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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...

TAKEAWAY CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA & WREATH MAKING KIT AT ISABELLA'S COFFEE SHOP

Due to current conditions we are not able to run the wreath making workshops in the coffee shop so we are offering a takeaway option instead. Each order placed will receive:Isabella's Christmas Afternoon Tea for one and a beautiful wreath making kit from Peony and Gold Luxury Floral DesignDon't let lockdown spoil your Christmas festivities, enjoy our homemade Christmas Afternoon Tea at home while creating a unique Christmas wreath that you can display proudly on your front door.Orders placed can...

DON'T DISS THE DECAF - IT RULES!

Have you tried Durham Coffee's delicious Columbian Decaf yet?...

ALL TALK NO WAFFLE WITH JAMES

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 show you 2 easy ways to remember what to say when filming a video....

JAN & ALLISON TALK

Jan Cook recently recorded this interview with the lovely Allison Dore from Hello Friday Virtual Business Support. Allison very kindly agreed to share the story of her experience dealing with her late father's estate over the last few months.  It's a stark reminder to us all to get proper planning in place.  Please give it a watch and let me know if you have any further questions.Jan Cook, Jan Cook Wills & Trusts...

THIS WEEK'S TOP TIP FROM GILLIAN

Change the negative voice in your head!Click here to watch Gillian's video....

DBN PODCASTS - FANCY BEING 'PODCASTED'?

Our podcasts are a great way to get to know DBN Members.  We currently have podcasts on our website with Gary, Joanne Rowland, Ruth Jacobs, Mags Bradshaw, Rachel Locke, Moira Barnes and Matthew Glover.  You can listen to our podcasts here. And in November we'll be publishing our podcasts with: Allison DoreJan CookJames IbbitsonGreg O'ConnellGillian FortuneBernhard NausnerCharlotte TurnerRichard Holden MP Ruth said: "Having just celebrated Jacwicks Designs 2nd Business Birthday. I ...

DBN UPDATE (26th OCTOBER 2020)

Here’s an update with news from our members and some useful information for your business.  We hope you’ll enjoy reading it. It was great to see so many members and guests at our DBN Zoom Networking meeting last week.  As Ruth Jacobs said afterwards "It was lovely to see everyone, it's got to have been the quickest hour of the week".  How true Ruth. Even if we have to meet online at present, there’s still an amazing sense of “togetherness” at our meetings.  We’ve ...