DBN : meet the owners of amazing small businesses

“Relax – it’s taken care of…” Melanie meets Cathy Chapman, Travel Counsellor

In this DBN podcast Cathy discusses her career journey into self employment using the skills and knowledge she gained in the travel industry over many years.

 

Cathy started her career in the travel industry, left to raise a family and enjoyed a long career as a secondary school teacher before returning to the travel sector again.

 

From personal travel support to film stars to arranging family holidays and business trips, Cathy is a one-stop travel service. Cathy chats about the importance of customer service, value for money and why men seem to need more support on business trips than women!

 

www.facebook.com/cathychapmanTC/

 

Royalty free music by Bensound.

Will Carter discusses the opportunities for people with hidden disabilities to build a successful business

What do you do with a diagnosis of autism? In Will’s case you turn your meticulous attention to detail, design and woodworking skills into a business. In this candid chat with Melanie Cant of DBN, Will discusses the challenges of charging a fair price, managing customer expectations, finding business partners and why organisations should think outside the box and offer more opportunities for skilled people with hidden disabilities.

 

You can see Will at work on his YouTube channel here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ8KlVrFSiJDMgqRReMs5AQ/featured

 

Royalty free music by Bensound.

Liz Peart of Beamish Museum discusses the challenges and opportunities for major visitor attractions in 2021

What happens when one of the North East's biggest and most iconic visitor attractions has to close its doors during a pandemic?

Liz Peart of Beamish Museum chats with Melanie Cant of DBN on the impact of the covid crisis on the museum, how it is reopening, expanding and how the crisis has been met with resilience and innovation.

Liz also discusses how businesses can work in partnership with the Museum and the many health benefits associated with visiting their extensive open-air site.

Royalty free music by Bensound.

 

 

DBN goes to Los Angeles (part 1) with Lisa Doctor and Kevin Brewerton

Business networking is all about meeting people and hearing their stories. DBN loves to push traditional networking boundaries and at a recent DBN After Dark event we were delighted to introduce Lisa and Kevin in LA to a group of businesses owners in the North East of England.

In a wide-ranging and unscripted discussion Kevin told us about his journey of self-discovery that took him from Newcastle upon Tyne to LA and Lisa discusses the industry that we call Hollywood, its ageism, the "me too" movement, how profit can sometimes overcome art and the pure joy of writing.

It was a truly fascinating discussion. In part two, Lisa and Kevin will switch roles and interview our business owners. Coming soon!

Royalty free music from Bensound.

 

John Atkinson of NBSL update on the North East Support Fund 2021

John Atkinson of NBSL gives us an update on the North East Support Fund and shares some top tips to help you to get your grant application right - first time!

Royalty free music from Bensound.

 

Meet Jane Anderson and find out why our surroundings make us more or less productive

In this DBN podcast, Melanie chats with Dr Jane Anderson about the fascinating but often overlooked science of our working environment and how it can affect our mood, creativity and productivity levels. Jane also discusses some simple measures we can all take to create a working environment that works better for us.

 

Royalty free music from BENSOUND.

Starting a small business in a pandemic? Meet Alison Dore of Hello Friday.

Is there ever a perfect time to start a new business venture? In this podcast Melanie chats with Alison Dore of Hello Friday about here career journey, why being a second choice for a job wasn't important and about taking that leap into self employment.

 

Royalty free music from Bensound.

Meet Phil Benton, Photographer and how his business helped him to overcome disability

In this DBN podcast Melanie chats with inspirational Phil Benton whose long battle with M.E. resulted in him setting up his award-winning photography business and how darts and golf all played their part in his business journey.

 

Royalty free music from BENSOUND.

Meet Peter Jackson, author of Legions of the Moon

In this DBN podcast Melanie chats with Peter Jackson about how his love of history and a successful career in journalism led to the publication of his first novel, Legions of the Moon set in Roman Britain.

 

Royalty free music from BENSOUND.

What's your legacy? Meet Jan Cook of Jan Cook Wills and Trusts

In this podcast, Melanie chats with Jan Cook of Jan Cook Wills and Trusts about her career in further education, why early retirement isn't for everyone, how a brand new career was launched, the importance of legacy planning, business networking and how technology and a global pandemic are opening new doors.

 

Royalty free music from Bensound.