Latest News
Change is on the way......
Northallerton Business Network - the amazing small business community filled with positivity, ideas, support & collaboration
has served it's members well for over 7 years.
After tons of cakes, gallons of cuppas, pizza and even veg straight from the farm (remember that rainy downpour one summer evening?), a treasure trail, a netwalk in the North Yorkshire Moors and visits to numerous hospitality venues across the region ..... a free smile at every event and millions of laughs, it's time for a change in the organising team.
There are exciting plans to drive business networking forward in Northallerton and you can find out more, and register for the launch event, via the new website: https://northallertonbusinessnetwork.co.uk/
We never aspired to be the biggest group - but to be the best business network we could - and in that we succeeded.
We inspired and gave support and energy to each other and that's what made NBN the best business network it could be!
NBN Learning Opportunities. Tell us what you want to learn...
Following a successful funding bid to the Two Ridings Community Fund we will be organising a series of learning opportunities for our members. Online Professional Development ranging from bite-size 30 minute mini-workshops to half day masterclasses. Starting in July 2020.
We'll be sending members a short survey to have their say on what topics would be most relevant and useful as we try to turn our businesses round and recover from the current situation. If the survey hasn't hit your inbox send us an email at northallertonbn@gmail.com
Business network group helping to tackle isolation in North Yorkshire
Northallerton Business Network group is helping local organisations through lockdown by holding regular online Zoom meetings offering business and IT support, digital training, advice, creative ideas, and introductions.
Now, through the support of The Two Ridings Community Fund and the success of its online Zoom meetings, Northallerton Business Network (NBN) is able to provide FREE support and training to local community groups. The group would like to hear from any voluntary sector organisations including community groups, charities, social enterprises, and other types of “not for profit” organisations in the Hambleton region who would be interested in support.
The training is all by telephone or online so can be arranged at a time to suit the needs of your group. It can include use of digital media, online customer care, or digital PR and marketing – anything that helps keep group members social connected.
Throughout lockdown NBN has been holding regular informal get-togethers, usually involving a speaker offering excellent business advice, along with group discussion, anecdotes, and laughter and these have proved to be just the tonic that small businesses need to help steer them through these tricky times.
NBN founder, Gill Carnell, says: “Seldom has there been a time when the ability to run online meetings has been more crucial to communication than right now. So, when Ian Sadler, MD of insight6 North Yorkshire offered to run some free online meetings for us, we jumped at the chance.
“Most of our members were already IT savvy, but some were a little reluctant at first. We wanted to ensure that individuals who were less confident with IT weren’t left behind and were still able to connect and get the support they needed. However, with encouragement and a few pointers they soon realised it was actually quite simple and have really embraced it with enthusiasm. This will also equip them well for the future.
“We are now ready to open up our Zoom Zone to support community groups who themselves often work with individuals who might be vulnerable or isolated. It’s all about exploring alternative ways to start conversations, communicate, bring people together and make a difference.”
Ian Sadler, MD of insight6 North Yorkshire, is passionate about helping businesses owners and managers to focus their teams on creating great experiences for clients says: “I am delighted to help an important business network reach out to individuals as well as the community in my area. Helping others to achieve their best is what I do at insight6, so it makes perfect sense.”
Kate Slater from North Yorkshire-based Kate Slater PR says: “This is a great local business network with a friendly, go-ahead attitude. Their ability and skill in helping people learn more about digital technology and stay connected during lockdown is so impressive. I would urge all community groups in the Hambleton District to get in touch and take up this free offer of online training and support NOW. It will be invaluable now as well as in the future.”
Digital Advantage, the business support project that has helped 100’s of small business in North Yorkshire over the past 3 years, has been relaunched and is again helping sme’s in the county improve business through the adoption of digital technology.
Funded via the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Coventry university based in Scarborough, the project helps businesses improve their on-line offer through workshops and grants. The grant can be used for a variety of consultancy based projects such as: website creation, photography, digital marketing strategies, app development and other digital consultancy projects. The projects need to be a minimum of £2,500 and the grant scheme reimburses 40% of the project costs ie £1,000, up to a maximum grant of £5,000.
The workshops are now being offered via a range of webinars and cover topics such as gaining maximum business benefits from social media and ensuring your digital marketing is results focussed and that your website is pulling in the digital crowds. For further information about the grant or the range of webinar subjects and dates please contact the digital advantage team at digitaladvantage@cueltd.co.uk
Unfortunately due to the changing situation around the COVID-19 Corona-virus we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our networking events which were scheduled to take place in the near future.
Our priority is the safety and well-being of all.
However, we're not going completely silent. We are fortunate to be able to continue to involve and engage with members through our digital online platforms. And so wherever possible we will continue to bring you up to date business news and offer alternative ways for you to get involved and communicate. If you have yet to join the LinkedIn group for Northallerton Business Network and/or follow and engage with us on Twitter use the links in the footer of the website.
We're aware that people may be spending more time indoors than normal and so we'll be promoting a number of opportunities which you can complete at home and online, at a time to suit you.
We're using 'zoom' to offer online opportunities to catch up and engage with existing network members and invited guests.
Our new 'Meet The Members' feature allows one member to be in the spotlight every Monday - learn and share with other members, so we can all help promote each others services and products.
Keep in touch with each other and stay connected!
Suicide Awareness Training
March 2020 was the last in our year long series of 'Self-Care for the Self-employed and Health & Wellbeing in the Workplace' events. All of which were kindly supported by funding from the North Yorkshire County Council Stronger Communities Programme.
Thanks to Lynsey Hodgson who delivered a fabulous Suicide Awareness Training session. It is Lynsey's passion and willingness to bravely share personal experience that made this such a powerful and worthwhile course.
And as Lynsey commented 'Great session with Great people'. So well done to all the attendees who willingly contributed.
Thanks to Allerton Court Hotel, in Northallerton, for your wonderful hospitality as always!
Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert , has announced what is hoped to be a series of helpful self-employed guides. They're currently offering an opportunity to suggest topics you'd find it helpful for them to cover.
Five million of us are now self-employed, freelancing, contracting or part of the gig economy, whether that's as our main job or a side hustle. While most can use their normal bank account, there are times when you need to use a business account, or it's much easier to separate your finances.
This is a link to the first in the series: Do I need a Business Bank Account
Stress Busting Workshops
What do a monkey, a whale and a brain have to do with managing stress?
Complimentary Stress Busting workshops attended by our networkers and the wider community were made possible by funding from North Yorkshire County Council Stronger Communities Programme.
The first took place on 2nd Dec 2019
Feedback: Thanks for that, the workshop was fab, I am indeed putting the techniques into practice !
Book onto our second Stress Busting workshop from 3.15 to 4.45pm on Monday 6th January 2020 to find out about the monkey, the whale and the brain!
Happy Birthday Northallerton Business Network!
Northallerton Business Network celebrated its sixth anniversary on 7th October 2019.
“We often hear ideas about how to reward and praise employees but what if you're a sole-trader or micro-business? How do you tell yourself that you're doing a great job and celebrate your own achievements? As October 2019 is our sixth anniversary, we decided to help our members do exactly that.”
At our birthday event we took the opportunity to celebrate the successes and achievements of all the businesses in our network, with a great big collective 'pat on the back'.
Kate Slater, PR and Brand Marketing Expert said: “This is a really friendly, useful business network. I’ve only recently moved into the area and within a year, I’ve made some valuable connections, learnt how to make iPhone films for social media and generated excellent business leads and enjoyed the Monday experience every time.”
Gill Carnell said: “When I expanded an existing business into North Yorkshire the Northallerton Business Network provided a great way for me to make local business connections and spread the word about my services across the Hambleton region. Whilst running your own business means it’s great not having anyone to answer to, it’s not so good having no one to talk to!” Networking helps reduce the isolation that can be associated with self-employment. ”
Colin Hutson, CEO of Colin Hutson Accounting said: “We have networked like crazy these last 6 years which helped us grow from 4 staff to now 16. Northallerton Business Network suits our style as it is totally informal networking without targets or strict agenda. Well done NBN on 6 successful years"
Mark Gardner from Excello Law said: “Congratulations to Northallerton Business Network on their sixth birthday! Everyone in business needs a growing network of contacts and if you're running a business in or around Northallerton, this is definitely one for your monthly diary. It's friendly and informal but very effective in terms of the people you meet and the business opportunities you're offered!"
The event was hosted by the magnificent Solberge Hall on 7th October and businesses based from all across Hambleton come along to share and celebrate everything that is good about their business with everyone there. There was a lot of positive stories, smiling, and everyone enjoyed strengthening business connections and eating cake!
Events take place on the first Monday of each month between 5:00 and 7:00pm. The organising team would be delighted to see new and existing members at future events. If you know any Hambleton businesses who would like to give it a try, please let them know all the details are available on the website www.northallertonbiznet.co.uk
Netwalking
In July 2019 we held our first 'netwalking' event. The warmth and friendly manner of the attendees was matched by the bright and sunny weather.
The walk was kindly led by Ken Nicholson from Hambleton Strollers.
Photo kindly taken and supplied by Alex Spurr, partner at Clark Willis Solicitors.: www.clarkwillis.com
Networking is a Walk in the Park
In keeping with our current theme of 'The Five Ways to Wellbeing' we took our networking outdoors to the beautiful Cod Beck Reservoir and surrounding countryside of the North Yorkshire Moors Park.
We enjoyed it so much we're doing it all again in July 2020.
University of The Third Age
In June 2019 we were delighted to welcome Eric Lister, from U3A. What a fabulous, interesting and informative presentation he created especially for our members, tying in how the activities offered by Northallerton U3A relate to our current theme on the five ways to wellbeing.
Having 300+ members involved in 30+ different activities around Northallerton, U3A has something for everyone. Many include being active, learning for pleasure and connecting with others.
Check out this link to the Northallerton U3A website: https://u3asites.org.uk/northallerton/home
News Update (March 2019 - March 2020)
We are super excited to announce our recent funding application to North Yorkshire County Council was successful.
The funding will support our project for the following year which is 'Self-Care for Self-Employed and Health & Wellbeing in the Worksplace'.
We will be inviting speakers and arranging activities for our monthly meetings as well as putting on additional learning opportunities and events around this theme. If you are a Hambleton based business and feel you could contribute to the programme please get in touch with your suggestions. Please see the video below:
Competition
Starting 21st Jan 2019 - closing date 7th April 2019
We actively encourage our members to provide feedback on their networking experiences and any benefits they have found from belonging to the group.
Tell us what you like and how you have benefited from being a member of Northallerton Business Network.
All entries by video. Ideally 30 to 60 seconds in duration and definitely no more than 2 minutes long.
Watch this space for more info on free 'video marketing' training for members and how to enter!
Video Marketing Workshops, exclusively available to NBN members:
Delegates will attend 2 half day sessions.
Dates: Mon 18th March and Mon 1st April.
Time: 2:00 to 5:00pm
Venue: Evolution Business Center, Northallerton.
We anticipate a maximum of 8 delegates per double -workshop. The group size is purposefully small to allow us the time and space to really get to the heart of the goals below.
The first session will cover how video marketing fits into both an online and offline networking strategy. Why we network and how to use video before, during and after an event. How we describe ourselves as well as our services/products in a face to face scenario and how this 'elevator pitch' should be put together. A 60-90 second pitch should be created in the workshop. This is to then be amended, improved and practiced (until word perfect) in the interval between sessions. Discussions around body language, facial expressions, tone of voice. Clothing, colours and other practical issues to consider.
Time permitting, delegates downloading and familiarising themselves with editing software and video effects that they will need in their second session. With attention to suitable camera/smartphone settings to be set prior to second session.
The second session will involve delegates producing 2 videos each of approx 60 seconds (abs max of 2 minutes). One to promote their own business services and/or products or to market a specific event or offering. The second to showcase how they have benefited from being a member of Northallerton Business Network and how great it is being a Hambleton based business.
Both to be edited in the workshop under the tuition, advice and guidance of Andy Carter. Time permitting uploaded to websites, posted on twitter or uploaded to LinkedIn accounts or other digital platforms.
Note as with most complimentary (fully funded) workshops there is unavoidably some paperwork required. This will need to be completed prior to attending the course. We are currently awaiting an update on how/when this will take place.
THIS WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL.
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NBNEventJan2019.m4vVideo produced and edited by Andy Carter
Professional PR and Communications Expert
Website: Be Ambitious
Health in the Workplace
Following on from our mini-expo on health and well-being we are looking to organise future events. The aim is to recognise and understand causes of stress for self-employed and/or small business owners and their employees in-order to then provide professional practical advice and training to take actionable steps to manage and reduce stress in the workplace. We would love to hear from our members about any suggestions or activities they would like to see included in these events.
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The 'five ways to wellbeing' are easy ways to help look after your mental wellbeing.
Connect. Talk and listen, be there and feel connected.
Be active. Do what you can, enjoy what you do and move your mood.
Take notice. Remember the simple things that give you joy.
Learn. Embrace new experiences, see opportunities and surprise yourself.
Give. Offer your time, your words and your presence.
*******HOT Stuff******* Hambleton Organisations Together
Northallerton Business Network start off 2019 with a Health and Well Being expo to showcase some of Hambleton's leading businesses and organisations within this sector.
While New Years Resolutions start to roll in, usually top of the list is being healthier in some way and this is the perfect way to look at how you can get the support you need to turn a resolution into a result. The event is taking place at the Evolution Centre in Northallerton between the times of 5.00pm and 7.00pm on Monday the 7th of January.
Those exhibiting include; Change Working, Reiki Relax, Zafu, Time of Your Life, Hambleton Community Action, North Yorkshire County Council Health, Hambleton District Council - Wellbeing. Other attendees include: North Yorkshire Physiotherapy, Hambleton Strollers, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Hambleton Biz Awards 2018
Delighted to announce that Julie Hutson, from Colin Hutson Accounting, was the winner of the Best Business Improvement District Business in Northallerton.
Congratulations also go to other NBN members who were nominated:
Ian Sadler from Insight6 - nominated for Best Customer Service Award
Ruth English from Winnies Yorkshire Delights - nominated for Innovation Award
Gill Carnell from Secrets of Software - nominated for Hambleton Champion Award
See all the winners of the Hambleton Business Awards 2018 here.
Hambleton Business Awards 2018
This Hambleton District Council initiative recognises the range and diversity of businesses in the district, their achievements and the achievements of the people who work there.
We are delighted that several of our members have been nominated for an award and we wish them well for the Awards ceremony on Tuesday 11th September, at The Forum in Northallerton.
NBN has been nominated for an award and we appreciate the help and support that Julie Hutton, Business Economy Officer, has provided over the last five years. Thanks also go to David Gibson, who manages Richmond Business Network, who freely volunteered to provide invaluable support, advise, and the benefit of his extensive experience to help get our network off the ground, established and in a position to grow and succeed. Our current organising team is kept on track by Pat Stanton (of utility warehouse) and we are grateful for the work she does behind the scenes with everything from promotion and banking to ensuring there are chocolate biscuits on the table!
A huge thank you goes out to each and everyone of our members as YOU ARE Northallerton Business Network!
Apprenticeships
In January 2018 we had a presentation by Darlington College on Apprenticeship Reforms, what the changes have meant for business’ large and small, from Levy to non-Levy and changes in teaching from Frameworks to Standards and opportunities for Higher Apprenticeships.
A PowerPoint of the presentation is available to view via this link: Apprenticeship Scheme. Anyone with any queries should email business@darlington.ac.uk or call 01325 503210
Hambleton Businesses can also apply for an apprentice wage subsidy. Link to more information: HDC Apprentice Wage Subsidy
How’s Business is the Growth Hub for York, North Yorkshire and East Riding. Whether you’re looking for information on how to improve your Facebook marketing, or funding to build a new manufacturing unit, How’s Business has something for you.
Its website is useful to anyone looking for information on how to improve their business. It offers a mix of articles and eBooks, information on funding, as well as the biggest calendar of local networking events in the region. You can find out more at https://www.ynygrowthhub.com/