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NORTH EAST REGION SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT

North East Region Special Operations Unit Cyber Crime - Unit Advising organisations to improve their cyber resilience. Following Russia’s further violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has called on organisations in the UK to bolster their online defences.  The NCSC - which is a part of GCHQ - has urged organisations to follow its guidance on steps to take when the cyber threat is heightened. While the NCSC is not aware of any current spe...

DO WE WANT JUSTICE OR JUDGEMENT?

Most people want justice - at least for themselves. Human beings are continually judging situations, themselves and others.  Often we confuse the two.  Children have a strong sense of justice.  When someone does something wrong, they insist on punishment or recompense.  Deep inside, we all tend to agree, even if we don’t acknowledge it.  We all want judgement pronounced, so that we can “see justice done”.  In mediation we strive to help participants put aside ...

BEAMISH STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS DRESSED TO IMPRESS!

We have a number of vacancies available if time traveling sounds like a job you might enjoy.  Find out more and apply here. Huge congratulations to our very own Matthew Henderson, Product Development Manager, who won Rising Star and Overall Winner awards at the Cultural Enterprises Awards.We are so proud of you.  Very well deserved! The Beamish Team, Beamish, the Living Museum of the North...

CONSETT STREET FESTIVAL - SUNDAY, 20th MARCH 2022

FREE ‘Welcome Back’ Street Festival in Consett!  Durham County Council will be hosting a FREE street festival between 11am and 3pm on Sunday 20th March 2022 on Middle Street in Consett. The street festival is being funded through the ‘Welcome Back Fund’ and will be one of many taking place across the County in March - please find attached further details including a full list of events. We would love you to join us in Consett for a range of FREE activit...

DON'T PUT OFF THAT AWKWARD CHAT ABOUT INHERITANCE!

It can be a shock for people to discover, only on the death of their parents, that they have effectively been disinherited and it can seem like the ultimate cruel shock.  Often there is no obvious reason why the decision was taken which makes it even more difficult for potential beneficiaries to understand.The UK is different from many other countries in that you are allowed to die with millions in the bank and not give a penny to your child.  In France, by law, you have to give your c...

SHARING WITH NORIKO AND HER FAMILY!

My kids had their first sleepover at their friends’ house the other night.  While there, Naomi seemed to have learnt the phrase “Sharing is caring.”It is a great phrase, at least Naomi thinks so . . . Here is this week’s cartoon . . ....

ROBSON PRINT - WHY PRINT IS SPECIAL

Print is an established, trusted media.  When you receive a letter, a card, a brochure it is the start of a relationship built on trust.  If you open printed material, you don’t get a virus . . . Make your customers, members or workforce feel special.  We make tailored communication easy: personalised letters, business cards, membership cards and soft touch, foiled brochures printed and fulfilled.  Everything we do is bespoke to suit your needs. Sharron, Robson Print...

A-Z OF VISUAL MARKETING

Following on from the A-Z of Visual Marketing masterclass I delivered virtually to DBN members during lockdown.   I’ve now developed the content into an online training course, this will be launched to a global audience in the Spring.  You are invited to take a sneak peek and unlock a FREE letter to watch a training video.  Just click here. Ann, Create Intrigue...

TRADING WITH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE - DIT SUPPORT

If you’re a UK business trading with Ukraine or Russia and have questions about the current trading situation, contact the UK government's export support team by phone or online here or contact me directly for guidance.Also, there are “Sanctions” being placed on trade with Russia.  I’ve attached a PowerPoint presentation that is used as part of our free “Export Academy”, this module is on Export Controls, and specifically slide 31 onwards is focussed on “Embargoes & ...

A BIG THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DONATIONS THAT MADE THE 2021 CHRISTMAS DRIBBLE - BETTER THAN ANY WE'VE PREVIOUSLY DONE!

After two years of lockdown, there was a great appetite just to get out and do something together.  But we also had a representative of the Onside Network in Liberia, Aaron Weah, joining us and showing that not only can he stand the cold and wet of the Derwent Walk in December, but that he’s got decent soccer skills, even if he’s really a basketball player!The final total we raised was £2,230 - the highest amount we’ve raised in any of our four Christmas Dribbles.  We had 109 se...

MADE IN UK DAY 2022

March 9 2022, is Made in UK Day, the day when Make it British celebrate and champion designers and producers in the UK.  I am delighted to be part of this unique campaign and proud to design and produce my products in the UK. There has never been a more important time to buy products that are made in the UK and support local manufacturing.  By pledging to buy products that are made in the UK you are lowering your carbon footprint, saving essential skills, helping local economies and cr...

TIME TO IMPRESS YOUR VISITORS WITH EXPERTLY MADE COFFEE AND BECOME A VICP TOO!

We recently hosted our first Coffee Course in the new training space at our roastery and it was such fun we just had to tell you more about it!We love sharing our passion for coffee with others and have created a series of courses to quench your thirst for coffee knowledge, hone your brewing skills and prepare you to join our Durham Coffee Club should you wish to become a VICP (very important coffee person).By completing two of our coffee lover’s courses (Beginners or Barista and Advanced), yo...

A 'NO-NONSENSE STRESS-BUSTING' TIP FROM GILLIAN!

Click on the image below to watch Gillian's video!...

JUST A THOUGHT, IS THIS A FULL ENGLISH?

For me, a great brekkie is hash browns, bacon (crispy) and a fried egg (or two!) Thinking about marketing for a moment, the complete marketing process is made up of loads of tasty bits! It may be PR, video production, creative writing, feedback, sales process, motivation, connected thinking, SEO, PPC, social media campaigns, market research, blogs . . . the list goes on! I am just so happy to operate in an environment with incredibly talented people doing great things, we get to work with amazin...

JOANNE IS AT LAND OF OAK & IRON ON 19th MARCH

Our next Meet the Maker is with artist Joanne Rowland. For those of you who don't know her yet, Joanne specialises in creating pet portraits and wildlife art in a variety of mediums, including realistic portraits in coloured pencil or acrylic, colourful, modern portraits in pen and ink, and little graphite sketches. Joanne lives on the borders of Durham and Northumberland with the very fabulous Mr R and two crazy and cheeky Romanian rescue dogs, otherwise known as Creative Assistants #1 & #2. Sh...

CURRENT CYBER THREAT IN RESPONSE TO UKRAINE

Please see attached from the CityOfLondon Police/NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) in relation to the Cyber threat posed to UK businesses/organisations as a result of the Russia/Ukraine conflict.  Whilst there is no current specific threats to UK organisations as a result of the conflict, the cyber threat is heightened. In short - actions can be found at the below link. The NCSC is calling on all UK organisations to bolster their defences… Actions to take when the cyber threat is...

OUR FACE TO FACE MEETINGS ARE BACK!

DATE: Tuesday, 15th March 2022 - 8:30-10:00 VENUE: Consett Rugby Club, Amethyst Park, Medomsley Road, Consett, County Durham, DH8 6LU Our members meetings are fun, friendly and proactive.  Make sure you book your place early to avoid disappointment.As well as our regular networking activities,  representatives from Durham County Council are joining us to talk about the Big Econ-versation survey that all businesses in the County are being invited to take part in - have your say on ...

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: PUBLIC REPRESENTATIVES WANTED!

Are you looking for a new volunteering challenge?  Would you like to help the Derwent Valley Partnership (DVP) identify local issues, develop projects to help tackle these and have a say in where our funding is spent? If ‘yes’, the DVP will soon have seven public rep vacancies on its Board.  This exciting opportunity is open to anyone aged 16+ who lives, works, studies or volunteers in our area.  Applicants must have a keen interest in their community, and a desire to take par...

DERWENT VALLEY PARTNERSHIP PRIORITY SURVEY

The DVP receives an annual budget to help tackle local priorities and issues so it is really important to us that we know where to target this funding, to help improve the quality of life for our local residents, and to make our area a more attractive place for those who wish to visit for recreation and/or to access services. The survey will only take a few minutes to complete the current priority survey consultation that will help determine the priorities for the DVP to focus on in the coming y...

MORNING, ENJOY YOUR DAY - EXCITED TO BE WITH DURHAM COFFEE!

Please click the image to play Mags' video....

WILL YOUR BENEFICIARIES INHERIT EQUALLY FROM YOU?

Have you had the important discussion with your family as to how your estate will be divided on your death?  Yes, it is a difficult conversation to have but it can save a lot of heartache in the future, especially if your children are surprised that they are not being treated equally.Click here to check out my latest blog post and please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like to have a chat about the best way to deal with your estate.Jan, Jan Cook Wills & Trusts...

HEALTH BEGINS WITH THE HEART . . .

In 2009 the High Desert Heart Institute in the USA carried a comprehensive human clinical study on Synergy’s ProArg-9+. For this study, 33 high-risk heart failure patients were selected.  The vast majority of the patients in the study had reached the end of what medical science could do for them.  They were at maximum drug levels, maximum supplemental oxygen and maximum therapy. Some of these patients were on a heart-transplant list.Each patient was given 2 ProArgi-9+ in the morning ...

THE POCKET PERCH HAS HAD A BIT OF A MAKEOVER

They now have a more defined machine sewn edge which helps them keep their shape better. Still providing fab protection and warmth from cold, damp, dirty perching places.  There's lots to choose from on the Jacwicks website, which is your favourite? Ruth, Jacwicks Designs...

IT'S TIME TO FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR I.T.

In February, Centurion Computers are endeavouring to “bring the love” to your relationship with your I.T.Did you know Centurion cover the following?CCTV camera installation, setup, and support.WiFi installation, improvement, and support. Good WiFi is essential for smart T.V.’s, Heating systems, multiple laptops/tablets, VoIP systems.VoIP phone support – talk to us regarding handsets, moving between business and home, ability to transfer numbers to mobile phones.4G networks - we are an EE...

HAPPY BUSINESS BIRTHDAYS!

Happy Business Birthdays to Toomey Legal (7 years) and Westwood Accountancy (13 years).  Huge congratulations from all your friends at DBN!...