http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.dobusinessnetwork.com en-us Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:54 +0100 Rocketspark http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26955/member-spotlight-why-making-a-will-matters-protecting-your-familys-future/ Life gets busy, and it is all too easy to put off sorting out a Will. Many of us assume that our loved ones will automatically inherit everything if the worst happens, or we simply feel it is not relevant to us at this particular time.However, the reality—as highlighted by the team at Jan Cook Wills and Trusts—is that delaying your Will can create significant complications for the people you leave behind. If you do not leave a valid Will, you are considered to have died "intestate," and the ... Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:33:51 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26955 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26887/celebrating-member-success-double-award-recognition-for-visual-punch/ At Do Business Network, we always take pride in celebrating the milestones and achievements of our members. Today, we want to extend our warmest congratulations to James Ibbitson, founder of Visual Punch, on securing two prestigious awards:Northern Video Company of the Year at the Prestige AwardsVideography Studio of the Year at the My Local Hero AwardsIndustry recognition is a wonderful achievement, but what makes this accomplishment particularly noteworthy is the philosophy behind the work. Be... Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:05:08 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26887 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26843/umis-claire-hinde-shortlisted-for-national-industry-award/ We are delighted to share that Claire Hinde, Business Funding Executive at UMi, has been shortlisted for Unsung Hero of the Year at the 2026 NACFB Commercial Broker Awards.The award recognises the individuals working behind the scenes in commercial finance whose dedication, resilience and expertise make a real difference to both client outcomes and organisational success. Open to professionals in areas such as operations, compliance, client support and marketing, it celebrates those whose contri... Thu, 23 Jul 2026 17:33:55 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26843 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26839/member-success-story-double-award-win--new-launch-for-kaffeehaus-coffee-roasters/ We love seeing our members recognised for their hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication to quality.We are thrilled to share some fantastic news from Bernhard and Carina at Kaffeehaus Coffee Roasters, who have recently scooped up two prestigious industry awards!Celebrating Local ExcellenceBernhard and Carina’s commitment to roasting exceptional specialty coffee has earned them two brilliant accolades:Coffee Roaster Of The Year for County Durham – North England Prestige AwardsBest Independent... Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:44:29 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26839 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26838/member-success-story-dbn-member-mark-sillett-heads-to-londons-west-end/ Nothing makes us prouder than seeing our local members hit major milestones and take their expertise to new heights.We are thrilled to share a massive success story from one of our own: Mark Sillett, founder of Mark Sillett Lighting and Sound.Mark has officially been contracted for his very first West End show in London this September!From the North East to the West EndMark will be taking his technical talent to The Other Palace in London to manage the lighting design for Shamilton—the hugely ... Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:10:26 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26838 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26837/fully-funded-health--wellbeing-training-for-local-businesses-with-pioneering-care-partnership/ Supporting the health and wellbeing of your team is an essential part of running a healthy, resilient organisation. However, finding the time and budget for quality workplace training can often be a challenge for busy teams.PCP’s Adult Wellbeing Service at Pioneering Care Partnership is currently offering a range of fully funded training opportunities for local organisations, running throughout July, August, and September.Short, Practical Workplace WorkshopsDelivered online via Microsoft Teams... Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:00:55 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26837 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26840/member-case-study-how-121-business-links-saved-a1-blinds-thousands-on-energy-costs/ When running a busy manufacturing facility, keeping overheads under control is vital to protecting your bottom line. However, navigating energy markets and finding genuine value can often feel complex and time-consuming.A recent success story between two North East organisations showcases the power of local collaboration and transparent procurement. 121 Business Links worked alongside A1 Blinds to streamline their utility contracts, securing substantial financial savings and long-term budget cer... Wed, 22 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26840 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26828/durham-county-council-proposes-new-selective-licensing-scheme-what-local-businesses-need-to-know/ Durham County Council has opened a public consultation on a proposed new Selective Licensing Scheme for private rented properties, set to replace the existing scheme when it expires in March 2027. While aimed primarily at private landlords, tenants, and local residents, housing standards and property management directly impact the broader business community and local economy across our region. We encourage local business owners to review the details below and submit any feedback or comments befo... Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:48:59 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26828 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26841/member-spotlight-professional-virtual-office-facilities-at-the-greenhouse/ At Do Business Network, we are regularly asked by local business owners and entrepreneurs about virtual office facilities. Whether you are running a start-up, working as a sole trader, or expanding an existing business, establishing a professional presence without the overhead of physical office space is a common priority.Our DBN members at The Greenhouse have the perfect solution for businesses looking for flexibility and a reliable regional presence.The Benefits of a Virtual Office at The Gree... Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26841 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/post/26800/sunshine-sailing--great-company-at-the-derwent-reservoir/ On Wednesday, 15th July, Do Business Network gathered at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club for our second summer BBQ and sailing evening. We couldn't have asked for better weather—the sun was out, temperatures hit 23°C, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.Events like this remind us of the value of relaxed, face-to-face networking. Leaving the traditional boardroom setup behind gives everyone a chance to connect naturally, share experiences, and build genuine relationships.A Team EffortAn evening... Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:56:12 +0100 http://www.dobusinessnetwork.com/blog/#post26800