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TOOMEY LEGAL EMBRACING THE PAST WITH AN EYE TO THE FUTURE

Toomey Legal has taken over Surveyors House in Cramlington Village, which is approximately 200 years old. The firm was founded in 2015 and has grown by 200 percent year on year, using lockdown to train staff and invest heavily in gaining qualifications for its team.Sue Toomey, founder of the practice commented, “The new building has a lot of character and it’s appropriate that we as property lawyers are in a surveyors house.“It’s a great place to be able to meet as a team and re-engage t...

JAMES IBBITSON - ALL TALK, NO WAFFLE

All Talk No Waffle is all about giving you clear and direct advice and guidance when it comes to your own video creation process.In this episode, we ask how often should you create videos?...

A WILL OR ESTATE PLANNING - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

A will is an important but simple legal document that dictates who receives what from your assets when you die, ensuring that the right money goes to the right people, at the right time. Estate planning is so much more.  It's about protecting you and your beneficiaries for generations to come, from the unpredictable risks that can and all too frequently do occur, such as Care Fees, Inheritance Tax, Divorce, and Relationship Breakdowns. Protecting yourself and your family from all these scen...

THIS WEEKS TOP TIP FROM GILLIAN: DON'T OVERTHINK - JUST BREATHE!

This weeks top tip from Gillian: Don't overthink - just breathe! Please click here to visit Gillian's Facebook videos....

YOU CAN STILL GET TO KNOW OUR MEMBERS EVEN IF WE CAN'T MEET IN PERSON AT PRESENT

Our podcasts are a great way to get to know DBN Members.  We currently have podcasts on our website with DBN members Gary, Joanne Rowland, Ruth Jacobs, Mags Bradshaw, Rachel Locke, Moira Barnes and Matthew Glover. And in November / December we'll be publishing podcasts with: Allison DoreJan CookJames IbbitsonGreg O'ConnellGillian FortuneBernhard NausnerCharlotte TurnerRichard Holden MP We'd love YOU to record a podcast with us!  Please drop us a line if you would like to be added ...

DBN UPDATE (13th NOVEMBER 2020)

Welcome to our latest update with details of upcoming events, news from our members and some useful information for your business. We hope you’ll find it interesting.Our first DBN After Dark meeting was a big success judging by the feedback we've received. People joined in with candles, pumpkins, costumes and face paint and Tony Liddell told us suitably spooky tales. It was great fun and we will have more after dark events in 2021. We were also delighted to welcome Lisa Doctor and Kevin Brewer...

SME RECOVERY GRANTS AVAILABLE 17th/18th NOVEMBER

Businesses in Durham directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can still apply for revenue funding through the SME restart and recovery grant scheme.Revenue funding is yet to be fully allocated in Durham, which is why the Expression of Interest window for Durham-based business is reopening.Expressions of Interest from Durham-based businesses can be submitted from 10am on Tuesday, 17th November via the link below.The Expression of Interest window for Durham-based businesses will close at midn...

NEW NATIONAL RESTRICTIONS FROM THURSDAY, 5th NOVEMBER 2020

Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.  Published 31st October 2020.  Last updated 14th November 2020.From: Cabinet Office Remember - ‘Hands. Face. Space.’: hands - wash your hands regularly and for 20 secondsface - wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact wi...

NORIKO'S LATEST CARTOON - SNAIL

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TIME TO PRESS THE RESET BUTTON?

Many businesses may be considering redundancies.  Take a look at our insight for ways of avoiding the big R.  Think about reduced hours, reduced salaries, retraining or even secondment.You can read more by clicking here....

BUSINESS DURHAM COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT BROCHURE IS NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD

This publication is an important resource to help reassure businesses that there is a raft of support available to them while illustrating that through Business Durham, Durham County Council is doing all we can, working with partners, to support them through this challenging time.The brochure guides businesses through the support they can access delivered by over 40 organisations, including DBN.  The brochure covers:Grants, Loans & EquityBusiness SupportDigital SupportInnovationSector Suppo...

A NEW WEBSITE FOR CENTURION COMPUTERS

We were chatting to Pamela Walton the other day and she told us that Centurion Computers have a brand new website aimed at making it easier for visitors to find the right services faster.  It looks great Pamela!Just click on here to check it out....

NEWS FROM KNITSLEY FARM SHOP

Following the announcement by the Prime Minister at the weekend, we just wanted to reassure our customers.  The SHOP (including butchery, deli, & cake counter!) will remain OPEN with trading hours as they have been from Tuesday to Saturday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.  We have plenty of stock with daily deliveries of fruit and veg, pies, breads and cakes made on site and well stocked cheese and preserves cabinets - we ask that you PLEASE DO NOT panic buy.  We make fresh every day on our ho...

ONLINE CLASSES SHOULD START TO GO LIVE IN NOVEMBER!

There's a free coloured pencil chart at JoanneRowlandArt.co.uk/Workshops where you can sign up to keep up to date.  I'm fully booked for Santy coming, and into January, so am booking from February onwards now.   There's also a form on the website to complete if you'd like to join a waiting list in case space becomes available. Have a fabby time, hopefully catch up soon. Joanne, Joanne Rowland Art...

GET YOUR CALENDAR WHILE YOU CAN!

That's all the pre order for the calendars packed up, and ready for a trip to the post office tomorrowI only have 16 left, so if you need one, you can get it here....

ANN ENGLISH - CREATE INTRIGUE

Last weekend was life changing. I attended Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi’s phenomenal 360 interactive live #WorldSummit2020 virtual event and created a VisualDoodle to capture Tony's inspirational ideas. If you look carefully at the #VisualDoodle, starting at the dot near the centre, you can follow the dotted line to map out Tony’s journey as he shared his story, knowledge and wisdom. I posted this in the private event group, inviting attendees to print it off or use as a screensaver, to a...

GEORDIES SIGNS - PACKAGE OFFERS

Are you starting a business and don't know where to begin?  Or an existing business wanting to boost your brand's presence? Here at Geordies Signs we are now introducing 3 new package deals for our customers! BasicIntermediatePro Get in touch now!  Email us at sales@geordies-signs.co.uk or call us on 01207 290 666....

CONVERSATIONS THAT CONVERT WITH MOIRA BARNES

I have just launched my mini-course Conversations That Convert.It's a mini-course and is targeted at those business owners who have a 'fear' of selling.  They are passionate about what they do, they know their service can help people but they become tongue-tied when they feel they 'need' to sell.The mini-course helps reframe the sales conversation for them. It will shift their mindset and give them the confidence to know what to say, to who, and when.The course is dripped to the student ove...

WELCOME BACK JUSTIN!

Magic Carpets continues to be the success it has always been and keeps me in a comfortable lifestyle all whilst working 4/5 hours a day max allowing a lifestyle business and me focussing more on quality of life.Synergy North UK was set up 12 months ago, but I'd not really giving it much consideration until it really came into its own during the lock down and despite no physical work taking place I was still earning a small passive income from it, it was during the lockdown and because of this I ...

JACWICKS DESIGNS IS THE HOME OF AN ECLECTIC RANGE OF PRODUCTS

The Perch range are handmade waterproof sit-mats, which give bottoms protection from damp, dirty outdoor surfaces.  Available in three sizes to suit all size bottoms. Perfect for outdoor activities.  The Pocket Perch was shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2019.  Loved by Country Walking magazine and national treasure John Craven.Fabwrap is an eco-friendly way to glamorously wrap gifts in two knots.  Based on the Japanese art of Furoshiki, it’s easy to use and produce fabulous...

THIS YEAR IT'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO SHOP LOCAL

Our small businesses are having a tough time, local fairs have been cancelled, markets not going ahead.  One things for sure Christmas is still happening so instead of giving your hard earned cash to the huge multinationals, shop local and spend it with the mum of 2 around the corner!  Trust me, it feels awesome.Tag your business on social media or your friends /families businesses and post a photo of what your selling too.  Please no other cake makers though :)I have gift voucher...

PHIL'S SELECTION BOX

You can treat everyone this year with gifts from Phil Benton.  Whether it's his calendar highlighting the beauty of the North East, jig-saw puzzles featuring some of Phil's fabulous photos, greetings cards or coasters, Phil has gifts for everyone in his online shop.  Just click here for some great gift ideas....

AFTER DINNER OR ANYTIME TREAT! THE PERFECT GIFT FOR COFFEE LOVERS

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to spotlight any festive gifts.  We will be launching a giftbox soon that would make an ideal personal or business gift.  We will be retailing it at £24.95 and it will be available to buy on our website or at our café once we launch it.Our Durham Heritage Range Gift Box is designed with the adventurous in mind.  Containing six different 100g bags of coffee (Castle Blend, The Dun Cow, Miner’s Gala, Prince Bishops, St. Cuthbert’s Journey & ...

PERSONALISED PICTURE BOOKS & GREETING CARDS BY NORIKO MATSUBARA

As you are buying directly from Noriko, these books can be personalised with a unique message of your choice such as ‘To Naomi’ or ‘To Steve on your 2nd birthday.’ For personalised messages, please leave your message (up to 30 characters long) on Order notes on the purchase page.  The message will be written and signed in pen on the inside title page. Noriko, Noriko Art...

A SPECIAL FESTIVE OFFER FROM ROBSON PRINT FOR DBN MEMBERS

We will design and print 50 A5 4pp Greeting cards and supply with C5 envelopes for any DBN members for a special price of £45 including VAT. These can be Christmas Cards to send to suppliers and customers or even potential customers - have your logo or branding on, images of your team or products or even just a traditional Christmas design but personalised for your company.Or they can be unChristmassy and used just to stay in touch while still promoting your brand or services.  We’re hap...