Our May Do Business Network meeting proved to be one of our most dynamic sessions yet. Hosted in partnership with the Northern Tenants Network at the Derwentside Business Centre, the event saw a full house of 50 local businesses coming together for a morning of purposeful conversation and strategic networking.
The energy in the room highlighted the strength of our regional business community. Events like these rely on a collaborative effort, and a sincere thank you goes to Stuart Armstrong and Lisa Wall from Business Durham for their invaluable help in organising such a seamless morning.
For those who were unable to attend, or for attendees looking to review their notes, here is a breakdown of the practical insights and regional growth opportunities shared by our three guest speakers.
1. Addressing the Lead Leakage Problem
Speaker: Allison Dore, Hello Friday
Understanding how a prospect moves from initial awareness to a completed sale is critical for sustainable growth. Allison focused on the concept of 'lead leakage'—the hidden gaps in a business process where potential customers drop off before converting. By identifying exactly where these leaks occur and clearly mapping out the customer journey, businesses can communicate more effectively at every point, remove unnecessary friction, and retain more of their valuable leads: READ MORE
2. Accessing Manufacturing Support via Made Smarter
Speaker: Paul Hughes, North East Growth Hub
Navigating the funding landscape can often feel daunting, but Paul provided welcome clarity on the Made Smarter programme. This initiative is specifically designed to help digitalise and advance operational processes. Paul outlined how North East enterprises can access the digital tools, consultancy, and grant funding required to drive productivity and scale efficiently.
3. Funding Opportunities for the Food and Drink Sector
Speaker: Steve Wheaton, FADNE (Food and Drink North East)
The regional food and drink sector is a vital component of the local economy. Steve highlighted the specific, current funding streams available to businesses operating within this space. His session provided clear guidance on eligibility criteria and how eligible businesses can leverage these resources to support market expansion and product development. READ MORE
Actionable Steps for Local Enterprises
The core takeaway from the morning is that understanding your customer journey and leveraging available regional funding are two of the most effective levers for business stability and growth. The insights shared were not just theoretical; they provided clear, actionable steps that local businesses can implement straight away to improve efficiency and secure financial support.
Secure Your Place for June
As we look forward, momentum is building for our next session. Details for the June meeting are now live, and bookings are officially open.
Whether you want to connect with established peers, discover new regional initiatives, or share your own expertise, we look forward to welcoming you.
Find out more and secure your place for the June meeting HERE.
