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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY - FRIDAY, 6th DECEMBER 2024

On Friday, 6th December I’m undertaking gravestone recording at St. Oswald’s Playground, Durham City.  The playground was originally a cemetery, but when the council converted it to a playground they just left the bodies where they were and moved the gravestones to line the cemetery/playground walls.The aim on the 6th is to transcribe, photograph and map the location of the gravestones, with the results being made available on the web for people to search: Durham County Counci...

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...

Willow Burn Fundraising Heroes

Last night Melanie and David enjoyed a fundraising celebration evening at Willow Burn Hospice.This annual evening is an opportunity for the team at Willow Burn Hospice to thank the local community fundraisers who have ran, walked, hiked, jumped, baked along with everything else to help raise much needed funds for our local hospice.Collectively the attendees in the room had raised just shy of £12,000 in 2024. Chief Exec David Barker, Head of Fundraising Rachel Quince and Marketing Manager Ali En...

'DO BUSINESS' NETWORK NEWSLETTERS 2022, 2023 & 2024

Newsletter - November 2024Newsletter - October 2024Newsletter - September 2024Newsletter - August 2024Newsletter - July 2024Newsletter - June 2024Newsletter - May 2024Newsletter - April 2024Newsletter - March 2024Newsletter - February 2024Newsletter - December 2023Newsletter - November 2023Newsletter - October 2023Newsletter - September 2023Newsletter - August 2023Newsletter - July 2023Newsletter - June 2023Newsletter - May 2023Newsletter - April 2023Newsletter - March 2023Newsletter - January 2...

DBN Member Testimonial

Meet Keiron Young, Operations Manager at Heritage 100. The Heritage 100 is a series of 100 collectable, circular walks and accompanying stories all within the ceremonial borders of County Durham.Keiron has been coming along to our networking meetings for just over a year now, this is what he has to say about DBN..."DBN has supported the Heritage 100 project by raising awareness of it, helping us find sponsors for our walks and by supporting us in extending our own network within our ta...

HAVE YOUR SAY - SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE UK GOVERNMENT'S NEW INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY

The UK Government invites you to help shape the UK’s new modern industrial strategy.  This is a unique opportunity for you and your business to influence the path of the UK’s economy and achieve sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth.About the consultation Growth is the number one mission of this government.  Our new industrial strategy is central to supporting growth across key sectors, promoting innovation and advancing sustainability.  Your feedback is crucial to ...

SUPPORT LOCAL: FREE CHRISTMAS EVENT IN CONSETT!

FREE Christmas event in Consett on December 7th!The perfect opportunity to support local, this lovely free event has been organised by DBN members at Derwent Valley Partnership - AAP.Great if you have young children and an opportunity to visit town centre shops too!...

THE UNICORN KINGDOM: PATHFINDER AWARDS 2024

The competition is designed to unearth the most promising international businesses in the Tech space and open a dialogue with them about investing and operating in the UK.  The four awards categories are: Artificial IntelligenceCyber Security Digital Trade Solutions Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM) Technology We have received an extremely high standard of applications from companies from across the world.  We would love to invite you to meet our 10 fina...

UMi - KEY INSIGHTS FROM THE AUTUMN BUDGET 2024 FOR SMALL 2024 BUSINESSES!

To get your business ready for the upcoming changes, we've outlined what was announced and how it will affect your business.Key updates are: Increased employers’ National Insurance Contributions - From 6 April 2025, employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will increase by 1.2% to 15%.Frozen Corporate Tax Rate - With a Corporate Tax Roadmap published published as the Budget was delivered, the Chancellor has committed to capping the headline rate of Corporation T...

NEW DATE CONFIRMED FOR USHAW HISTORIC HOUSE, CHAPELS AND GARDENS!

We are thrilled to announce that we will be returning to Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens next year!Following the popularity and success of our networking event held their in June, we have now confirmed our next meeting on March 18th 2025.This event has been generously sponsored by DBN members Chris Bonas and Phil Andrew from 121 Business Links.More information about the event will be announced in the New Year. However, this event is now live if you'd like to book your place in advance....

SUPERCHARGE YOUR BUSINESS BY ATTENDING ITW

Sign up to ITW webinars, taking place from 11th-15th November 2024, and learn from top industry professionals.Whether you're a beginner or an experienced exporter, our expert-led sessions are available throughout the week to help benefit your business.Choose a session that fits your schedule, regardless of your location.Browse all webinars here.Featured EventsMake the most of CPTPP!Date: Wednesday, 13th November 2024Time: 10:00-11:00UK businesses can begin trading under CPTPP by 15 Dec...

NOVEMBER MEETING CONFIRMED AT DERWENT MANOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Bookings are now open for our next meeting which will be held at the Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel on Tuesday, 19th November 2024.You can book your place HEREA huge thank you to Chris Bonas and Phil Andrew from 121 Business Links for sponsoring this event.Time: 8:30 to 10:30Refreshments: Tea/Coffee & Bacon RollCost: FREE for DBN members; £10 for non membersAmple free parking availableIf you haven't been to this venue before then you're in for a treat! https://derwentmanorhotel.com/...

ONLINE EVENTS DURING INTERNATIONAL TRADE WEEK!

Sign up to our exclusive webinars to unlock the potential of the European market.  Learn from seasoned experts, discover the right market for your business, and optimise your exporting journey.Choose a session that aligns with your schedule, regardless of your location.Webinar registrations are filling up fast, secure your spot today.Click here to browse all online events!Featured EventsIntroducing Unlock Europe: Choosing the Right European MarketDate: Tuesday, 12th November 2024Time: 12:00...

2025 DBN DESK CALENDARS

We'd like to give a huge THANK YOU to Robson Print for these lovely DBN desk calendars. We'll be giving these calendars out to attendees at our November and December meetings.Tuesday, 19th November - We'll be at the Derwent Manor Hotel, Allensford, near Consett.Tuesday, 3rd December - Derwentside College, Consett.If you haven't already booked your place you can do so HERE...

OUR LAST TWO NETWORKING EVENTS OF 2024!

Get our last two networking events of the year in your diary before the Christmas madness commences! 🎄Tuesday 19th November: Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel, Nr ConsettTuesday 3rd December: Derwentside College, ConsettTime: 8.30 to 10.30Cost: FREE for DBN Members. £10 for non members.Includes tea/coffee and breakfast roll on arrival 😋One last push to connect and #dobusiness in 2024!Book your place HERE...

ELEVATE YOUR HR SKILLS WITH FREE WEBINARS FROM CRONER!

We're excited to share that Croner, our trusted HR specialist partner, is offering a series of free webinars and e-learning sessions exclusively for UMi Sat Nav subscribers!Join us to learn about crucial topics such as hiring and training staff, employee wellbeing, and health and safety in the workplace.  These virtual events are designed to equip you with the skills and insights needed to navigate today's HR challenges effectively. Upcoming Webinar Schedule: Octobe...

JOIN THE DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE IN-PERSON EVENTS DURING INTERNATIONAL TRADE WEEK!

Make the most of in-person events during International Trade Week and find one near you.These events offer invaluable opportunities to network, connect with like-minded businesses, and access the support your business needs.Find an event near you!Northern Ireland In-Person Export Networking EventLocation: BelfastDate: Monday, 11th November 2024Time: 10:30-12:00Northern Ireland businesses signing up for this event will have an opportunity to network with other businesses that have ...

DBT STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY TEAM

The UK Government is delighted to announce UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025.  This is the UK’s flagship annual event on science, innovation and technology in Southeast Asia.UK-Southeast Tech Week 2024 was a resounding success, with 150 bespoke business meetings organised, several of which resulted in commercial partnerships for UK companies.This year’s event will run from Monday, 24th March to Friday, 28th March 2025 in the Philippines (Manila) and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh).Programme O...

VINDOMORA SOLUTIONS LTD

From Tony at Vindomora Solutions:On Thursday 14th November I’m running a cemetery recording project at St. Oswald’s playground in Durham City.  The playground was originally a 19th century cemetery for St. Oswald’s Church, but when the council converted it into a kids’ playground, they simply moved the gravestones (leaving the bodies in place) and placed the stones along the boundary walls of the site.I’ve been asked by Durham County Council to record the stones – i.e....

CONSETT ROTARY EVENT

Consett Rotary Present “TAKE THIS” - organised by Consett Rotary to draw attention to the prevalence of breast cancer in this area.In aid of breast cancer and Rotary charities.  This is a social evening to allow people to raise money for cancer charities while listening to a local musical/comedy duo.Profits go to Cancer Research UK and MacMillan, plus Rotary charities.Venue: Blackhill Working Mens ClubDate: Friday, 22nd November 2024 at 19:00Tickets £8 fro...

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2024 AT USHAW HISTORIC HOUSE, CHAPELS & GARDENS

Want to find out more about Ushaw and the people who lived and worked here?Our new local history group will delve into archival material and census records to uncover the untold stories and undiscovered characters in Ushaw’s history.All welcome, no previous knowledge or experience of historical research necessary.Ushaw History Group takes place on the third Friday of each month at 11am-12pm.Pre-booking required.  Free with annual membership or day pass. ...

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY - FREE SUICIDE AWARENESS WORKSHOPS 2024/2025

Thanks to funding from Derwent Valley AAP, we are offering free suicide awareness workshops in December, March and April to local businesses, organisations and groups. Our workshop covers the following:Introduction to suicide prevention - why is it necessary?The impact of a death by suicide including common emotions, and practical implicationsHow best to support someone bereaved by suicideHow to intervene if you believe someone is at risk of suicideThe importance of your own wellbeing when ...

121 MENTORING WITH JAMES AT UMi

Did you know that you can book some free 121 mentoring with James Miller, Digital Adviser from UMi?You can get help on anything digital - such as how to design your own website, nail your value proposition, get your head round SEO, design some social media content using Canva, and more!The only requirements are that your business in based in County Durham and you're registered on the DBGF programme.More information here - https://www.durhambusinessgrowth.co.uk/To book or find out more, get ...

INTERNATIONAL TRADE WEEK IS BACK!

International Trade Week (ITW) is back, taking place from Monday, 11th - Friday, 15th November 2024.Led by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), sponsored by Santander and in partnership with industry, ITW will feature five action-packed days of events, workshops and webinars - all free to attend.Whether you’re looking to secure your first export contract or expand your existing international sales, ITW will have something for you.  The week’s activities are for UK companies...

OCTOBER NETWORKING MEETING AT LANCHESTER GARDEN CENTRE

What a morning!Thank you to everyone who came along to our October networking meeting at Lanchester Garden Centre.Big shout out to Joanne Fowler for the freebie’s and for giving us an insight into the amazing products and services available through Bunzl UK and Ireland. And to Sharron Harrison from Robson Print Ltd for the branded 2025 calendars!  Christmas came early at DBN 🎄Last but not least to Barrie McDermid who came along with his video camera to record a series of mini reals wit...