Partner Events
Date & Time: Wednesday, 4th November 2026 - 09:00-12:30
Venue: The Work Place, Aycliffe Business Park, Heighington Lane, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6AH
About the event
Practical and jargon-free, this interactive masterclass is designed to make you think differently about AI & digital marketing and help you create your best 2027 action plan yet!
Who is it for?
Beginners to Intermediate - decision makers who are new to digital marketing or are disappointed by the results to date, perhaps undecided about the many AI options available today, maybe in need of a fresher perspective?
What will I learn?
Together we will explore how to create the best online reputation for you and your business, and discover the practical ways AI can help you become a trusted supplier in your sector.
This new and updated masterclass is facilitated by AI & digital marketing trainer and consultant Pascal Fintoni. Using his favourite ‘Rule of 3’ and introducing AI apps at each stage, you will take part in 4 interactive modules (bring your laptops!):
Part 1. Rediscover Digital Marketing - A ‘scene setting’ module about the 3 key elements of your AI & digital marketing action plan for 2027: Visibility - Credibility - Interactivity©
Part 2. Your 2027 Visibility Action Plan - Get more traffic to your website with the 3 tactics you will add to your SEO and AI Overviews tactics next year: Confirmation – Collaboration – Cooperation©
Part 3. Your 2027 Credibility Action Plan - Get more enquiries from your website with 3 AI-powered tactics that will transform your website experience strategy: First Impressions – Trust Elements – Content Marketing©
Part 4. Your 2027 Interactivity Action Plan - Get more results from Social Media by introducing these 3 tactics to your online networking activities in 2025: Mentor – Messenger - Merchant©
We will close the masterclass with an overview of your 2027 tactics; we will discuss how to prioritise the various tasks and AI solutions to help you complete the design of your most practical 2027 Digital Marketing plan yet!
Special bonus: We’re also celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the Human-First Responsible AI Pledge co-created by Pascal Fintoni. Every participant will receive their own copy, plus practical tips on how to use it to stand out online and show your audience that you’re serious about using AI responsibly.
Further information can be found here.
Date & Time: Monday, 16th November 2026 - 09:00-13:30
Venue: CasaLingua Language School, 1st Floor, 23-24 Victoria Road, Consett, County Durham, DH8 5AY
About the event
This workshop is an interactive, professional masterclass designed to build practical language skills, confidence in international networking, and cross-cultural business awareness.
The session will be led by Kim Davis, an experienced educator who has taught languages for over 15 years and is founder of the CasaLingua Language School. During this interactive workshop you will explore the business value of language skills and cultural understanding. Through discussion, guided language practice and realistic business scenarios, participants will develop practical techniques to communicate more confidently and build stronger international relationships.
What the workshop will cover
How language capabilities and cultural awareness can support international business relationships
Common barriers to working across languages and cultures, and practical ways to overcome them
Business etiquette, and the impact of greetings, gestures and behaviours
Core vocabulary and useful phrases for introductions, networking and arranging meetings
Techniques for improving pronunciation and using simple “rescue phrases” when communication becomes difficult
What you’ll gain
Greater confidence when networking and communicating across cultures
Practical language skills that can be adapted for Spanish, French or multilingual contexts
A stronger understanding of cultural behaviours that can influence business relationships
Useful phrases and strategies to support real-world international conversations
A clear personal action plan for continuing to develop your language and intercultural skills
About Kim Davis
Kim graduated from Warwick University in 2002 with a BA (Hons) in French and Italian. She has now been teaching Modern Foreign Languages for 16 years.
At CasaLingua Language School, with around 150 students currently attending classes, Kim and her team deliver a wide range of classes, both in person and online, in a number of languages but with a focus on French, Spanish and Italian. Kim is passionate about making learners feel comfortable and relaxed and believes there is a lot to be said for making learning fun for everyone!
Agenda
09:00-09:30 - Arrival & Networking
09:30-10:30 - The Business Value of Languages & Cultural Nuance
10:30-10:45 - Comfort Break
10:45 -11:45 - Practical Business Language & Confidence Building
11:45-12:00 - Comfort Break
12:00-12:45 - Immersive business language and culture
12:45-13:30 - Action Planning, Q&A & Wrap-Up
Places are limited and Durham Business Growth workshops fill up quickly. Register your interest today!
PLEASE NOTE: businesses need to be registered with the Durham Growth Programme prior to attending. A link is below for registration, therefore ONLY businesses based in County Durham are able to attend this fully funded workshop.
https://www.durhambusinessgrowth.co.uk/
Further information can be found here.
Date & Time: Tuesday, 17th November 2026 - 08:30-13:00
Venue: Durham Cricket Club, Durham County Cricket Club, Chester Le Street, County Durham, DH3 3QR
About the event
Learn practical analysis and planning tools to strengthen your strategic thinking and identify new market opportunities.
Small businesses owners face many difficult challenges these days, but one of the greatest ones is finding time to plan out the future development of the business.
But if you can find the time, where do you begin? It can be difficult to look objectively at how the business might develop when you are very much in it.
At RTC North we work with hundreds of small businesses every year, helping owners gain perspective on their situation and strategically plan for their business growth.
This workshop will introduce you to some of the analysis and planning tools we use to create effective strategic plans and exploit market opportunities more effectively.
Considering international markets could unlock new growth opportunities. We will help you assess overseas potential and outline your first steps towards international trade.
Using theoretical case studies, we will work through how to apply the tools and gain the insight needed to inspire future business development and expansion.
Finally, we will focus on your own business challenges with the opportunity for additional support follow ups after the workshop.
This workshop is designed for:
Businesses more than one year old that have started to gain traction
Business owners looking for clarity on next steps
Those whose growth has plateaued and want new ideas or approaches
What is included:
external environmental and competition analysis
exploiting the market and positioning your product or service
defining a clear future developmental path
setting objectives and key performance measures
developing a kick start plan to get things moving quickly
This is a highly interactive session with limited capacity to ensure maximum value for attendees. Early booking is recommended.
Book your place now and discover how your business can improve performance and productivity in just one session.
Places are limited and Durham Business Growth workshops fill up quickly. Book your place today to avoid missing out.
https://www.durhambusinessgrowth.co.uk/
PLEASE NOTE: businesses need to be registered with the Durham Growth Programme prior to attending. A link is below for registration, therefore ONLY businesses based in County Durham are able to attend this fully funded workshop.
A WORKPLACE WHERE PEOPLE STAY - BUILD AN INCLUSIVE, THRIVING TEAM
Date & Time: Thursday, 26th November 2026 - 09:30-12:30
Venue: Durham Cricket Club, Durham County Cricket Club, Chester Le Street, DH3 3QR
About the event
This workshop will explore how organisations can move beyond awareness to create meaningful, measurable inclusion for neurodivergent and disabled people. Combining expert-led delivery with a lived experience panel, the session will offer valuable insight alongside practical approaches that can be applied in the workplace.
Designed with neuroinclusion at its core, the workshop will incorporate accessible supporting materials, clear documentation and regular breaks to help delegates engage fully with the session.
What the workshop will cover
The session will be delivered through the BELONG Framework, a practical model developed by Jacky Stansfield Smith to ensure every aspect of workplace inclusion is considered:
Balance
Environment
Legislation
Onboarding
Nurture
Growth
What you’ll gain
A practical toolkit of inclusive approaches to use in everyday business and personal interactions
A better understanding of individual strengths and how to support them
Actionable ideas to improve workplace performance, communication and retention
Insight into creating working environments where disabled and neurodivergent people can thrive
Lived experience panel
The workshop will also feature a panel of disabled and neurodivergent business owners and leaders, chaired by Graham Sleep. Panellists will share lived experiences, practical perspectives and lessons from the workplace, giving delegates the opportunity to learn directly from those with first-hand experience.
About Jacky Stansfield Smith
Jacky Stansfield Smith is the founder of HR inclusion company IncluScape and the Neuro North Forum. A former CEO of an international training company based in Durham, she now helps neurodivergent business owners and workplaces move beyond awareness towards practical, measurable inclusion.
Jacky is also a veteran, she is passionate about supporting the Armed Forces community and serves as Co-Chair of the Ministry of Defence Gold Award Association in the North East, championing inclusive employment and recognition for veteran- and reservist-friendly organisations.
Places are limited and Durham Business Growth workshops fill up quickly. Book your place today to avoid missing out.
PLEASE NOTE: businesses need to be registered with the Durham Growth Programme prior to attending. A link is below for registration, therefore ONLY businesses based in County Durham are able to attend this fully funded workshop.
Date & Time: Thursday, 3rd December 2026 - 09:00-12:30
Venue: Durham Cricket, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3QR
About the event
Thinking about funding but not sure where to start?
If you’re considering funding but unsure which route is right for your business, this session will help you make sense of your options.
Join us on Thursday, 3rd December at 9:30 for a practical workshop led by Phil Sly, an experienced funding specialist who supports SMEs to prepare for and secure finance.
Whether you’re planning your next move or just starting to explore funding, this session will give you clarity and confidence.
What is this session?
This is a focused, interactive session designed to simplify funding and help you understand what’s right for your business.
Phil will guide you through the three main funding routes, breaking down when each option makes sense and what you need to prepare.
The session is shaped around your needs, so you’ll have the chance to explore the areas most relevant to you.
What you will learn
When debt finance is the right choice and what lenders are really looking for
What grant funding is available and how eligibility works
What to expect from investment, including what giving away equity really means
How to become investment-ready, including financials, planning, and next steps
Who is it for?
If your business is:
Thinking about funding in the next 6–18 months
Unsure which route to take
Looking to grow, invest, or move forward with confidence
. . . then this session is for you.
What to expect
A practical, jargon-free session
Clear explanations of your funding options
Interactive discussion shaped around your goals
Immediate, actionable next steps
No experience needed
No prior knowledge of funding is required. Just bring your questions and a clear idea of what you’d like to achieve.
Spaces are limited.
This is a highly interactive session with limited capacity to ensure maximum value for attendees. Early booking is recommended.
Book your place now and discover how your business can improve performance and productivity in just one session.
Alongside the Durham Business Growth programme, eligible businesses in County Durham can access additional support through the North East Rural Growth Programme, funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Eligible businesses can access specialist Growth & Resilience Support, Food & Drink Support and the North East Farm Business Support Service, depending on their individual needs and business goals.
The North East Rural Growth Programme is designed to help businesses across rural County Durham become more resilient, improve productivity and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth. Whether you're looking to strengthen your business, develop new products, diversify your income or explore new markets, we'll work with you to identify the support that's right for you.
During an initial conversation with a Business Engagement Officer, we'll get to know your business and your ambitions. We can then tailor the support we offer to match the current stage of growth and the business's needs, building to your ambitions.
Support available
Growth & Resilience Support
Growth & Resilience Support is available to eligible businesses across County Durham looking to strengthen their business, improve performance and take advantage of new opportunities.
Working with a dedicated Business Engagement Officer, you'll receive tailored one-to-one support based on your business goals. Through an initial business diagnostic, we'll help you identify priorities, overcome challenges and develop a practical plan for sustainable growth.
Alongside one-to-one support, you'll also have access to practical workshops and events, delivered both online and in person, covering topics including digital marketing, AI, business planning, social media and workplace organisation.
Businesses with ambitions to grow and create new employment opportunities may also be able to access support from Technical Specialists, providing expert advice in areas such as:
Financial planning and forecasting
Marketing and digital strategy
Sales and accessing new markets
Innovation and new product development
Funding and investment
Legal, tax and procurement guidance
Productivity and business resilience
Food & Drink Support
Delivered in partnership with Food and Drink North East, this specialist support is designed for eligible food and drink businesses across County Durham.
Whether you're a primary producer, manufacturer, hospitality business or food and drink entrepreneur, you'll receive tailored advice from sector specialists who understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing the industry.
Support is designed to help businesses grow, reach new markets and build long-term resilience, and includes:
Business growth and development planning
Routes to market and retail opportunities
Branding, marketing and product positioning
Supply chain and collaboration opportunities
Scaling production and improving efficiency
Advice and signposting on finance, investment and funding opportunities where appropriate
North East Farm Business Support Service
The North East Farm Business Support Service provides dedicated support for eligible farm businesses across County Durham.
Delivered by experienced advisers with specialist knowledge of the agricultural sector, the service helps farm businesses improve resilience, increase productivity and explore opportunities for diversification.
Support is tailored to the individual needs of each business and may include:
Business planning and growth strategies
Financial management and funding opportunities
Farm diversification and new enterprise development
Productivity improvements
Business resilience planning
One-to-one specialist advice to support long-term success
Getting started
If you're an eligible business based in County Durham, getting started is simple. Complete the Durham Business Growth enquiry form and a Business Engagement Officer will contact you to discuss your business, understand your ambitions and match you with the most appropriate support available through the Rural Growth Programme.
