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DBN Members Making Waves: Consett Rotary Supports Accessible Sailing!

It's always fantastic to see our Do Business Network (DBN) members collaborating and creating positive change in our local community. This week, we're thrilled to share a wonderful story of partnership between two of our valued members: Consett Rotary and Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.Consett Rotary was delighted to present a generous £1,000 donation to Rob Richardson from Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club for their crucial Accessibility Boat Fund. This incredible support is a testament to the po...

Staying Ahead: Navigating Budget Changes with KL Accountants

At our recent fantastic networking meeting (joint with the North Tenants Business Network!), we were fortunate to have a brilliant session dedicated to keeping our businesses on track financially.A huge thank you to Tom and Ryan from KL Accountants for their insightful presentation on the recent budget changes. They did a superb job of distilling complex financial updates into clear, actionable information for all our members.Understanding these changes is crucial for every business, big or smal...

Cracking Connections and Funding Insights: A Great Morning with Northern Tenants Business Network!

What a fantastic morning we had at our recent networking meeting!  It was brilliant to see so many smiling faces and feel the buzz in the room, especially as we teamed up with the North Tenants Business Network. These joint events are always a highlight, bringing even more diverse connections and opportunities.We were lucky to have three excellent guest speakers who provided some truly valuable insights:First up, a big thank you to Stuart Armstrong from Business Durham. Stuart gave us an in...

SPRING BUDGET 2025: WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Join Jon Dudgeon (CEO) and Adrian O’Connell (Head of Tax) from Blu Sky in our latest UMi Makes it Easy Webinar, where we break down what the Autumn 2024 and Spring 2025 Budgets mean for your business and more importantly what to do about it now. Here’s what you’ll learn:The key tax changes affecting employers, including NIC increasesWhat’s changing in R&D tax credits – and how to stay compliant under new, stricter rulesHow...

READY TO GROW? DISCOVER HOW EXPORTING COULD TRANSFORM YOUR BUSINESS

Many B2B small and medium-sized businesses are missing out on the benefits of international trade because of outdated assumptions.  But the truth is, exporting in today’s world might be easier and more affordable than you think. Watch our latest webinar with Ian Dunning, CEO of TradeTech Solutions Ltd, to discover how you can begin trading internationally with little to no upfront cost. Whether you decide to take the leap into exporting or not, this session will e...

AVOID THE #1 MISTAKE START-UPS MAKE WHEN SEEKING FUNDING!

Too many founders walk into the funding conversation unprepared and it shows.Imagine applying for a job without a CV.  No plan, no pitch, no understanding of what the role involves.  That’s how it can feel to funders when early-stage businesses ask for support without a clear ask or strategy. The good news?  You don’t need all the answers - just the right questions, a clear plan, and a little expert support.  That’s where we come in.Dave Jones, Business Funding Adv...

Shine a Spotlight on Our Newest Member: Ian Ramshaw from Mirror Finish Detailing!

The 'Do Business' Network is pleased to welcome our latest member: Mirror Finish Detailing, led by the skilled Ian Ramshaw!  Based in the North East, Mirror Finish Detailing offers professional car detailing services focused on enhancing and protecting your vehicle's appearance.Ian brings a strong commitment to quality to every job, paying close attention to detail and using effective products and techniques.  Whether your car needs a thorough clean or more intensive work, Mirror Finis...

Welcoming Simply Support Mentoring (Carol Smith) to the Do Business Network!

We're absolutely delighted to welcome our newest member, Simply Support Mentoring, led by the wonderful Carol Smith! Based right here in the North East, Simply Support Mentoring offers invaluable guidance and support to individuals seeking personal and professional growth.Carol brings a wealth of experience to her mentoring practice, equipping her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities individuals face when striving to make a positive impact, both personally and within the...

History & Networking: A Perfect Morning at Ushaw!

This morning, Do Business Network experienced the magic of Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens! The sun was shining, the coffee was flowing, and the connections were strong. A massive thank you to Hannah, Andy, and Lucy for their incredible hospitality and the fascinating tour of Ushaw's historic library. And of course, to Phil and Chris from 121 Business Links for the perfect start to the day with their sponsored breakfast!We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces and welcome new mem...

SECURE START-UP FINANCE WITH EASE - UMi

Starting a business is tough, especially when it feels like securing funding is the biggest hurdle standing in your way.  But what if we told you there are practical finance options specifically designed to help businesses like yours succeed? Join Vicky Mears and Shaun Fooy from British Business Bank on Tuesday, 15th April 2025 at 10:00 for Episode 6 of our Get Funding Webinar Series: Get Start-up Finance: Making it easier to start your business. What you’ll ...

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 ...

DBN BUSINESS 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...

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...

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 ...

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/...

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...

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY CAREERS DAY

Well done to DBN members Christine and Peter from Building Self-Belief for supporting the North Durham Academy careers day by bringing together local businesses and individuals to talk to year 10 pupils about their career journey.Melanie Cant (DBN & Elm Marketing Solutions) and Andy Hill (Beamish Park Golf Club) also attended the event. Melanie said, "the kids were amazing and really got involved asking questions.  Many of them don’t know what career path they want to take (not many d...

WE'RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR COMPANY'S GROWTH ASPIRATIONS

At Business Durham, we're committed to supporting the continued success of our businesses.As a past participant of our support programmes, you know our dedication to helping businesses like yours thrive in County Durham. That's why we're excited to introduce the Durham Business Growth (DBG) programme, designed to support your company's growth aspirations. Here's how the DBG programme can help you achieve your business goals:Unlocking Your Growth Potential: Our specialists will collaborate w...

DO BUSINESS NETWORK NEWSLETTERS 2022-2025

Newsletter - November 2025Newsletter - October 2025Newsletter - August 2025Newsletter - July 2025Newsletter - June 2025Newsletter - May 2025Newsletter - April 2025Newsletter - March 2025Newsletter - February 2025Newsletter - December 2024Newsletter - November 2024Newsletter - October 2024Newsletter - September 2024Newsletter - August 2024Newsletter - July 2024Newsletter - June 2024Newsletter - May 2024Newsletter - April 2024Newsletter - March 2024Newsletter - February 2024Newsletter - December 2...

NEW MEMBER: WELCOME ANDREW HILL FROM BEAMISH PARK GOLF CLUB

We are thrilled to announce that Beamish Park Golf Club have become DBN members and our first meeting of 2025 will be held there!The club offers an 18 hole mature woodland course in the heart of Beamish valley with stunning scenery and beautiful wildlife.Andrew Hill is the General Manager at the club and is keen to showcase everything it has to offer including the golf facilities and membership, room hire and function suites.Andrew has already registered to attend Oct, Nov & Dec meetings and...

NEW MEMBER: WELCOME JAMES IBBITSON FROM VISUAL PUNCH

Please give a warm DBN welcome to James Ibbitson from Visual Punch!I'm sure that many of you will already know James as he was a DBN member for many years before taking a break to concentrate on a long term project.Now he's back and we are so pleased to reintroduce him to you all.Visual Punch is an award winning North East-based video production agency helping business, brands, event organisers, and content creators grow using video.Doddington Dairy, National Trust, Visit Durham, Enterprise Made...

KIDS IN MIND - ORGANISED BY THE CLUBS OF DISTRICT 1030

My name is Norman Sellar, and I serve as the Treasurer and Trustee at the Consett Rotary Club. Each year, we at Consett Rotary organise an annual outing for disadvantaged children.  This year, a total of 27,000 children across Great Britain participated in similar events, and in the northeast, we organised a trip to The Beamish Museum, where we hosted 1,000 children from 13 local schools.Since 1990, the partnership between the Rotary Club and the charity Kids in Mind has been...

SEPTEMBER NETWORKING AT BEAMISH MUSEUM

This month we had our biggest networking event of the year at Beamish Museum.As well as DBN members we had the pleasure of networking with Beamish Business Friends too.  Over 70 people registered for this event which was kindly sponsored by Industrial Workwear - workwear, PPE & logo embroidery specialists.The morning consisted of networking while enjoying refreshments and optional dressing up in 1950 clothes!  A big shout out to Matt Glover (Peak Ridge Ltd) and Rob Richardson (Derw...

NEW MEMBER: WELCOME JOANNE FOWLER FROM BUNZL CLEANING & HYGIENE SUPPLIES

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Joanne Fowler from Bunzl Cleaning & Hygiene Supplies.Some of you may have met Joanne earlier in the year when she came along to our March meeting at Derwentside College. At this meeting Joanne made some great contacts and gained a new customer! Joanne is Account Manager at Bunzl and responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with her customers. Bunzl is one the of UK’s leading supplier of janitorial, cleaning, and hygiene ...

NEW MEMBER: WELCOME SHIRLEY BONE SB HYPNOTHERAPY

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Shirley Bone from SB Hypnotherapy.Shirley is a fully qualified hypnotherapist and neuro-linguistic programming practitioner.Over the last 15 years Shirley has helped women overcome limiting beliefs that have held them back from living a happy, healthy life. Whether it be moving on from a marriage/ relationship breakdown, having the confidence to climb the corporate ladder or simply overcoming beliefs that were instilled from childhood. Shirley has help...