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MELANIE WALKS 20 MILES T0 RAISE MONEY FOR WILLOW BURN HOSPICE

On Saturday, 31th August Melanie participated in the Steel Town 20 walk to raise much needed funds for Willow Burn Hospice and in memory of Gemma Justice.Gemma and her husband Steven were DBN members for a time and continuously supported our meetings with their warm hospitality when we have hosted our networking mornings at the Derwent Walk Pub in Ebchester.After learning about Gemma's passing Melanie thought it would be a nice idea to fundraise in Gemma's name and thought it would be fitting to...

THE USHAW FLOWER FESTIVAL IS BACK NEXT WEEKEND!

DATES: Friday, 6th - Sunday, 8th September 2024A Floral Journey AwaitsWith more than 30 bespoke flower arrangements and installations to go on show in Ushaw’s historic buildings.  This year, flower arrangements have the theme of ‘A Moment in Time’ depicting moments from history; some personal, some national, others international.Event is included with Annual Membership and Day Pass, pre-booking required.Craft Stalls GaloreWe are also hosting a craft and flower market in our stunning R...

DERWENT VALLEY NEWS - REQUEST FOR ARTICLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

The Derwent Valley Partnership is collating articles for its Winter 2024 edition of Derwent Valley News which will be distributed to all households in the Derwent Valley area in November 2024. We are looking for articles from organisations, partners (housing, health, police, fire, CVS) community groups, community partnerships, residents associations, or individual residents on local information from the Derwent Valley area to include in the magazine. Due t...

THE USHAW CLASSIC CAR & BIKE SHOW IS BACK THIS SUNDAY!

DATE & TIME: Sunday, 25th August 2024 - 10:00-16:00What’s better than one Ushaw Classic Car & Bike Show? TWO!On Sunday 25 August from 10:00-16:00, come to Ushaw for a fun-filled day.  As you can enjoy:Hundreds of classic and retro vehicles takeover the stunning estate of UshawFamily-friendly activitiesAutojumble/Trade stallsNorthern Soul DJsDelicious street food and an onsite bar for the dayFurther information here.Included with Annual Membership and Day Pass....

AUGUST NETWORKING MEETING AT CONSETT RUGBY CLUB

It was lovely to see so many of you at our meeting this morning at Consett Rugby Club.Thank you to Stephen Marshall from County Durham Building & Joinery Ltd for being our guest speaker today and delivering an interesting presentation about the construction industry and highlighting examples of his work.Our speed networking went on until way after 11am!  It was great to see you all deep in conversation 😀Our September event is going to be our biggest this year.  A combined meetin...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE - NEWS ROUNDUP

Other news and events from around the networkUnlocking the Potential: Navigating the Energy Storage Landscape in PolandTuesday, 27th August 2024 - 11:00-12:30 BST time (12:00-13:30 Polish time)The Polish Energy Storage Association and the British Embassy in Warsaw invite you to a webinar to gain insights from experts on key issues and developments in Poland's energy storage market.  Participation is free of charge and there will be an opportunity for Q&A with the speakers.Register here....

NEWS AND UPDATES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND TRADE

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds have instructed officials to immediately begin work to align the UK Infrastructure Bank and the British Business Bank under a new National Wealth Fund that will invest in the new industries of the future.Read more here....

NEW MEMBER: WELCOME KL ACCOUNTANTS

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Ryan Dodds and Tom Lee from KL Accountants.KL Accountants are based at Viewpoint in Consett. They are a small team of chartered accountants helping businesses of all sizes to achieve compliance and optimise their tax position.We'll be sharing more about KL Accountants in due course, in the meantime make sure you give them a follow and introduce yourself on their socials below:FacebookLinkedInWebsite: https://www.klaccountants.co.uk/...

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE (DBT)

Discover your business potential in the EUDATE & TIME: Wednesday, 18th September 2024, 09:30-15:00VENUE: Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Pl, Leeds LS1 4BZThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to invite UK companies to an event, supporting new to export and experienced companies in the Consumer Retail supply chain (B2B and B2C) who are targeting the EU. The process of trade with our neighbours in the EU changed post Brexit.  A key objective of this event is to d...

STAY COMPLIANT: FREE CONTRACT & POLICY BOOK + HEALTH & SAFETY CHECK INSIDE

Ensuring your business is legally compliant and safe for your employees is crucial. Our partner, Croner, is dedicated to helping you achieve this effortlessly by offering two invaluable free resources exclusively for Sat Nav Members. The Two Offers Include: FREE Contract, Policy, and Handbook Check Employees are safeguarded by employment law, and it's crucial for your business to be protected as well.  Therefore, Croner is offering a FREE Contract, Policy, and Handb...

The Small Business Podcast featuring DBN member Owen Weightman.

Whether you're feeling stuck in your current career or seeking inspiration to pursue your passions, this episode offers invaluable insights and encouragement. Tune in now and embark on a journey of entrepreneurial fulfilment and life balance with Owen Weightman from 3D Virtual Spaces, exclusively on the 'About Small Business' podcast!...

ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS SHORT REEL

Barrie McDermott from About Small Business Podcast asks Donna:What has been your biggest challenge?What are you most proud of?About Small Business Podcast explores stories of UK small business owners, celebrating successes, learning from mistakes, and providing support and inspiration.For more short reels and stories you can take a look at the ASB YouTube channel HERE...

NEW PODCAST: Meet Stephen Marshall from County Durham Building and Joinery Ltd

In this episode Melanie talks to Stephen about his career to date. At 17 yrs old Stephen joined the army, started college in his 30's to train as a joiner and set up his own business in 2010.Stephen and Melanie also discuss the 'ups and downs' of being a business owner, building industry problems and the importance of apprenticeships in the building industry. Listen to the full podcast HEREConnect with Stephen on LinkedInCounty Durham Building and Joinery Website...

Discover your business potential in the EU

When: Wednesday 18 September 2024, 09:30 - 15:00Where: Irwin Mitchell, 4 Wellington Pl, Leeds LS1 4BZThe Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to invite UK companies to an event, supporting new to export and experienced companies in the Consumer Retail supply chain (B2B and B2C) who are targeting the EU.The process of trade with our neighbours in the EU changed post Brexit. A key objective of this event is to dispel the myths and to support companies in becoming confident onc...

About Small Business Short Reel

Kieron Young, Operations Manager for the Walk and Talk Trust gives a short interview about the Heritage 100 Project.Kieron tells us:What has been his biggest challenge and  what he is particularly proud of?This short reel was created by Barrie McDermott from About Small Business Podcast. About Small Business Podcast explores stories of UK small business owners, celebrating successes, learning from mistakes, and providing support and inspiration.For more short reels and storie...

About Small Business Short Reel

At our June networking meeting Barrie McDermid from About Small Business Podcast came along and created a series of short reels for some of our members.In this reel Barrie interviews Anthony Cunningham from CW Financial Management.The Small Business Podcast explores stories of UK small business owners, celebrating successes, learning from mistakes, and providing support and inspiration. For more short reels and stories you can take a look at their YouTube page HEREConnect with Ant...

ELEVATE YOUR VIDEO CONTENT WITH SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES!

In today’s digital age, creating compelling video content is key to connecting with your audience.  But did you know you could be negatively impacting the environment while doing so?Our latest guide, "How to Be Sustainable When Planning and Producing Video Content," offers essential guidelines on how to create video content sustainably, helping you minimise your carbon footprint without compromising on quality. Here's a sneak peek of what you’ll learn: Planning with ...

Trade Mission to Arab Health 2025

Location: Dubai, UAEDate: 27-31 January 2025The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is pleased to announce that we will be taking a delegation of companies from the English Regions to Arab Health in Dubai, between 27 – 31 January 2025. The Arab Health Exhibition & Congress is the largest event of its kind in the Middle East. Arab Health provides an unrivalled platform for the world's leading hospitals, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to meet the medical and scientific ...

INTRODUCING BUSINESS DURHAM

If you run a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) in County Durham, you likely know how challenging it can be to start and grow your business in today’s complex economic landscape.  You need access to funding, but also tailored business support, skills development, networks and property solutions to really set your enterprise up for sustainable success.That’s where Business Durham comes in.  As Durham County Council’s dedicated business support service, we’re here to help com...

Could you be eligible to start claiming for R&D Tax credits?

Do you work with a company that conducts research that benefits the industry they work in? You could be eligible to start claiming for R&D Tax credits.Worried it's too complicated to submit your evidence? Don't have time to deal with HMRC? Not sure if you qualify at all?Lumo are here to help! Contact DBN member Lee Quarzi for a chat and see how Lumo can make the process a breeze info@lumo.tax - 01207 460616....

Trade Mission to Food & Hospitality China (FHC) 2024

Trade mission to Shanghai from 10 to 14 November 2024. Explore your business' sales potential at one of the premier events for the industry!Why attend?UK food and drink products are recognised for their provenance, heritage, quality and safety, a primary concern for Chinese consumers.With a growing middle class willing to spend more money on quality food from trusted sources, as well as a growing trend to buy imported food and drink products as gifts for Chinese festivals, now is the time to exp...

NEW MEMBER: Welcome Matt Glover from Peak Ridge Ltd.

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Matt Glover from Peak Ridge Ltd.Matt is a returning member after taking a short break from self employment. It's been lovely to see him picking up meetings again this year before rejoining again in June.For those who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Matt yet, Peak Ridge Ltd offers Mobile Application Development - publishing iPhone and iPad apps to the Apple AppStore since 2009.Matt is currently exploring B2B app opportunities as a freelance.Connect with Matt ...

September Networking Meeting set to be our biggest this year!

Our September networking meeting at Beamish Museum is set to be the biggest meeting this year!So far 55 people have booked to attend the DBN / Beamish Business Friends networking event on Tuesday 17th September.It will be a great chance to meet with other local businesses to develop contacts; plus an exciting opportunity to explore the latest 1950s exhibits to open namely the A Reece electrical repair shop, Romer Parrish toyshop and the magnificent Grand Cinema, based on the original building in...

NEW DBN MEMBER: Stephen Marshall from Co Durham Building and Joinery Ltd

Please give a warm DBN welcome to Stephen Marshall.For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Stephen yet, Stephen is Director at County Durham Building and Joinery Ltd, an independent construction company based in Chester-Le Street.Operating since 2010 the company now concentrates on four main areas which are new house builds, extensions, extensive refurbishments and garden rooms and studios.Take a look at his website https://countydurhambuildingandjoinery.co.uk/Connect on Li...

NEW PODCAST: Meet Stephen Clark from JohnsonClark Surveys and Architecture

In this episode Melanie talks to DBN member Stephen Clark from Johnson Clark Building Surveys and Architecture Launched in 2018, JohnsonClark offers a range of surveying and architectural services for residential and commercial clients. Their highly skilled team bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and over 75 years of combined industry experience to each project with a track record of delivering outstanding outcomes to their clients.Listen to Stephens podcast HEREYou can connect with Stephen...