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DISCOVER THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE IN YOUR ARE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS OVERSEAS

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invites you to join the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow, coming to Darlington and Newcastle later this month.Each with a different programme, specific to the area, the events are designed to equip you with the tools to start exporting or build on your existing international presence.You will hear inspiring stories from goods and services businesses, local business support organisations and UK Government representatives to help you navigate y...

10 Years of David: The DBN Legend!

Hip hip hooray for David Kelly's 10th anniversary at Do Business Network!David, seriously, what would we do? Chief bell ringer, lanyard wrangler, list-making wizard, email ninja, friendly face, buttie boss, and Melanie's guiding star – you do it all!DBN wouldn't be half as fun (or organized!) without you. Thanks a million for everything.Cheers, The Do Business Network Team ...

UK TECH SHOWCASE AT LONDON TECH WEEK 2025

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is looking for the UK’s best and brightest tech companies to be a part of our UK Technology Showcase at London Tech Week 2025 (9th-13th June).London Tech Week is the UK’s largest and most influential tech event.  As a global celebration of tech, it unites the most innovative thinkers and talent of tomorrow in a week-long festival, with over 45,000 attendees at last year’s main event at Kensington Olympia.DBT is recruiting best-in-class ...

EXCITING NEWS: OUR WOODLAND'S NEW NAME!

Spring is in the air, and with it comes exciting news.  From the unveiling of Avery Wood - a name chosen with deep personal meaning - to a thrilling Easter holiday lineup, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.This month, we’re also counting down to the arrival of The Discovery of Birds, a fascinating exhibition showcasing the beauty of bird art and ornithology.Read on to discover what’s in store at Ushaw!...

DBN BUSINSS BOOST SUCCESS: TAX, VIDEO, AI EXPERTISE SHARED

On February 27th, we hosted a fantastic DBN Business Boost event at Beamish Park Golf Club! 20 local business owners joined us for a morning of invaluable insights and networking.We were privileged to have three exceptional guest speakers:Tom and Ryan from KL Accountants provided crucial tax advice, helping attendees navigate the complexities of business finance.James Ibbotson from Visual Punch shared expert tips on creating engaging video content, a must-have in today's digital landscape.Pascal...

MADE IN THE UK, SOLD TO THE WORLD ROADSHOWS

The Department for Business and Trade is launching a nationwide series of Roadshows designed to facilitate world-class conversations and create quality connections.  These events will equip your business with the tools and confidence needed to fast-track your global growth in international markets and the opportunity to connect with buyers and commercial officers from across the world.Six unmissable events across the UK: Northern England Roadshow (Monday, 24th April 2025) - Clean Energ...

UNLOCK INVESTMENT CAPITAL FOR GROWTH

Investors look for clear growth potential, but without the right strategy or connections, attracting funding can be tough. Join Charlotte Scott from Innovation SuperNetwork and Jane Siddle, NEL Fund Manager on Thursday, 20th March 2025 10am for Episode 5 of our Get Funding Webinar Series: Get Investment Capital: Making it easier to kick-start your next phase of growth. Why you should attend:  Expert insights on securing investment capit...

SCAM WARNING!

I am writing to alert you to recent reports we have received about businesses in County Durham being targeted by unsolicited cold callers offering to provide tarmac, gravel or road planning to car parks or hard standing areas. Businesses are told that the trader has materials leftover from a job nearby, which can be used for free or at a low cost.  However, it is alleged that once the materials have been delivered, and the work carried out, the business is presented with an invoice for...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE (DBT) NORTH OF ENGLAND NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2025

We are pleased to share some great highlights this month.At the end of March we are bringing you even more business growth support services to your doorstep with our Made in the UK, Sold to the World roadshow coming to Darlington, Newcastle, St Helens and Wakefield.This is your last chance to register for the Indo-Pacific Roadshow in Leeds next week.Don't miss out, there is still time to enter your business in the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, but hurry,...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - LET'S TALK CYBER!

Cyber security needn’t be a daunting challenge for small businesses.  You can protect your organisation, whatever its size, against the most common cyber threats.  The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers essential guidance, tools and services to help you protect yourself.  As the national technical authority for cyber threats, the NCSC is dedicated to making the UK the safest place to live and work online.  Good cyber security keeps your ...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - YOUR VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE!

In February, we sent you guidance on finance and export controls to help grow your business at home and abroad safely and securely. We are inviting you to take part in a short interview for your views on the guidance and your business experiences relating to security issues more generally.  Interviews will run from Wednesday, 5th to Friday, 14 March 2025.  The interview will last no more than 30 minutes.  All responses will be anonymous.&nbs...

THE LATEST USHAW NEWS

Thursday, 13th March 2025, 13:00-16:00Take part in engaging activities, including a tour of Ushaw’s magnificent chapels, a walk through our wonderful gardens, opportunities to talk with our friendly and welcoming volunteer team, try book/textile conservation with our heritage team and get crafty with our engagement team.More information can be found here....

NETWORKING AT USHAW

We are thrilled to be back at Ushaw College next month and we are looking forward to introducing Hannah Bryan who is the new Development Manager at Ushaw.This time the meeting will be held in the beautiful Francis Thompson Room.  Fun fact - Francis Joseph Thompson was an English poet and Catholic mystic.  He studied at Ushaw College for seven years from 1870 to 1877 and it was at Ushaw that Thompson first began writing poetry.You'll have plenty of time to network, m...

NEW PODCAST: Meet Ryan Dodd, Director at KL Accountants

In this episode, get expert insights from Ryan Dodd, Director at KL Accountants in Consett. Melanie and Ryan tackle client FAQs, providing clarity on crucial subjects such as the right time to form a Limited Company, effective tax planning, choosing the best accounting software, and making a hassle-free transition to a new accountant.Follow this link to listen to this Podcast.You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn HEREFollow KL Accountants on Facebook HEREWebsite: https://www.klaccountants.co.uk/...

FEBRUARY MEETING AT WE ARE UMi

A huge thank you to the team at We Are UMi for hosting our networking meeting this morning and for a delicious breakfast! Julie Cuthbertson, Strategic Projects Director at UMi delivered a really interesting workshop on ‘How to Get Funding’ - a topic that is often raised by DBN members so it was good to get some clarity.It was also lovely to see Ruth Jacobs from Jacwicks Designs who recently won Best Product Home and Gifts 2025 for her Pocket Perch Seat Mat at Scotland's Trade Fairs Spring 20...

UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF PROPERTY FINANCE

Are you looking to expand your workspace or establish a new business location, but finding the funding difficult to secure?  You’re not alone -many businesses face this challenge. That’s why we’ve created this webinar specifically for business owners like you, who want to grow but need the right support to make it happen. Join Gemma Wright from Reward Funding and Eugene Taylor from NatWest on Thursday, March 6th 2025 at 10 AM for Episode 4 of our&nbs...

DISCOVER WHAT'S NEW AT USHAW! EXCITING UPDATES!

This year, discover the beauty of nature, nostalgia, and the mysterious with our exhibitions programme.  From The Discovery of Birds to the enchanting Ladybird Book Artists, the eerie world of Lafcadio Hearn – Kwaidan, and the stunning Tom Hume: Retrospective.What's on in Events!What's on in Exhibitions!Entry to all exhibitions free for members.  Become a member here!...

2025 SELECTUSA UK TECH TRADE MISSION - MAY 2025

Is your tech company ready to do business in the States?  The UK's Department for Business and Trade invites you to apply for a Technology Trade Mission anchored around the SelectUSA Investment Summit.  The trade mission will take a select cohort of UK technology companies to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC with optional two-day "mini-missions" to New York and/or San Francisco in May 2025.About the mission:Our trade mission offers a unique opportunity to exp...

WANT THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS BEHIND SCALING UP YOUR BUSINESS?

This March, are you looking to give your business a spring-clean?  Or, are you looking to boost your business' reach in the UK market?Then you won't want to miss out on our brand-new Fuel your Business Growth webinar series!From Wednesday, 5th March to Wednesday, 30th April 2025 we'll provide you with the knowledge you need to grow your business, upskill your team, and increase your profits by reaching more customers across the UK.Why should you join our Fuel your Busine...

JOIN US AT VENTUREFEST 2025

We’re excited to invite you to VentureFest North East 2025, taking place on Tuesday, 18th March 2025 at the Newcastle Civic Centre for an action-packed day of networking, learning, and innovation!What’s in store for you?  Connect with over 500 SMEs, investors, and innovators. Gain insights from top industry experts sharing valuable knowledge. Engage in hands-on workshops designed to drive your innovation forward. Weâ€...

ONLINE JAPANESE COURSE NOW ON UDEMY!

Building on the success of my YouTube channel, Bocchi & Pocchi: Japanese Learning Adventures, I’ve created a Beginner’s Japanese Course for more comprehensive learning. This visually engaging course is perfect for children, teens, and adults. If you're planning a trip to Japan, you'll also learn practical phrases to use right away!I’m offering an Exclusive 40% Discount for DBN members & friends.Enrol by 7 March 2025 to get 40% off! ...

DBN BUSINESS BOOST WORKSHOPS

The training is aimed at helping SME's and sole traders access knowledge to help them be more productive and grow their business.INTRODUCING THE DBN BUSINESS BOOST WORKSHOP!We have brought together three industry experts in AI, Digital Marketing and Accounting to deliver 3 interactive workshops on Thursday 27th February.The workshops are designed for you to get involved and think about how your new knowledge can implement change in your business be it artificial intelligence,...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - LET'S TALK FINANCE AND EXPORTS!

Thousands of small businesses in the UK are going global and exporting.  The UK government can help and here is a quick overview of guidance and training to grow your business safely and securely. Good security can protect your competitive advantage and make your company more attractive to investors and customers.  Your security officer, IT, finance, legal and chief operating officer may find this information us...

MEMBER FEATURE: 121 BUSINESS LINKS HAVE SECURED A NEW ELECTRICITY CONTRACT FOR TEESSIDE AIRPORT

A new deal has put Teesside Airport in prime position to become the UK’s first operationally Net Zero site before the end of the decade.The new electricity contract with North East firm 121 Business Links will ensure power to the airport is generated from 100% renewable sources.It’s another big step towards meeting the ambition to be the UK’s first operationally Net Zero airport by 2030.Progress is being made on the push at the moment with the airport’s vision for the future in...

ENTER THE MADE IN THE UK, SOLD TO THE WORLD AWARDS 2025

Does your business operate in the Agriculture, Food and Drink sector?Apply for the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards 2025 today.How to enterDownload the offline questions from our website to view and write up your answers before entering on our online submission form.This year we've also given you some top tips to write an excellent entry.Download the questions now.Why you should applyQuick and easy application process through an online form.Get expert guidance to...