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SIGN THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

Armed Forces Covenant Signing Event (for local businesses)Date & Time: Friday, 28th June 2024 at 12:00 Jun 28 2024 Venue: 1-3 Brewery Lane, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE20 9NHThe SME Centre of Excellence invites Ponteland businesses to join us in supporting the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant on 28th June 2024.What is the Armed Forces Covenant?  A voluntary pledge to ensure fair treatment and support for those who serve or have served in the Armed F...

AWARD WINNING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR, STORYTELLER AND TEACHER . . .

Come along for an evening with Adam Bushnell.  Adam will be talking about County Durham Folk Tales.  He will answer questions, sign books and chat.  Check out Adam's website - https://adambushnell.co.uk/ Venue: Consett Golf ClubDate: Thursday, 11th July 2024 - 18:30Cost of entry: £14Buffet includedCharity eventWe don't have physical tickets and need the bookings by 5th July at the latest.Please use reference "Bushnell" for bank transfer.Ms E A Spring - 09-01-28 - 8...

Networking Meeting at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens

Thank you to everyone who came along to Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens for our June networking meeting.A special thank you goes to Co-CEO Lucy Jenkins and Development & Fundraising Manager Olivia Willmore for their hospitality and to Barrie McDermid from About Small Business Podcast for recording mini reels for our members to share on their socials - we look forward to seeing them in the next couple of weeks!Those who stayed back enjoyed Olivias whistle stop tour of the chapels, ...

NEW PODCAST: MEET DONNAL LIDDLE FROM THE GENUINE CONNECTION

In this episode Melanie talks to Donna Liddle from The Genuine Connection about her new business which empowers small business owners to thrive by breaking barriers, embracing authenticity, and achieving personal and professional growth together.Donna is new to DBN, you can connect with her via:FacebookInstagramLinkedInLISTEN HERE ...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE

The Civil Service has now entered the pre-election period.  This will last until the General Election concludes.  During this time there will be restrictions on communications activity and Government social media accounts will be quieter than usual.Regards, Paul Sparks...

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: SAVE 50% ON BUSINESS COACHING ACCREDITATION

Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and transform your organisation? If so, join The Ethical Coaching Company for an IOL-approved Business Coaching Accreditation this June to save over 50% on the programme. The programme provides you with the tools, training, and support needed to become a confident and ethical business coach.  It's the ideal opportunity to invest in yourself or your business leaders and managers by obtaining a formal coaching accre...

LAUNCH OF THE SUNDERLAND BUSINESS SUPPORT FUND (SBSF)

NBSL, in partnership with Sunderland City Council, are delighted to announce the launch of the new Sunderland Business Support Fund (SBSF) thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Please see all the details attached below and at Sunderland Business Support Fund Overview but the key elements of the offer are:Up to 40% funding for projects that cost between £3,000 and £6,000 (VAT costs cannot be funded)Eligible businesses - SMEs based in Sunderland who are planning to grow...

NEW PODCAST: MEET CLARE DAVIS, TRAVEL COUNSELLOR.

In this new podcast episode Melanie Cant talks to Clare Davis who is an independent, self employed Travel Counsellor.Clare has worked in the travel industry for over 20 years so she comes with bags of experience when it comes to assisting you with your travel arrangements. Clare assists with both leisure and business travel and discusses the benefits of booking with a Travel Counsellor rather than a high street chain or online agent.Listen to the podcast HEREConnect on Linkedin: Clare ...

CONSETT AREA NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM - BUSINESS ONLINE CONSULTATION

The role of our Consett Area Neighbourhood Forum is to develop a Neighbourhood Plan for the Consett Area, and then once this is in place,  implement the plan.As part of the drafting of the Neighbourhood Plan, we are consulting businesses, charities and community groups about  how they feel about the area, and how it could be improved for businesses.  A neighbourhood plan can support and make it easier for existing businesses to expand and new businesses to locate in...

DERWENT RESERVOIR SAILING CLUB OPEN DAY

Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club are having an annual open day on Saturday 1st June. Pop along to have a closer look at the range of watersports available.Free entry, hot and cold drinks available. ...

NEW HELP TO GROW MANAGEMENT ESSENTIALS COURSE

UK Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new online training course filled with practical advice and resources for small business leaders.The free short course is an introductory version of the full Help to Grow: Management course to reach even more small businesses.Essentials is the latest addition to the Help to Grow toolkit supporting UK small businesses to scale up and grow.The UK Government has today launched the new Help to Grow: Management Essentials course, a sho...

NEW PODCAST: MEET HELENE CASTEL FROM LN DIGITAL CREATOR

In this episode Melanie talks to Helene Castel, business owner at LN Digital Creator.Helene first attended a DBN meeting in January and hasn't missed a meeting since!She started her business at the turn of the year after working in corporate all her life. Her main focus and passion is website design although she does offer additional digital marketing support to her clients. Helene's native tongue is French which allows her to offer her services in French as well as English.Grab yourself a cuppa...

NEW DBN MEMBER: JUDITH MOHEBBYAN ART

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Judith (Judy) Mohebbyan from Judith Mohebbyan Art.Judith is an abstract fluid artist and sells her art online. She also does commission work for personal spaces and for businesses, creating paintings in their brand colours and style.As well as creating art, she delivers art and well-being workshops, to companies and organisations, as well as support groups.Judith is active on the following social platforms:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judithmohebbyanart/...

WELCOME DONNA LIDDLE FROM THE GENUINE CONNECTION

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Donna Liddle business owner at The Genuine Connection 👋Donna is a Confidante & Coach empowering business owners to grow authentically by nurturing their mental health and guiding them to embrace their true self so that they can cultivate a thriving business aligned with their values and find fulfilment in both their professional and personal lives.I you haven't already met Donna at one of our meetings please look out for her and introduce yourself.  ...

JUNE NETWORKING MEETING CONFIRMED AT USHAW HISTORIC HOUSE, CHAPELS AND GARDENS!

We are thrilled to announce that our June meeting will be held at Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens.For those who haven't been to Ushaw before you're in for a treat! Ushaw’s history is tied to the development and growth of Christianity in our region. Beginning over a millenium ago with St Aiden in Lindisfarne!We are sure that most of our members will have met Olivia Willmore who is Development and Fundraising Manager at Ushaw. She recorded a Podcast with us earlier this year, if y...

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS: FREE EXPERT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT REVIEW

As of April 2024, 10 legislative changes have come into effect, significantly impacting employers' obligations and responsibilities. It's important to stay up to date with these changes to mitigate potential risks to your organisation. Outdated employment contracts pose serious risks, including: Legal issues: non-compliant contracts may result in costly fines and legal repercussions.​Employee dissatisfaction: unclear or outdated terms can create&nbs...

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH HERITAGE 100

This is an amazing opportunity to promote your business while supporting the Heritage 100 project.For more information please contact Keiron Matthew Young on 07584 197 778 or email Keironyoung@walkandtalktrust.co.uk ...

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....