DBN : meet the owners of amazing small businesses

Meet Stephen Marshall, Director at 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. 

Meet Stephen Clark, Partner at Johnson Clark Building 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.

Meet Donna Liddle from The Genuine Connection

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.

Meet Clare Davis, Travel Counsellor.

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.

Meet Helen Castel from LN Digital Creator

In this episode Melanie talks to Helen Castel, business owner at LN Digital Creator.

Helene first attended a DBN meeting in January and hasn't missed a meeting since!

She started her business at the turn of the year after working in corporate all her life. Her main focus and passion is website design although she does offer additional digital marketing support to her clients. Helene's native tongue is French which allows her to offer her services in French and English.

Meet Anthony Cunningham from CW Financial Management

Meet Anthony Cunningham, owner at CW Financial Management in Stanley, Co Durham.

Anthony started his business in November 2023 and talks to Melanie about what inspired him to go self employed, the drive behind his passion for helping people plan for their future and the services available through his business.

 

 

 

Meet Rob Richardson from Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club

In this episode Melanie talks to Rob Richardson, Club Manager at Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club. Probably one of the best kept secrets in Consett, the sailing club has lots of water sports to offer. Rob talks about his plans for the club, membership options, their open day in June and how DBN members can get involved.

Meet Michelle Spinks from Fleet Recruitment Ltd

Michelle Spinks talks to Melanie Cant at DBN about the reasons why an employer may decide to outsource their hiring process and highlights the main benefits that a recruitment agency provides to a businesses.

Meet Olivia Willmore, Development and Fundraising Manager at Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens.

In this episode Melanie welcomes Ushaw Historic House, Chapel and Gardens to DBN.

Ushaw’s history is tied to the development and growth of Christianity in the region. Beginning over a millenium ago with St Aiden in Lindisfarne.

Olivia talks to Melanie about Ushaws rich history, the charity it is today and what plans they have in store for the future. 

Meet Keiron & Craig from Walk and Talk Trust

New DBN members Keiron & Craig from Walk & Talk Trust talk about their new project Heritage 100.

The charity is looking to help fund the establishment of a series of walks spanning the region, to be known as the Heritage 100. These short walks will encourage people to explore the region and gain a wider awareness of its wonderful countryside, its history and heritage. Families will be able to walk together in new places and discover some of the treasures that exist "on their doorstep". This in turn will encourage business opportunities in Co Durham and the wider community.