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Supporting Local Care: DBN at the Willow Burn Gala 2026

At Do Business Network (DBN), we believe that a strong professional community is defined by how it supports the world around it. We are pleased to announce that DBN is officially a supporting sponsor for the Willow Burn Gala 2026.Willow Burn Hospice provides essential, compassionate care to individuals and families across our region. Their annual Gala is a vital part of their fundraising efforts, ensuring they can continue to offer high-quality palliative and end-of-life care to those who need i...

February Networking: Heritage, New Faces, and Fond Farewells at Consett Golf Club

Our February meeting took place under clear blue skies at Consett Golf Club. The bright morning sun provided an exceptional backdrop, offering members stunning views across the fairway as we gathered for our monthly catch-up.The energy in the room was fantastic. With a high turnout, the clubhouse was quickly filled with the sound of local professionals connecting over coffee and bacon rolls.Local Heritage and Future GrowthWe were delighted to be joined by Kris, Consett Golf Club Secretary, who s...

Remembering Monica Anderton: A Pillar of Our Community

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Monica Frieda Anderton (also known as Monica Gibbs). Monica passed away peacefully at the Freeman Hospital on 4th February 2026, aged 78, following a short illness.While many in our community knew her as a vibrant character and a loyal friend, Monica’s contribution to the Do Business Network went far deeper than many might realise.A Legacy of Quiet DedicationMonica was a foundational part of DBN from its very first days. For many...

Shared Expertise and New Connections: Recapping the Business Boost

Yesterday, Beamish Hall Hotel provided a professional backdrop for our latest workshop. It was a productive day defined by practical learning and the straightforward, collaborative spirit that sits at the heart of the Do Business Network.With the event fully booked, the room brought together a mix of long-standing DBN members and business owners from across the North East. It was encouraging to see such a diverse group of professionals focused on sharing expertise and strengthening their local o...

DBN Member Roundup: Events, Offers, and Opportunities

Welcome to our latest community roundup! It’s a busy start to the year for our members, with everything from historic exhibitions to business growth opportunities. Here is the latest news and a few exclusive offers from across the network......

From Meeting to Milestone for Beamish Park Golf Club

At the Do Business Network, our goal has always been to facilitate the connections that lead to genuine growth. Today, we are proud to share a brilliant success story that started right at one of our meetings last year.Andy from Beamish Park Golf Club first met the team from UMi Get Funding at a DBN event. That initial conversation has now resulted in a transformative £400,000 investment for the club. By connecting with the right expertise within our network, Beamish Park has secured its financ...

Welcome Back: Andy Smith Returns to DBN with a Fresh Perspective on Photography

Do Business Network is pleased to welcome back a familiar face to our community. After three years away, Andy Smith has rejoined the network, bringing with him a refined focus that combines his lifelong passion for sport with his professional expertise in photography.Andy is a Consett-based professional photographer whose work is rooted in the high-pressure world of professional cycling and large-scale outdoor events. This background in sports photography requires an ability to capture decisive ...

Strategic Financial Planning with Anthony Cunningham and David Hardy

At the heart of DBN is the principle of mutual support—members sharing their unique expertise to help the whole community thrive. We are pleased to announce that for our March networking meeting, we will be joined by two of our own members as guest speakers: Anthony Cunningham (CW Financial Management) and David Hardy (LSM Wealth).Following David’s previous presentation, which sparked a high level of engagement and a long list of questions, he is returning to the floor. This time, he is join...

Developing the DBN Peer-Led Mentoring Scheme

Following our update earlier last month, we wanted to keep you informed on our progress with the new DBN mentoring programme.Mentoring was the most requested addition to our calendar in the last member survey. We are committed to getting this right, which is why we have officially started the pilot phase this month. This trial allows us to test the format in a real-world environment to ensure that, when we launch on 1st April, the sessions are as productive and straightforward as possible.The Pi...

Event Highlights: Collaboration and Connection at the Small Business Expo

The atmosphere at this morning’s Small Business Expo was a clear reflection of the ambition within our local enterprise community. Hosted at the historic Beamish Hall Hotel, the event brought together a diverse range of industries, proving once again that the North East’s professional landscape is as varied as it is vibrant.Raising Profiles Through Targeted PitchingA core element of the Do Business Network (DBN) philosophy is ensuring every attendee has a voice. Our five-minute elevator pitc...

Calico Cultural Editing: More than a Skim and a Spellcheck

If we haven’t met yet, hello! I provide editorial support for busy people who have brilliant ideas but often lack the time and headspace to turn those ideas into powerful and well-edited writing. I work with small business owners, academics and indie authors who are producing something that matters – a website, a report, a book – and that needs to sound like them, but a little more polished and significantly less caffeinated. As a small business owner with a background in quality managemen...

Mentoring in 2026: More than just networking

When we surveyed our members late last year about what you wanted to see from the DBN in 2026, the feedback was clear. You aren’t just looking for a room full of people; you’re looking for specific, practical advice to help you move your business forward.The demand for mentoring—both in small groups and one-to-one—was high. We are now building that into our calendar for the year ahead in a way that is simple, useful, and straightforward.What we mean by mentoringAt the DBN, mentoring isnâ...

30 Years of Digital Marketing: A Conversation with Pascal Fintoni

In our latest podcast episode, Melanie sat down with DBN member Pascal Fintoni to discuss his 30-year career in digital marketing and business development. Pascal’s experience spans from the mid-1990s, where he managed multi-channel campaigns in the travel industry, to his time as CEO of The Centre for eBusiness for the UK government’s Regional Development Agency.Because the conversation covered such a broad range of topics—from his early career to his current work with Artificial Intellig...

MAKE FUNDING SIMPLER FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

UMi wants to share something that could make funding simpler for your business.FUEL is a finance & funding roadshow coming to Newcastle on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, designed to cut through jargon and connect you directly with investors, lenders, and funding experts who can help you move faster.If funding feels confusing and slow, you’re not alone.  Many UK businesses struggle to access the right support - but FUEL is here to change that.Pre-matched meetings: Sit down with funders who ...

February Networking Meeting: Consett and District Golf Club

Our February networking meeting will be held at Consett and District Golf Club.We are looking forward to heading over to Consett, especially as we recently welcomed the Club Secretary, Kris Kennedy, to the network. The club has been a fixture in the local area since 1911, and while the course is a major draw, the clubhouse is a great spot for the local business community to get together.What to expectTo be clear: we are not playing golf! This is a standard DBN networking meeting held in a f...

DISCOVER ICELAND - CURATED HOSTED JOURNEY

Escape into the land of fire and ice on Clare's next exclusive, personally-hosted Icelandic adventure.  Every detail is thoughtfully arranged for you - simply relax and savour each magical moment:Flights available from either Heathrow or Manchester2 nights at the contemporary Storm Hotel, Reykjavik1 night at the stunning Hotel Rangá, south Iceland - renowned for its Northern Lights viewsPrivate return airport transfersBed and breakfast basisIndulgent comfort entrance to the Blue Lagoon, wi...

A Year on the Road: The Spaces That Hosted DBN in 2025

Looking back at the last twelve months, the map of our 2025 meetings tells a story of a network that truly gets around the North East. We’ve always believed that the right environment can change the tone of a conversation, and last year we certainly tested that theory—moving from golf courses and rugby clubs to historic chapels and sailing hubs.Here is a look back at where we spent our time in 2025.From Winter Workshops to Spring HeritageThe year began at Beamish Park Golf Club in January, a...

PR MADE EASY WITH JOURNOLINK

Getting your business noticed in the media can feel impossible when you’re juggling multiple roles - but with JournoLink’s AI-supported PR tools, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re launching a product, celebrating a milestone, or simply raising your profile, JournoLink makes it easy for small businesses to run their own PR campaigns like a pro. As a UMi Sat Nav User, you can access exclusive discounts: Core PR Plan - from £59/month - 5% off5 personalised p...

LAND OF OAK AND IRON - JANUARY 2026

Wednesday, 7th January until Sunday, 1st March 2026 - Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre - 9:00-16:00The Land of Oak & Iron starts the New Year with this stunning exhibition of Brian Eyler’s landscape photography in their Inside Out Gallery at Land of Oak & Iron Heritage Centre.  ‘Traces of a Journey – Explorations of Depth, Light, and Presence’.Brian is a professional landscape photographer originally from San Diego, now living in Newcastle, UK.  After moving in 20...

Kickstart Your 2026: The DBN Annual Small Business Expo at Beamish Hall

As we enter the first month of 2026, the priority for many small business owners across the North East is clear: building momentum. While digital strategy is vital, the foundation of a resilient local business often lies in the strength of its professional network.At the Do Business Network (DBN), we are committed to facilitating high-quality, professional environments where local leaders can connect. To launch the year with purpose, we invite you to our Annual Small Business Expo on Tuesday 20t...

Reflecting on a Fantastic Finish at Derwentside College

What a brilliant way to wrap up the year! The Do Business Network (DBN) was delighted to spend a productive and positive morning connecting with our members at Derwentside College yesterday. These year-end sessions are crucial for maintaining the strong, supportive atmosphere of our network.The morning was focused on providing clear guidance and strategic direction for 2026. We believe transparency is key, and we shared detailed plans outlining the significant opportunities for all members to en...

Do Business Network Small Business Expo. Let's start 2026 together!

We warmly invite you to join the Do Business Network Annual Small Business Expo—your first essential networking event of 2026!Mark your calendar for Tuesday 20th January at the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel. It's the perfect opportunity to leave the desk behind, meet new people, and bring fresh energy to your business goals.What to Expect During Your Morning:The event runs from 8:30 am and is structured to maximise your connections:8:30 am: Doors open for networking, browsing exhibition stands,...

NETWORKING DATES AND VENUES FOR 2026

Tuesday, 20th January 2026 – Beamish Hall Hotel, Coppy Lane, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0YB – 8:30-10:30 – Shoebox Expo Tuesday, 17th February 2026 – Consett Golf Club, Elmfield Road, Consett, County Durham, DH8 5NN – 8:30-10:30 Tuesday, 17th March 2026 – Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Ushaw Moor, County Durham, DH7 7DW – 8:30-10:30 Tuesday, 21st April 2026 – Beamish Golf Club, Beamish, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0RH – 8:30-1...

The Business Owner's Journey: Why Networking is Your Underrated Lifeline

Running a business is often romanticised, but those of us in the thick of it know the reality is far more complex. It's a rollercoaster of soaring highs and challenging lows, often navigated alone. If you're currently wrestling with an overflowing to-do list, wondering how to secure your next client, or just feeling the pressure of being 'the one in charge', this blog is for you.The Unspoken Burden of the Business OwnerLet's talk about the juggling act. As a business owner, you are simultaneousl...

Discover the Magic of Christmas Through the Ages at Beamish Museum

Visitors are invited to step into a festive journey through time and experience the wonder of Christmas, from the elegance of the Georgian era all the way to the fabulous 1950s.Beamish Museum offers something for everyone as the countdown to the big day begins the traditional way. From twinkling decorations and delicious seasonal treats to nostalgic music and hands-on activities, the museum provides a truly immersive experience.A Historical Christmas JourneyThe time-travelling Christmas adventur...