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SOMETHING WORTH SCREAMING ABOUT!

We are thrilled to learn that Niall McKay-Mount at Screaming Chimp Chilli Sauce Company has received his USA trademarks!Congratulations Niall, we are so excited to see where this next chapter of your business journey takes you. Stay Sauceome!Check out what Niall is up to on socials:FacebookInstagramLinkedIn...

DURHAM MEET THE BUYERS 2024

The event takes place at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield on Tuesday, 21st May 2024.  This event is aimed at the Visitor Economy and Hospitality industry.  The event is a great opportunity for buyers to meet relevant suppliers in the County Durham area, save time and hassle and to drive out supply chain costs by working with local suppliers. The day is filled with one-to-one appointments between buyers and local suppliers.  We pre-arrange these meetings to avoid any wasted time...

DISCOVER HOW TO SIMPLIFY WORK-LIFE BALANCE FOR YOUR TEAM!

With your team at the heart of your organisation, ensuring their well-being is a top priority.  But in today's evolving business landscape, how can you help them maintain a healthy work-life balance? Learn what you can do to promote a healthy work-life balance for your team to drive down sickness absence, spark loyalty and boost productivity with UMi Makes it Easy... to Find the Right Work-life Balance for Your Team hosted by Fraser Kennedy from Croner. &n...

NEW DBN MEMBER: WELCOME CLARE DAVIS TRAVEL COUNSELLOR

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Clare Davis 👋 Clare is a Travel Counsellor who assists with both leisure and business travel. We know that Clare has already helped some of our network members with travel plans and we've had some great feedback.I you haven't already met Clare at one of our meetings please look out for her and introduce yourself. We'll be recording a podcast with Clare early next month so that you can listen to find out more about her services.Connect on Linkedin: Clare Davis...

SEPTEMBER MEETING CONFIRMED FOR BEAMISH MUSEUM

We are thrilled to announce that our September meeting has been confirmed at Beamish Museum!This networking meeting is a joint event with Beamish and the Beamish Business Friends! Time – 9.30-9.45 arrival at entrance. 9.45 walk to the Welfare Hall10am -Tea/Coffee and biscuits on arrival10am to 11am networking11am Industrial Workwear Talk11.15am Beamish Talk11.30 New exhibit tour: Electrical Repair Shop, Toy Shop & Record Bar.12.15/30 close.More information will be released closer to the ti...

OUR MAY MEETING IS AT DERWENT RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB

Our May meeting is at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club.Date & time: Tuesday, 21st May 2024 - 8:30-10:30Venue Address: Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club, Blanchland, Consett,County Durham, DH8 9PT.BOOK HEREThere is plenty of free parking at the front of the sailing club (around 60 spaces in total).We will be meeting in the main club house.Please note that we are anticipating this event to be busy so please book early. You won't be disappointed!We look forward to seeing you there.Melanie ...

FOUND

Imagine taking your social content and publishing it into beautiful, unique, printed books within 8 weeks.Found specialise in doing exactly that and they don’t stop there. They also design and produce stunning products that will compliment your content perfectly.Find out more via their website - https://found.us/ or email harry.collinson@wttb.co.ukAny topic. Any hobby. Any interest. By anyone, for everyone....

ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS

Barrie is based in Lanchester and reached out to Melanie as he's looking for small business owners to feature in his podcast.He'll be coming along to our May meeting to introduce himself and to tell us more about the projects hes working on.Interested? Pop along to our May meeting to meet Barrie....

APRIL NETWORKING MEETING AT DERWENTSIDE COLLEGE

We had a fantastic turn out at todays networking meeting at Derwentside College.Thank you to Rob Richardson from Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club for giving us an insight into the club and telling us about their upcoming open day on 1st June.  We are also thrilled to confirm that our May networking meeting will be held at the sailing club! You can book your place HEREIt was also lovely to see so many new faces today.  If anyone is interested in finding out more about becoming a DBN membe...

SUPPORTING YOU TO GET YOUR NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE RIGHT

HMRC are working with stakeholders in the North East area to provide information and guidance to support employers with getting NMW right and workers to check they are being paid correctly.  Employers can find more information by clicking here.It’s important for worker’s to check they are being paid correctly.  There is more information to support getting the correct pay here. Spotting NMW mistakes  At the end of May, HMRC will send an educational letter to...

NEW PODCAST: MEET ROB RICHARDSON FROM DERWENT RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB

In this episode Melanie talks to Rob Richardson, Club Manager at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Consett, the sailing club has lots of water sports to offer. Rob talks about his plans for the club, membership options, their open day in June and how DBN members can get involved.Listen to the Podcast HEREFollow DRSC on:LinkedInFacebookInstagram...

LATEST EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES FOR 2024!

As we roll on through 2024, it's crucial for HR professionals to stay updated on the latest employment law changes as they carry significant implications for businesses across various sectors. Here, UMi Partner Croner explains the confirmed legal changes that will impact all businesses as they come into effect. Some confirmed changes are: Updates to flexible working requests.Introduction of the right to take carer’s leave.Revised...

FREE CLIMATE ACTION WORKSHOP

The Derwent Valley Partnership is working with the Durham Climate Fresk Facilitators to offer a FREE Climate Action Workshop for local residents, partners and communities. Through a series of interactive activities, the workshop will explore the science behind climate change, and the things that we can do individually, and collectively, to help our environment. Our FREE Climate Action Workshop will be taking place on Wednesday, 17th April 2024, 1pm-4pm at St Patrick’s Church Hal...

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Industrial Workwear Limited proudly announces their 25th year anniversary, marking a quarter of a century of commitment to quality and innovation in the workwear industry.Formed as a family company in 1999, Industrial Workwear Limited based in Consett, Co Durham, has been dedicated to providing top quality workwear, uniform and PPE solutions, serving as a trusted partner for countless companies across the UK and beyond.Looking ahead, Industrial Workwear remains steadfast in its commitment t...

STAY INFORMED: KEY EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES FOR APRIL 2024!

As the employment law landscape continues to evolve, employers face a raft of new legislation changes set to come into effect in 2024. From amendments to the Equality Act 2010 to adjustments in the minimum wage and holiday pay regulations, staying informed about these developments is crucial for business. Here, UMi Partner Croner explores the  key upcoming changes and their potential impact. Some confirmed changes are: Working time and holiday - ...

THE CLARITY QUEST™ DAYDREAM AND DOODLE DAY

Invest in an immersive, impactful and transformational VIP in-person experience, limited to 10 participants.  A fun and life-changing day dedicated to daydreaming and doodling, focused on overcoming roadblocks, self-development and business growth.Ann English will be your coach as she guide you and a small group of trailblazers through Waypoint 1 in IdeasBook.  Clarify your big ideas, goals and dreams, along with what is stopping you from moving forward, so you can take impac...

NEW PODCAST: MEET ANTHONY CUNNINGHAM FROM CW FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Meet Anthony Cunningham, owner at CW Financial Management in Stanley, Co Durham.Anthony started his business in November 2023 and talks to Melanie about what inspired him to go self employed, the drive behind his passion for helping people plan for their future and the services available through his business.Listen the the podcast HEREConnect with Anthony on LinkedIn...

NEW PODCAST: MEET MICHELLE SPINKS FROM FLEET RECRUITMENT

In this episode Michelle Spinks from Fleet Recruitment talks to Melanie about reasons why an employer may decide to outsource their hiring process and highlights the main benefits that a recruitment agency provides to a businesses.Listen to podcast HEREConnect with Michelle on LinkedIn HERE...

UNLOCK THE POWER OF AI FOR YOUR BUSINESS WITH UMi! WATCH NOW!

Whether you find the potential of AI exciting or a bit scary, one thing is for sure: it’s becoming more ingrained in our lives and businesses, so we’re going to have to learn to work with it. To find out more about the AI tools available, how to use them, and how to minimise risk, watch our recent UMi Makes it Easy to Unlock the Power of AI for your Business with Salvia Mirza from Resonant Consulting. Salvia will cover key topics such as...

DURHAM COFFEE - INTRODUCING OUR NEW CHARITY COFFEE

HELLO fellow coffee lovers!We have just launched our brand new Limited Edition Charity Coffee and we're excited to tell you all about it!Our new coffee is a delightful fully washed bean from Rwamatamu Coffee in Rwanda and will be supporting the Oasis Community Housing charity.Oasis Community Housing are a homelessness charity working across the North East of England.  They believe everyone facing homelessness deserves a hope and a future.  Helping mor...

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND TRADE (DBT) AND NORTHERN POWERHOUSE NEWS

Exporter Spotlight: ICC SolutionsWe caught up with Business Development Manager Liz Conroy to talk about the support the company has received from DBT, including becoming an Northern Powerhouse Export Champion.  Find out more on how they have unlocked opportunities in the USA, Canada and many more, with 84% of the company’s turnover attributed to exporting.  Click here to find out more.North Innovation Women 2024: Women in the SpotlightDace Dizma-Jones is the next woma...

THE WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL NETWORKING (WIN) PROGRAMME COMPLETES FIRST EVER TRADE MISSION

A dozen women from the North’s most innovative businesses have conducted their first ever international trade mission to trigger American demand for their products and services, generating economic growth in the region.The WIN Programme is a new DBT initiative designed to modernise trade in the UK and accelerate economic growth across the country.  It aims to increase the participation of women-owned and women-led businesses in international trade by providing a collaborative and supporti...

PHIL'S COMEDY GIG FOR CHARITY

DBN member Phil Benton is joining other NE business owners to deliver a fun comedy night to raise money for True Colours Theatre.Phil recently completed a 'Confidence through Comedy' course delivered by Alfie Joey and Cal Halbert in February this year. The course was designed to help people develop public speaking skills though comedy.At the end of the course Phil and twelve others delivered a stand up routine for over 5 minutes each in front of a paying audience!Phil said, "I challenged myself ...

NEW MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Helene Castel from Inspirations by LN.Helene is a freelance design consultant who helps businesses in the health & wellness, and wedding industry elevate their online presence. Creating branding, digital materials and websites (templates or custom made).Please connect with Helene on LinkedIn and make a point of saying hello at our networking meetings.Melanie & David...

DURHAM CRICKET WITH RTC NORTH

We had a fantastic morning at Durham Cricket this week.Thank you to Lesley Hawke and Graham Stafford from RTC North for partnering with us to deliver a morning of networking and learning!  Also, thanks to Paul and John from Better Brand Agency who successfully got us all thinking about our brand strategy and what sets us apart from our competitors.We'd also like to say thank you to Mary Jallow and Michelle Spinks from Utility Warehouse for delivering their pres...