Back to Blog

SECURE START-UP FINANCE WITH EASE - UMi

Starting a business is tough, especially when it feels like securing funding is the biggest hurdle standing in your way.  But what if we told you there are practical finance options specifically designed to help businesses like yours succeed? Join Vicky Mears and Shaun Fooy from British Business Bank on Tuesday, 15th April 2025 at 10:00 for Episode 6 of our Get Funding Webinar Series: Get Start-up Finance: Making it easier to start your business. What you’ll ...

OUR FOUR-WEEK BUSINESS GROWTH CHALLENGE KICKS OFF NEXT WEEK - ARE YOU IN?

Sound exciting?  Well then, you need to get signed up for the UK Export Academy's free Business Growth Challenge which kicks off next Friday (4th April 2025).What will you get out of the challenge?Get the skills you need to win new business deals overseasLearn how to write a business plan and strategy to grow your business in overseas marketsHear hints, techniques and tricks to market your business to a global audience successfullyExplore each event on offer below - you can book all fo...

EMPOWERING WOMEN FOR GLOBAL GROWTH!

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invites you to join this free event, designed to give you the tools and confidence to succeed in international markets.Why attend?Inspiration: Learn from the experiences of successful women in international trade.Networking: Connect with peers and experienced professionals.Knowledge: Hear the latest on global economic trends.Support: Discover the support available from the Department for Business and Trade.Expo and One-to-One Zones:...

EXCITING CHANGES AND SPECIAL OFFERS AT USHAW!

Big things are happening this month!  The William Allen Gallery is undergoing major improvements, promising an even more inspiring space to explore.Looking for the perfect gift?  Our Mother’s Day Special Offer is here to make her day extra special!  Plus, don’t forget to check out our new Digital Guide, designed to enrich your visit with fascinating stories at your fingertips.Read on to discover what’s in store at Ushaw!...

EXPLORE WHY THE USE COULD BE A GREAT MARKET FOR YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW ChatGPT CAN HELP YOU GROW

Here at the UK Export Academy, we've got two upcoming webinars devoted to helping you understand the opportunities that exist for you to take your technology business to global heights....

DISCOVER THE SUPPORT AVAILABLE IN YOUR ARE TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS OVERSEAS

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invites you to join the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshow, coming to Darlington and Newcastle later this month.Each with a different programme, specific to the area, the events are designed to equip you with the tools to start exporting or build on your existing international presence.You will hear inspiring stories from goods and services businesses, local business support organisations and UK Government representatives to help you navigate y...

10 Years of David: The DBN Legend!

Hip hip hooray for David Kelly's 10th anniversary at Do Business Network!David, seriously, what would we do? Chief bell ringer, lanyard wrangler, list-making wizard, email ninja, friendly face, buttie boss, and Melanie's guiding star – you do it all!DBN wouldn't be half as fun (or organized!) without you. Thanks a million for everything.Cheers, The Do Business Network Team ...

History & Networking: A Perfect Morning at Ushaw!

This morning, Do Business Network experienced the magic of Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens! The sun was shining, the coffee was flowing, and the connections were strong. A massive thank you to Hannah, Andy, and Lucy for their incredible hospitality and the fascinating tour of Ushaw's historic library. And of course, to Phil and Chris from 121 Business Links for the perfect start to the day with their sponsored breakfast!We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces and welcome new mem...

UK TECH SHOWCASE AT LONDON TECH WEEK 2025

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is looking for the UK’s best and brightest tech companies to be a part of our UK Technology Showcase at London Tech Week 2025 (9th-13th June).London Tech Week is the UK’s largest and most influential tech event.  As a global celebration of tech, it unites the most innovative thinkers and talent of tomorrow in a week-long festival, with over 45,000 attendees at last year’s main event at Kensington Olympia.DBT is recruiting best-in-class ...

EXCITING NEWS: OUR WOODLAND'S NEW NAME!

Spring is in the air, and with it comes exciting news.  From the unveiling of Avery Wood - a name chosen with deep personal meaning - to a thrilling Easter holiday lineup, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.This month, we’re also counting down to the arrival of The Discovery of Birds, a fascinating exhibition showcasing the beauty of bird art and ornithology.Read on to discover what’s in store at Ushaw!...

DBN BUSINSS BOOST SUCCESS: TAX, VIDEO, AI EXPERTISE SHARED

On February 27th, we hosted a fantastic DBN Business Boost event at Beamish Park Golf Club! 20 local business owners joined us for a morning of invaluable insights and networking.We were privileged to have three exceptional guest speakers:Tom and Ryan from KL Accountants provided crucial tax advice, helping attendees navigate the complexities of business finance.James Ibbotson from Visual Punch shared expert tips on creating engaging video content, a must-have in today's digital landscape.Pascal...

MADE IN THE UK, SOLD TO THE WORLD ROADSHOWS

The Department for Business and Trade is launching a nationwide series of Roadshows designed to facilitate world-class conversations and create quality connections.  These events will equip your business with the tools and confidence needed to fast-track your global growth in international markets and the opportunity to connect with buyers and commercial officers from across the world.Six unmissable events across the UK: Northern England Roadshow (Monday, 24th April 2025) - Clean Energ...

UNLOCK INVESTMENT CAPITAL FOR GROWTH

Investors look for clear growth potential, but without the right strategy or connections, attracting funding can be tough. Join Charlotte Scott from Innovation SuperNetwork and Jane Siddle, NEL Fund Manager on Thursday, 20th March 2025 10am for Episode 5 of our Get Funding Webinar Series: Get Investment Capital: Making it easier to kick-start your next phase of growth. Why you should attend:  Expert insights on securing investment capit...

SCAM WARNING!

I am writing to alert you to recent reports we have received about businesses in County Durham being targeted by unsolicited cold callers offering to provide tarmac, gravel or road planning to car parks or hard standing areas. Businesses are told that the trader has materials leftover from a job nearby, which can be used for free or at a low cost.  However, it is alleged that once the materials have been delivered, and the work carried out, the business is presented with an invoice for...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE (DBT) NORTH OF ENGLAND NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2025

We are pleased to share some great highlights this month.At the end of March we are bringing you even more business growth support services to your doorstep with our Made in the UK, Sold to the World roadshow coming to Darlington, Newcastle, St Helens and Wakefield.This is your last chance to register for the Indo-Pacific Roadshow in Leeds next week.Don't miss out, there is still time to enter your business in the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, but hurry,...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - LET'S TALK CYBER!

Cyber security needn’t be a daunting challenge for small businesses.  You can protect your organisation, whatever its size, against the most common cyber threats.  The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) offers essential guidance, tools and services to help you protect yourself.  As the national technical authority for cyber threats, the NCSC is dedicated to making the UK the safest place to live and work online.  Good cyber security keeps your ...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - YOUR VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE!

In February, we sent you guidance on finance and export controls to help grow your business at home and abroad safely and securely. We are inviting you to take part in a short interview for your views on the guidance and your business experiences relating to security issues more generally.  Interviews will run from Wednesday, 5th to Friday, 14 March 2025.  The interview will last no more than 30 minutes.  All responses will be anonymous.&nbs...

THE LATEST USHAW NEWS

Thursday, 13th March 2025, 13:00-16:00Take part in engaging activities, including a tour of Ushaw’s magnificent chapels, a walk through our wonderful gardens, opportunities to talk with our friendly and welcoming volunteer team, try book/textile conservation with our heritage team and get crafty with our engagement team.More information can be found here....

NETWORKING AT USHAW

We are thrilled to be back at Ushaw College next month and we are looking forward to introducing Hannah Bryan who is the new Development Manager at Ushaw.This time the meeting will be held in the beautiful Francis Thompson Room.  Fun fact - Francis Joseph Thompson was an English poet and Catholic mystic.  He studied at Ushaw College for seven years from 1870 to 1877 and it was at Ushaw that Thompson first began writing poetry.You'll have plenty of time to network, m...

NEW PODCAST: Meet Ryan Dodd, Director at KL Accountants

Meet Ryan Dodd, Director at KL Accountants in Consett.In this podcast Melanie and Ryan talk about some of the FAQ's he gets asked off clients including, when should you think about changing to a Limited Company, Tax Planning, Accounting Software and how easy it it to move to a new accountant.Follow this link to listen to this Podcast.You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn HEREFollow KL Accountants on Facebook HEREWebsite: https://www.klaccountants.co.uk/...

FEBRUARY MEETING AT WE ARE UMi

A huge thank you to the team at We Are UMi for hosting our networking meeting this morning and for a delicious breakfast! Julie Cuthbertson, Strategic Projects Director at UMi delivered a really interesting workshop on ‘How to Get Funding’ - a topic that is often raised by DBN members so it was good to get some clarity.It was also lovely to see Ruth Jacobs from Jacwicks Designs who recently won Best Product Home and Gifts 2025 for her Pocket Perch Seat Mat at Scotland's Trade Fairs Spring 20...

UNLOCK THE SECRETS OF PROPERTY FINANCE

Are you looking to expand your workspace or establish a new business location, but finding the funding difficult to secure?  You’re not alone -many businesses face this challenge. That’s why we’ve created this webinar specifically for business owners like you, who want to grow but need the right support to make it happen. Join Gemma Wright from Reward Funding and Eugene Taylor from NatWest on Thursday, March 6th 2025 at 10 AM for Episode 4 of our&nbs...

DISCOVER WHAT'S NEW AT USHAW! EXCITING UPDATES!

This year, discover the beauty of nature, nostalgia, and the mysterious with our exhibitions programme.  From The Discovery of Birds to the enchanting Ladybird Book Artists, the eerie world of Lafcadio Hearn – Kwaidan, and the stunning Tom Hume: Retrospective.What's on in Events!What's on in Exhibitions!Entry to all exhibitions free for members.  Become a member here!...

2025 SELECTUSA UK TECH TRADE MISSION - MAY 2025

Is your tech company ready to do business in the States?  The UK's Department for Business and Trade invites you to apply for a Technology Trade Mission anchored around the SelectUSA Investment Summit.  The trade mission will take a select cohort of UK technology companies to the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC with optional two-day "mini-missions" to New York and/or San Francisco in May 2025.About the mission:Our trade mission offers a unique opportunity to exp...

WANT THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS BEHIND SCALING UP YOUR BUSINESS?

This March, are you looking to give your business a spring-clean?  Or, are you looking to boost your business' reach in the UK market?Then you won't want to miss out on our brand-new Fuel your Business Growth webinar series!From Wednesday, 5th March to Wednesday, 30th April 2025 we'll provide you with the knowledge you need to grow your business, upskill your team, and increase your profits by reaching more customers across the UK.Why should you join our Fuel your Busine...