February 2019

 
Looking outside at the sun shining over Portland House, I'm having to stop myself from titling this Spring News!
But still it's February, the month of love and our members have certainly been sharing it, thanks so much for your kind words in the lovely testimonials, they mean so much!
Lots of members news and events below so do read on, and be sure to check out the many upcoming DBC events showcasing the best venues in the region.

Thanks to all who joined us for a fun evening at Crowne Plaza Hotel, fantastic hospitality, food, drinks, Sipsmith Gin School, Landmark Golf competition and thanks also to Kathryn Brocklesby for the music, it helps to have multi-talented members!  

We're back to business next month as Baldwins help us prepare for Making Tax Digital, followed by a networking supper at Emirates Durham. 

 
Happy Networking!
AlisonSig.

    



Alison Gittins
CEO, Durham Business Group
Tel. 0191 3755700 / 07495 395593.
  
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DBC Breakfast @ Bowburn Hall
28th February 2019, 8am - 10am

We invite you to join us for our ever popular informal breakfast networking as we return to another jewel in Ramside Estates crown, the newly refurbished Bowburn Hall Hotel.



DBC returns to Durham County Cricket Club
12th March 2019 - 6pm - 9pm

International cricket isn't the only countdown we'll be hearing about in March - the final countdown is also on to April 2019, when businesses are required to submit their tax information online.  Baldwins Accountants will guide us through the new system and its key implications for you and your business, alongside highlighting the latest opportunities available with cloud accounting.

So, we look forward to an evening of networking, member news, valuable insights, and enjoying supper overlooking the cricket ground, from the Castle View Suite.

All events free to DBC Members, your colleagues & guests
£10 Non Members (max. 2 visits)


Rainbows End launch Emotional 
Wellbeing Handbook
Longstanding Durham Business Club Members Jenny and Elizabeth of Rainbows End Coaching have had some exciting news to share of late. They have launched their Emotional Wellbeing Handbook, 
a collection of some of the very best tools and techniques that they have developed over ten years of working with coaching clients.

Jenny says "The handbook guides the user through a process of reflection, self-discovery, goal setting and action planning. Based on our Rainbow theme it is easy to use, beautiful, simple and highly effective in helping you to make real improvements to your life and your happiness." 
 


 
PROMOTION AT NORTH EAST SOLICITORS
The continued success of DBC member, EMG Solicitors has led to promotion for one of its team.

Andrea Ingledew has taken up the role of Associate Chartered Legal Executive at Durham-based EMG Solicitors, which will see her oversee the legal executive team, along with taking on new responsibilities.

Andrea, from Gateshead, joined EMG, which is based at Abbeywoods Business Park, in 2015, having worked in the legal profession since leaving school.

Previously working as an advocate in criminal law and in the area of personal injury, she joined EMG as a legal executive working with the firm's highly acclaimed Court of Protection team.

EMG HELP RESTAURANT GROUP EXPANSION...

TWO COUNTY Durham restauranteurs have extended their commi tment  to shopping local by using EMG Solicitors  to help drive their plans for growth.
Business partners Patrick Clark and Peter Anglesea successfully set up Flat White Café, their first venture in Durham in 2010, before opening the equally popular Flat White Kitchen three years later.

And now the pair are celebrating their success, after transforming the former New Inn at Church Street into pub bistro, Whitechurch.

Patrick and Peter engaged the services of solicitor Gwen Jones (pictured) of EMG Solicitors at Abbeywood Business Park to help them in the negotiations for the building and transferring the licence.


NORTHERN LAW AWARDS

Celebrating the great wealth of legal talent and success within the region, the Northern Law Awards is the law event for all those practicing and working in the legal industry in the North of England.

Recognising success from across the career span with categories such as Trainee of the Year and Rising Star to Firm of the Year and the Outstanding Achievement, the awards give organisations the perfect opportunity to showcase and celebrate the talent of their firm, colleagues and team.  Nominations open until 1st March 2019.

Alison is honoured to be invited to be part of the judging panel.

 
Sintons appoints new partner and three senior associates




A new partner and three new senior associates have been promoted by law firm
Sintons .
David Ferguson has been made a partner in Sintons in recognition of his work in real estate finance.

David, a highly-respected name in this area of work with over 20 years' experience, has helped to significantly develop Sintons' presence in real estate finance, working closely with the firm's real estate and banking teams to build their reputation even further.

In a further raft of promotions, Paul Collingwood, Lewis Couth and Louise Masters have all been named as senior associates.   Paul is a senior member of Sintons' wills and probate team; Lewis has played a central role in the growth of the firm's dispute resolution department; and Louise is a highly-esteemed specialist matrimonial lawyer.   Read more

 
  CEO Sleepout Durham - Tuesday 30th April 2019

Want to raise awareness of homelessness in Durham?
Want to raise funds for local charities to support homeless people in Durham?
Think you could sleep out in the Cathedral Cloister for one night?
Think you could raise £1,000 for CEO Sleepout?
Want to have great fun while you do?
           
A most rewarding experience and still very proud to have taken part and of all the support in 2017.
Highly recommend! Alison
CELEBRATING THE RELAUNCH OF THE RETREAT
AT REDWORTH HALL

We were delighted to be on the guest list to celebrate the opening of the Retreat, to view the fabulous facilities, following the £2m investment by Cairn Group Hotels.  Featuring a state-of-the-art Technogym, fitness studio, luxurious spa treatment rooms, tranquility room, L'Oreal salon and the show-stopping new lounge, where delicious food is served throughout the day.  We can;t wait to showcase this beautiful addition to the hotel at DBC 9th April.
  
                                     
                                                          photo credit: Living Magazine


Portland House looking good after its makeover! 

We know as well as anyone that you only get one chance to make a fantastic first impression - and by refreshing the paintwork in our reception and meeting rooms we're making sure that what visitors see when they step across the threshold is just as appealing as the warm welcome they already receive from our friendly team.



Remember, we have a bright and airy - and now even brighter -  18-person conference room for hire, as well as our compact six-person meeting room, both available by the hour.
Refreshments are included in the price, and we can organise  other facilities - such as a buffet lunch - for a modest  additional cost, depending on your requirements.
*DBC member discount applies on all Durham Office Services.

The Durham Office Services page of our website gives a handy summary of everything we offer here at Portland House, or give Sarah, Beth or Sue a call on 0191 375 5700 if you have any further questions or would like to make a booking.

Don't forget, if you're passing close to Belmont Business Park, do pop in for a coffee - our door is always open!

 
Durham Office Services provide a range of virtual office services -  call answering,   business address, mail management and administrative support - designed to allow you to focus and concentrate your time and energy  on your business rather than in your business.


With our fantastic team of Sarah, Sue and Beth (pictured) ready to answer calls at Portland House, our telephone answering clients are ensured a friendly and professional service!



  
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In This Issue

DBC logo new 
  
More fantastic new members! 
*Hello* until we officially welcome you at a future club meeting.  
  

DBC logo new
   Business Club Member Testimonial
Preparing your Business for Brexit
Breakfast, Wednesday 27 February 2019 
8 am - 10 am, Xcel Centre
Long Tens Way, Aycliffe Business Park

With the clock ticking towards 29 March 2019 and the terms of the UK's departure from the EU still shrouded in uncertainty, the team at Muckle  LLP  will help you understand more about the post-Brexit legal landscape and the practical steps that you should take to prepare your business for Brexit Britain. Muckle LLP are delighted to bring you this breakfast briefing in collaboration with  Engineering Manufacturing Network.
This breakfast briefing will focus on the implications of Brexit for businesses, the options on the table for the UK and our top tips for Brexit planning.   Read More
Funding Clinic in partnership with Durham Business Group
Portland House, Belmont Business Park, DH1 1TW
8th March 2019 9am - 1pm

NEL's funding clinics are designed to provide you with quick answers to all of your funding queries.
We can talk you through the Small Loan Fund or the Growth Capital Fund, both of which are designed to accelerate the growth potential of established North East businesses.

To secure a 30 minute slot with one of our investment executives who can talk you through your specific business needs and provide you with the information you need to finance your plans for growth
Book Here
 

Employer Voice
Tuesday 5 March, 8am - 10.15am

New College Durham will be hosting an employer networking breakfast on 5th March in partnership with North East England Chamber of Commerce, Business Durham and Durham Business Group. 

With key topics for discussion on topical themes for businesses and what you will need for the future. The college is also hosting a Trade Mission in March which sees international students from across Europe coming together to launch products from their country into international markets, and which will be celebrated at this breakfast event.

The employer networking breakfast will focus on how to understand what your key focus areas are, and your challenges now and in the future.  By working closely with you New College Durham can further tailor our courses to your needs, and ensure they build the workforce of the future.   For more information click here

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  SPECIAL JOINT TICKET OFFER FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2019

Visit Durham University's Botanic Garden and Oriental Museum on the same day. Both attractions are located just a few minutes' walk from each other and offer different and unique experiences: from the natural beauty and fresh air of being outside, to the art and archaeology of the cultures of Northern Africa and Asia. Joint tickets can be bought at either attraction.

Adults £4.50
Concessions £3.25
Children £1.75
Keep your receipt when you purchase this offer and show at the second venue to gain entry.

 


Who is joining Durh am Business Club to cheer on Brian Logan (Baldwins) and Sarah Cooper (Barclays) at Strictly St Cuthbert's Final 2019 � 

Saturday 9th March, 6 pm 'til late at The Lancastrian Suite, Gateshead, NE11 9JR

Ten Couples. Four Judges. One Glitter Ball Trophy 


Join us for a night like no other as you watch 10 local couples dance it out to be crowned Strictly St Cuthbert's champions. VIP guests will enjoy a sparkling drinks reception and a two course meal during the evening's entertainment.

If you can join us email  [email protected]





STEAMD Symposium rolls into the Darlington Hippodrome on 13th March 

Bringing together creative, digital and businesses most influential and innovative minds for a programme full of keynotes, panels and debates.

Sign up if you are a creative SME in Durham and the Tees Valley wanting to network, be inspired and gain valuable advice to help your creative business.   The following link allows DBC members to book for £25 rather than full price of £55  (enter code TVBC) 

GOTTA HAVE FAITH AT THE 2019 LOBSTER BALL
NORTH EAST fans of the late, great George Michael  can relive his greatest solo and Wham! hits at an annual charity event.

O rganisers of the Lobster Ball, held at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, have announced that George Michael tribute, Rob Lamberti, will join the line-up at the popular fundraising event, which takes place on Friday 17 May.
 
And Rob, who has performed as the singer for several decades, is popular not only for his vocal ability, but also his physical likeness to the singer, with the Evening Standard even recently mistaking an image of Rob for the man himself.

Guests at the ball, which raises money for Daisy Chain to help families affected by autism, will also enjoy performances from headline act, The Bootleg Beatles, and vocalist, Diane Shaw.  Read more