Blog
Meet the businesses taking part in our third incubator programme
We’re proud to announce that the third DCI programme is now underway. We can’t wait to see how our current crop of local entrepreneurs develop their businesses over the next six months. Without further ado, here are the seven start-ups we’re supporting at the moment… First up is Doxa Consultancy, which is run by Sola,… Read more
Startup marketing on a shoestring: 10 ways to market your business on a budget
When we recently explored the reasons why so many startups fail, we found that poor marketing was a common thread between those that don’t make it. Marketing can be a daunting prospect for a startup owner. You know it’s important, but where do you start? And is it not going to be expensive? Luckily, there’s… Read more
Should I work for someone else or start my own company in 2020?
Contemplating a new career? At this time of year you’re not alone, with research suggesting that one in five people are on the hunt for a new job in January. So, if your New Year’s resolution is to reinvigorate your career, you’ll be competing in a crowded job market. Depending on the industry you work… Read more
Cash flow for start-ups: How to manage cash flow as a new business
Your business’s cash flow is its lifeblood, and analysing it is like giving your business a health check. It’s so important that it’s one of the key points we picked out in our article on why 60% of new businesses fail in the first three years. But what exactly is cash flow? How do you… Read more
60% of new businesses fail in the first 3 years. Here’s why.
New businesses are launching at an unprecedented rate, with approximately 660,000 new start-ups registered in the UK every year according to The Telegraph. Yet the same article exposes the sheer volume of those businesses that fail, with 20% not making it past their first year, and a staggering 60% going bust within their first three… Read more
The 7 networking events every North-East business owner needs to attend
Business is as much about who you know as what you know. And networking events are a great way of meeting people who can take your business to the next level. You never know – you could meet your next client or customer, or even someone that could completely transform the future of your business. … Read more
Meet the businesses taking part in our second incubator programme
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce the businesses taking part in our second incubator programme! After the success of our first round, we simply can’t wait to see how these companies develop over the next 6 months. First up… Heartwood Skills. Heartwood provide mentoring, training and skills to those not in education, employment or… Read more
Registering your first business: Everything you need to know
Setting up a new business can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This handy guide will walk you through everything you need to know to register your business with the minimum of fuss. Registering your business The first thing you need to do is decide on the legal structure of your business. You… Read more
Paying tax when you’re a small business
Are you looking to set up your business but confused about tax? This simple guide will take you through the types of tax you may come across and if you’ll need to pay them. Once you’ve registered a business, you must what taxes you have to pay and how much you need to pay. The… Read more
Meet the Mentors!
This month we’re delighted to introduce you to Blu Sky and Silbo, two highly experienced organisations that have joined forces to support the DCI programme to teach entrepreneurs how to manage money and raise investment at the right time and on the right terms. Blu Sky and Silbo will deliver workshops to our DCI entrepreneurs… Read more