Make new business contacts, find new opportunities, and raise your profile by coming along to network with businesses from Bishop Auckland, Shildon and surrounding areas.

We are meeting at The Manor House in West Auckland which has recently been refurbished and is a stunning venue; what a fantastic start to our networking year. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out before the meeting Home | Manor House Hotel & Spa

Breakfast will be served from 8.30. Grab a bacon sandwich then network with other local businesses before gathering to listen to our guest speaker, (as yet, the guest speaker is to be confirmed. The website will be updated asap).

If you can't make 8.30am because you have other commitments such as the school run pleases don't worry - just arrive when you can.

We will be joined by Daniel Pogson from Velocity who will give a brief presentation about Apprenticeships - how you can access apprentices and the funding and support that is available. Daniel will be available for questions throughout the morning.

We will also be joined by Dr. Stephanie Scott from Durham University Business School. Dr Scott is Director of the Business and Management Programme at Durham University and has a wealth of experience in the field of networks, processes, business modelling and communication to share with you. Dr. Scott is very keen to work with local businesses so please feel free to connect with her during the networking session.

You can find out more about Dr. Scott here Dr Stephanie Scott- Durham University Business School

We love to hear about your business; do you have any good news to share or have any business support needs? Please don't be shy. Speak up, tell us about what you do and your motivation for doing it. Bring your business cards and your phones and make the most of this free opportunity to expand your business network. There's so much going on in the region and this is a fantastic opportunity to find out more.