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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...

JOIN US AT VENTUREFEST 2025

We’re excited to invite you to VentureFest North East 2025, taking place on Tuesday, 18th March 2025 at the Newcastle Civic Centre for an action-packed day of networking, learning, and innovation!What’s in store for you?  Connect with over 500 SMEs, investors, and innovators. Gain insights from top industry experts sharing valuable knowledge. Engage in hands-on workshops designed to drive your innovation forward. We�...

ONLINE JAPANESE COURSE NOW ON UDEMY!

Building on the success of my YouTube channel, Bocchi & Pocchi: Japanese Learning Adventures, I’ve created a Beginner’s Japanese Course for more comprehensive learning. This visually engaging course is perfect for children, teens, and adults. If you're planning a trip to Japan, you'll also learn practical phrases to use right away!I’m offering an Exclusive 40% Discount for DBN members & friends.Enrol by 7 March 2025 to get 40% off! ...

DBN BUSINESS BOOST WORKSHOPS

The training is aimed at helping SME's and sole traders access knowledge to help them be more productive and grow their business.INTRODUCING THE DBN BUSINESS BOOST WORKSHOP!We have brought together three industry experts in AI, Digital Marketing and Accounting to deliver 3 interactive workshops on Thursday 27th February.The workshops are designed for you to get involved and think about how your new knowledge can implement change in your business be it artificial intelligence,...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - LET'S TALK FINANCE AND EXPORTS!

Thousands of small businesses in the UK are going global and exporting.  The UK government can help and here is a quick overview of guidance and training to grow your business safely and securely. Good security can protect your competitive advantage and make your company more attractive to investors and customers.  Your security officer, IT, finance, legal and chief operating officer may find this information us...

MEMBER FEATURE: 121 BUSINESS LINKS HAVE SECURED A NEW ELECTRICITY CONTRACT FOR TEESSIDE AIRPORT

A new deal has put Teesside Airport in prime position to become the UK’s first operationally Net Zero site before the end of the decade.The new electricity contract with North East firm 121 Business Links will ensure power to the airport is generated from 100% renewable sources.It’s another big step towards meeting the ambition to be the UK’s first operationally Net Zero airport by 2030.Progress is being made on the push at the moment with the airport’s vision for the future in...

ENTER THE MADE IN THE UK, SOLD TO THE WORLD AWARDS 2025

Does your business operate in the Agriculture, Food and Drink sector?Apply for the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards 2025 today.How to enterDownload the offline questions from our website to view and write up your answers before entering on our online submission form.This year we've also given you some top tips to write an excellent entry.Download the questions now.Why you should applyQuick and easy application process through an online form.Get expert guidance to...

WANT HELP AND ADVICE ON THE BEST WAY TO GET YOUR GOODS IN FRONT OF OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS?

Knowing how to physically move your goods across borders to your international in the most efficient and effective way possible can be challenging.That's why throughout February and March, the UK Export Academy are here to help with a series of webinars to help you learn how to move your goods overseas with ease.Scroll down to see the hot topics we'll be covering to help you get the knowledge you need to sell to the world with confidence....

HEAR FROM THE HMTC FOR EUROPE ABOUT THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

We would like to invite you to join us as we explore trading opportunities for your business in Europe, including non-EU countries.  The event will be hosted by His Majesty's Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for Europe Chris Barton, who leads a team in 34 countries across the continent, working to encourage a thriving trade and investment relationship between the UK and other European countries.Reasons to join:Learn about the EU product safety regulatory environment, including CE marking and the G...

INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SUPPORT FOR YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH

We hope you had a great start to the New Year and are looking ahead to 2025 with more international opportunities and business growth for you and your company.We are pleased to share some great highlights including the announcement of the King's 2025 New Years Honours list and the launch of the Made in the UK Sold to the Indo-Pacific Roadshow 2025, along with updates on our latest events, trade missions and international trade news.Read on to find out what’s ...

NORTH DURHAM ACADEMY CAREERS DAY

Well done to DBN members Christine and Peter from Building Self-Belief for supporting the North Durham Academy careers day by bringing together local businesses and individuals to talk to year 10 pupils about their career journey.Melanie Cant (DBN & Elm Marketing Solutions) and Andy Hill (Beamish Park Golf Club) also attended the event. Melanie said, "the kids were amazing and really got involved asking questions.  Many of them don’t know what career path they want to take (not many d...

UNLOCK WORKING CAPITAL FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Join Dean Whitlie, from Lloyds on February the 11th from 10am for Episode 3 of our Get Funding Webinar Series, where you will learn practical strategies to unlock working capital options. In this session you'll learn how to: Maintain cash flow to keep operations running smoothly.Streamline your processes to stay ahead of financial hurdles.Avoid bottlenecks that could slow down your business's growth Don’t miss out – register today and se...

UPCOMING UMi ONLINE EVENTS 2025

Online - Thursday, 6th February 2025 - 10:00-12:00Registration Link.In this webinar we’ll look at what makes a good website and the key elements you should include to elevate your website and make it more effective.By the end of this webinar you will know about:The customer journeyHow to design a winning homepageOptimising for mobileCalls to ActionPage namesGenerating leadsReviews and testimonialsSocial sharingPromotional contentAccessibility...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - LET'S TALK SECURE INNOVATION!

Recognising that startups often have limited time, the UK government’s security experts - National Protective Security Authority and National Cyber Security Centre - have produced Secure Innovation.  The guidance has cost-effective measures to take from day one to better protect your ideas, reputation and future success.Start the new year with resolutions to boost the security of your business!Secure your business and innovation from security r...

OUR FIRST MEETING OF 2025!

Our first networking meeting of 2025 was held at Beamish Park Golf Club, thank you to Andy and his team for looking after us.We discussed training, introduced new members Tori Bradison, James Ibbitson and Allison Dore. Did some speed networking and even participated in a spot of indoor putting ⛳️😆The perfect environment to ‘Do Business’!Make sure you book your place at our next meeting on Tuesday, 18th February at WE ARE UMi  - BOOK HEREIt’s great to be back, let’s work toget...

UNLOCK GRANT FUNDING FOR YOUR PROJECT - HERE'S HOW!

Grant funding can transform your business, fuelling growth, innovation, and productivity.  But with fewer than 10% of applications succeeding, it’s clear the process is challenging.  The good news?  Securing grant funding is a skill that can be learned. Where to StartWith £156bn available annually across 1,700 UK schemes, finding the right grant may seem overwhelming.  UMi’s Funding and Grants Finder simplifies this process, highlighting local and national...

MASTER MOVING YOUR GOODS AROUND THE WORLD WITH OUR FREE WEBINARS!

Secured a new deal and need to know how to get your goods in front of your international customers?Over the next few weeks, here at the UK Export Academy, we are here to help with a range of webinars covering the fundamentals of moving your products from A to B.Explore the topics on offer below and book your place today!Giving you the know-how to move your goods overseas . . ....

OPEN FOR ENTRY: MADE IN THE UK, SOLD TO THE WORLD AWARDS 2025

Do you want to be recognised and celebrated for selling internationally?Apply to any one of the below categories:Advanced Manufacturing & ConstructionAgriculture, Food & Drink  Consultancy & Professional ServicesCreative IndustriesDigital & Technology (new)Education & EdTechFinancial Services & FinTechHealthcareInfrastructure & EngineeringLow Carbon EnergyRetail & Consumer GoodsExport Services (new)What's in it for you?This year we have partnered with Lloyds ...

BUSINESS SECURITY RISKS - WE ARE LISTENING!

The government’s number one priority is to grow the economy and enable businesses to trade safely, securely and flourish.Please complete the short survey to let us know about your business experiences relating to security issues and accessing government security guidance.  Your views are important and will help shape security guidance provided by the UK government to the business community.The survey is in four sections and will take less than 10 minutes to complete.All responses are anon...

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP TO OUR BRAND-NEW FREE HOW TO EXPORT SERIES YET?

Then you need the UK Export Academy's brand-new How-To series to help you!  Our new series will give you the essential knowledge and the confidence you need to grow your sales in overseas markets.The first sessions may have already passed, but if you can't make a session, don't worry!  We will send you the recording to watch back at your leisure.What will you get out of the How To Export series?Learn how to sell overseas for the first time;Gain the confidence you need to...

Catherines Festive Fun Run

On Sunday 15th December DBN Members joined Colin Groves from Sign Design for his 6th and final festive fun run in memory of his late wife Catherine.Colin said, "It was great to have so many friends, family and some business connections there to support us including Moira Barnes ( Moira Barns.com)  Melanie Cant ( DBN & Elm Marketing Solutions)  Ian Worrall-Dutton ( Ian Dutton Designs ) Ian Groves, Jennifer Hartburn ( Harrington Brown Estate Agents ) and Richard Heslop.For CFFR 1-5 w...

GET GRANT READY: SIMPLIFY FUNDING FOR YOUR NEXT BIG PROJECT - JOIN US ON 21st JANUARY 2025!

Ready to Secure Funding for Your Next Big Project? Join Phil Sly, Grant Funding Specialist at UMi on Tuesday, January 21st from 10am for Episode 2 of our Get Funding Webinar Series, where you will learn how to navigate the grant application process with ease. In this session you'll learn: How to find and access the grants you're eligible for. Proven strategies to maximise your chances of success.Practical tips to craft winning applications.  &nbs...

Christmas at Beamish Museum

Thank you Liz Peart and the team at Beamish Museum for inviting us along to the Friends of Beamish Christmas open evening on Saturday.If anyone is looking for an injection of Christmas cheer we’d highly recommend a visit to Beamish!Hot chocolate, Middletons chips, fairground fun, Christmas carols and a trip to Santas grotto was enough to make the Grinch smile 😆👏We are pleased to announce we’ll be back at Beamish next year for more networking, dates will be announced in the New Year �...

ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE & BOOST SALES WITH CONSUMER INSIGHTS

From the creation of your company to scaling it successfully, understanding your customers and meeting their needs is the cornerstone of thriving in today’s competitive market.  Knowing who they are, what they want, and how to serve them effectively can mean the difference between success and failure. Join Elaine Morris for an engaging and FREE online programme designed to help you elevate customer satisfaction and make your business stand out.  Packed with p...

GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUCCESS IN 2025!

Well here at the UK Export Academy, we are here to help you make that goal a reality in 2025, with our brand new How to Export series that covers the fundamentals of selling to the world.  The new series kicks off on Thursday, 9th January, and bookings are now open!What will you get out of the How To Export series?Learn how to navigate international regulations;Learn how to choose the right export markets for your own business; andGet top tips on how to find new int...