What’s Changed Already in 2025:  New employment tribunal procedures (Jan...

Member Spotlight: Trish Guy from Pink Spaghetti PA Services – Your Admin-Loving Ally!

Here at Do Business Network, we're passionate about connecting our members with the support they need to thrive. This month, we're shining a spotlight on a fantastic member who embodies the spirit of efficiency and empowerment: Trish Guy from Pink Spaghetti PA Services Durham & Darlington.Trish is not your average Personal Assistant – she's an "admin-loving" force for good, dedicated to providing small business support services to owners, busy professionals, and charities who simply don't ...

STEPPING IT UP TO SUPPORT OUR CHARITY PARTNERS POINT NORTH

At KAFFEEHAUS, giving back to our local community has always been extremely important to us and we're proud to be regular supporters of Point North.This July, we're stepping it up and taking on their 38.7 miles in July fundraiser to help raise awareness and funds to support the 38.7% of children who are growing up in poverty in County Durham and Tees Valley.For every £100 raised, together we can:Help 5 people attend a class or activity that brings joy or teaches something newSupport 8...

Member Spotlight: Visual Punch – Story-Driven Video That Gets Results

At the Do Business Network (DBN), we love showcasing members who bring heart, creativity, and commercial impact to the North East business scene. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Visual Punch, led by James Ibbitson - a video partner who’s helping brands find their voice, clarify their message, and turn content into commercial growth.Who is Visual Punch?Visual Punch is not your typical video production company. They're a strategic content partner that works with growi...

Huge Congratulations to Beamish Museum: Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025!

We are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news from one of our very own DBN members, the wonderful Beamish Museum! They have officially been named Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 – and we couldn't be more proud!This is a truly well-deserved accolade, and everyone here at DBN is bursting with excitement for the Beamish team. We absolutely love Beamish and have always admired their dedication to bringing history to life in such an engaging and inspiring way. Their commitment to preser...

Welcome Jennifer Hartburn from Harrington Brown to the Do Business Network!

We are absolutely delighted to extend a warm welcome to Jennifer Hartburn from Harrington Brown, who has been chosen as our newest member of the Do Business Network!Harrington Brown Estate Agency is a dedicated and highly respected name in the property sector, specialising in comprehensive property sales and a suite of related services designed to support both buyers and sellers throughout their property journey. We're especially thrilled to acknowledge that they are an award-winning firm, notab...

PROTECTIVE SECURITY, PREPAREDNESS AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

Information on Martyn’s Law and simple steps you can take to enhance your protective security and preparedness.Martyn’s Law – The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) BillMartyn’s Law will enhance public safety by ensuring there is better preparedness for, and protection from terrorist attacks.Register on Protect UKProtectUK provides free advice, guidance and learning to help businesses and communities understand protective security and improve their response to the risk of terro...