DBN : meet the owners of amazing small businesses

In this episode, we are joined by Pascal Fintoni, a professional advisor and author with 30 years of experience in digital marketing and business development.

Pascal’s career began in the mid-1990s, managing multi-channel campaigns for a national holiday company before transitioning into digital transformation training. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer at The Centre for eBusiness for the UK government’s Regional Development Agency, where he led national and international funded programmes.

Today, Pascal provides training and consultancy for director teams and small businesses. Since February 2023, he has integrated Artificial Intelligence into his service delivery, hosting executive briefings and AI conferences. Having reviewed over 400 online solutions and published his first book, WebProud, in December 2024, Pascal joins us to discuss the 5-step roadmap to website management and why he views AI through the lens of 'the art of the possible.'

We discuss his three decades of experience and his transition from a digital practitioner to a consultant helping businesses navigate the current AI landscape.

In this episode, we are joined by Pascal Fintoni, a professional advisor and author with 30 years of experience in digital marketing and business development.

Pascal’s career began in the mid-1990s, managing multi-channel campaigns for a national holiday company before transitioning into digital transformation training. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer at The Centre for eBusiness for the UK government’s Regional Development Agency, where he led national and international funded programmes.

Today, Pascal provides training and consultancy for director teams and small businesses. Since February 2023, he has integrated Artificial Intelligence into his service delivery, hosting executive briefings and AI conferences. Having reviewed over 400 online solutions and published his first book, WebProud, in December 2024, Pascal joins us to discuss the 5-step roadmap to website management and why he views AI through the lens of 'the art of the possible.'

We discuss his three decades of experience and his transition from a digital practitioner to a consultant helping businesses navigate the current AI landscape.

In this episode Melanie talks to Kris Kennedy, Secretary at Consett District Golf Club, who gives us a fascinating insight into his vital role at the club, its rich heritage, and the stunning grounds, which he affectionately refers to as the "beautiful fairways." We explore what makes this club a true local fixture, from its delicious food and drink offerings at the clubhouse/café, aptly named The View, to their exciting new cutting-edge facility, the Blast Furnase swing room—a clever nod to Consett's industrial steelwork history. Join us as Kris shares the drive and dedication behind this fantastic local institution.

Welcome to the Do Business Network podcast! In this podcast we are pleased to introduce an organisation making a significant difference right here in the community.

Melanie Cant from Do Business Network talks to Tori Bradison from Northern Cancer Voices. Tori will share how Northern Cancer Voices is a group dedicated to ensuring that the experiences and feedback of cancer patients and their families directly shape local cancer services. The episode will explore how their diverse team contributes to improvements, how their local support informs broader advocacy, and the important message they share for anyone affected by cancer. Tune in to understand the impact Northern Cancer Voices is making and their vision for the future of cancer care in the region.

Meet Carol Smith from Simply Support Mentoring. In this DBN podcast episode we explore the heart behind her business, her distinct philosophy of mentoring, and the real-life journeys her clients undertake. Carol also shares what she finds most rewarding about her work, and offers crucial advice for anyone looking to connect with a mentor for the very first time. Let's begin this inspiring chat!

Meet Ryan Dodd, Director at KL Accountants in Consett.

In this podcast Melanie and Ryan talk about some of the most frequent asked questions he gets asked off clients including, when should you think about changing to a Limited Company, Tax Planning, Accounting Software and how easy it it to move to a new accountant.

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. 

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.

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.

In this episode Melanie talks to Clare Davis who is a Travel Counsellor and DBN member.

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.