Do Business Network - DBN

03/09/2026

Drovers Studio is a DBN Member, please share with anyone who might be interested 😀

03/09/2026

Ann English from Create Intrigue is running her VisualDoodles™ FUNdamentals day retreat on Tuesday 8th September.

Many ideas fall flat when delivered through standard slides, but Ann's VisualDoodles™ course offers an alternative creative service and training approach designed to turn spoken messages into hand-drawn illustrations, roadmaps, and animated promo videos.

The course aims to make visions, missions, and messages both accessible and memorable. For professionals looking to build these skills, the upcoming VisualDoodle™ FUNdamentals course is tailored specifically for creatives, coaches, and changemakers. The training requires no prior artistic experience, relying instead on curiosity and a willingness to play, operating on the premise that anyone who can write can also VisualDoodle™.

Follow the link to find out more: https://www.annenglish.co.uk/visualdoodle-fundamentals-retreat

02/09/2026

Driving Regional Growth:
How Strategic Funding Transforms Local Businesses

When regional businesses get the backing they need, the ripple effects are felt across the entire local economy.

A recent milestone from Renovo Tool Group highlights exactly how targeted investment can accelerate growth, boost productivity, and champion sustainability in manufacturing.

Renovo Tool Group utilised a comprehensive funding package - including support from the Durham Business Growth programme delivered in partnership with UMi, Business Durham, and RTC North, alongside NEL Fund Managers Limited and Reward Funding - to invest in advanced machinery. This upgrade allows them to meet rising demand for their innovative tool refurbishment service, helping manufacturers cut waste, extend tool life, and reduce operational costs.

Read the blog here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/yc375azz

01/09/2026

There's still time to book for our autumn networking meeting next Tuesday for a morning of genuine connections and practical insights.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday 8th September 2026
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Location: Beamish Hall Hotel

Find out more and book your place: https://tinyurl.com/3mws268c

Beamish Hall

26/08/2026

Septembers Guest Speaker:
Gillian Keogh, founder of Gillian Keogh Coaching

At our next meeting on Tuesday, 8th September at Beamish Hall Hotel, our guest speaker for the morning is Gillian Keogh, founder of Gillian Keogh Coaching.

With over 24 years of corporate leadership experience, Gillian works with SMEs and larger organisations to help business owners build sustainable commercial performance and navigate periods of change.

Her session will be full of practical, real-world advice for business owners and teams at any stage of their growth.

Whether you are a long-standing member or a local business looking to visit us as a guest for the first time, it is set to be a highly valuable morning of shared expertise and genuine networking.

Book your place here: https://tinyurl.com/3mws268c

25/08/2026

Paws, Pavement, and Community:
Our Latest DBN Wag and Walk 🐾 🥾

A dedicated group of Do Business Network members recently met to get outdoors, stretch their legs, and enjoy some proper connection during our latest netwalk - or as we love to call it, a wag and walk, complete with a few four-legged friends coming along to join the fun!

You can read all about our netwalk in our blog: https://tinyurl.com/yjfnrcyt

24/08/2026

Online Training : Moving Beyond Random Acts of Marketing

How often do you find yourself posting on social media or sending out an email just because you feel like you should, without a clear idea of where it fits into the bigger picture?

If your marketing feels a bit disjointed, you are definitely not alone. Many business owners pour time and energy into scattered tasks, hoping something will stick.

We are kicking off our upcoming DBN training series with a practical session designed to help you regain control and direction. In Moving Beyond Random Acts of Marketing: Building a Marketing System That Works, Allison Dore from Hello Friday will draw on her extensive industry experience to demonstrate exactly what a connected marketing ecosystem looks like in practice.

Attendees will gain clear, actionable insights into how to build a sustainable system tailored to their business, ensuring every piece of marketing activity serves a clear strategic purpose.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, 24th September 2026
Time: 9:30am to 10:30am
Format: Online via Zoom
Speaker: Allison Dore of Hello Friday (DBN member)
Cost: FREE to DBN Members & Non Members

Find out more and book your free place: https://tinyurl.com/hjke8w8f

21/08/2026

Early-stage funding can be tough to secure when you are trying to get momentum.

Derwentside Enterprise Agency's new "The Real Deal" grant scheme offers up to 50% funding (up to £500) for capital and essential revenue costs for businesses under 12 months old in the former Derwentside area.

I have already helped four local businesses in Consett and Stanley successfully apply and secure funding for their projects.

The funds are limited, so if you are eligible and need help with equipment, tools, or marketing costs, it is worth acting quickly.

Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/yc5bxs33

Melanie

19/08/2026

Let's get back to business.

The summer break is nearly over, and our first autumn networking meeting is just around the corner. Join us on Tuesday 8th September at Beamish Hall Hotel for a morning of genuine connections and practical insights.

Here is what is on the agenda:

• Guest speaker Gillian Keogh from Gillian Keogh Coaching sharing valuable advice
• New member introductions
• Structured speed networking
• Tea, coffee, and a bacon bun

First time at one of our events? We use a friendly lanyard system so everyone knows who our new guests are, ensuring you are welcomed and looked after from the moment you arrive.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday 8th September 2026
Time: 8:30am – 10:30am
Location: Beamish Hall Hotel
Cost: Free for DBN Members | £15 for Non-Members

Find out more and book your place: https://tinyurl.com/3mws268c

Beamish Hall

17/08/2026

Last chance to sign up for our netwalk tomorrow morning.

The forecast is looking dry. It's a great opportunity to get out and connect with other local business owners while getting some fresh air.

If you fancy stepping away from the desk for a couple of hours, we would love for you to join us.

DBN Wag & Walk:
Join Us at the Land of Oak & Iron

Next month we have our annual Wag & Walk - a great opportunity to bring along your four-legged friend for a nice walk and meet other business owners in a more relaxed environment.

We are meeting on Tuesday 18th August at the Land of Oak & Iron in Winlaton Mill for a morning of fresh air, a gentle walk, and good conversation.

You absolutely do not need a dog to come along - everyone is welcome!

Click here for full event details 👉 https://bit.ly/4gO9n45

Land of Oak & Iron