Wear Business Wear Business Issue 1 | Page 43

Durham news NOF membership grows BUSINESS NETWORK GROUP LOOKING FORWARD TO 2020 A hugely-popular business networking group is already looking forward to a series of events in 2020 as membership continues to grow. Durham Business Group is a non-profit organisation founded in 1981 – originally as “Durham Small Business Club” – to support businesses in County Durham. Durham Business Club – these days welcoming businesses small and large – is a friendly membership organisation, with a programme of monthly breakfast and evening networking events. DBG also runs The Executive Group, which hosts informal lunchtime events that bring together senior directors and decision- makers in a relaxed, non-sales environment. The group also provides office services to clients in the North-East and beyond – from meeting room hire to registered office addresses, mail redirection, telephone answering and more – under the banner of Durham Office Services, from its Portland House base in Durham. Clive Owen supports Durham Cathedral Clive Owen LLP is delighted to become a corporate partner to support the iconic Durham Cathedral. The award-winning accountancy firm will work with the cathedral to contribute to the heritage, educational and cultural projects it offers. Durham Cathedral plays a significant role in the religious, economic, social and cultural life of Durham and the wider region. “Being a member of Durham Business Club is like being part of an extended family where you all look out for each other and offer support freely, enjoy each other’s company, and have fun without actually realising that you are growing your businesses together,” says member Lynn Hughes. The group promises that 2020 will bring even more interesting venues, insightful talks and enjoyable networking, all around the region. Durham Business Club will kick off with its member showcase event at Ramside Hall Hotel on Tuesday January, 14 (5-9pm). Events are free to members and their guests, and annual membership is just £175 plus VAT (£17.50 monthly), with no hidden extras. For more details, visit durhambusinessgroup.co.uk or email [email protected] for more information. NOF, the business development experts for the energy sector, have seen an uplift in new members joining the organisation looking to maximise on the opportunities in the oil and gas, and offshore wind markets. An increase in membership of almost 40 businesses in the last quarter follows an upturn in offshore oil and gas activity and the growing opportunities for diversification into the Offshore Wind sector. NOF supports the supply chain across the global energy sector to help identify new business opportunities and earlier this year, following the introduction of a new brand, focused its support on key business development services, to provide members with an enhanced membership package which helps identify new opportunities and build new connections. FINANCE FIRM GROWS EVERYMAN PLANS FOR MILBURNGATE Milburngate will offer visitors a greater choice of entertainment after Everyman Cinemas confirmed it is increasing the number of screens at Durham City’s landmark living, work and leisure destination. Originally set to feature three screens, Everyman has committed to adding a fourth screen to the soon-to-be built boutique cinema, recognising its confidence in Durham City. Everyman’s agreement to open a new-build cinema at Milburngate was its first move into the North-East market, which was soon followed by establishing a venue in Newcastle in a converted building in Grey Street, which opened in May 2019. Financial advice company Wealth of Advice has made another key appointment as it continues to add to its client portfolio. Cristina Duran Alvarez has been appointed to work within the client administration team. The 29-year-old started in the role in 2019 and has already put a training and development plan in place to equip Cristina with key industry qualifications. wear.business – the voice of business for the Wear region | 43