Skip to main content

DABS Festival of Enterprise

Festival of Enterprise 2022 banner image Festival of Enterprise 2022 banner image

On the 13th October 2022, County Durham’s most promising start-ups came together for a day of networking, keynote speakers and first-hand advice at the annual Durham Ambitious Business Start-Ups (DABS) Festival of Enterprise.

This is the 3rd year for the Festival of Enterprise and was attended by more than 100 delegates who descended the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham.

The full day event, hosted by broadcast journalist Charlie Charlton, focused on the theme of ‘New Start-Ups in a New World’ and what could be done to support leading start-ups pivot their businesses during the new and challenging economic environment.

Delegates also had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business with four expert speakers including Bradley Jensen, co-founder of Jensen and Jensen and Jeni Smith, founder of NetKno.

Discussions and highlights from the keynote speakers included how networking strategies can help people build long-term relationships, how to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt and why culture needs to be at the heart of all decision making.

2022 Speakers

Bradley Jensen

Bradley Jensen
Jensen & Jensen

Jack Sutcliffe

Jack Sutcliffe
Power Sheds

Jeni Smith

Jeni Smith
NetKno

Kimberley Cattin

Kimberley Cattin
West Barn Co

Testimonials

  • A wonderful day, key learning for me – is to be brave and go for it.

    Festival of Enterprise delegate
  • So much inspiration taken from the speakers along with information and tips provided.

    Festival of Enterprise delegate
  • I have gained a clearer & deeper understanding of the power of social media & networking in order to enhance my business plans.

    Festival of Enterprise delegate
  • My head is blown!! Too much to take in 🙂 Knowledge base is growing.

    Festival of Enterprise delegate
  • I feel a lot more informed after this event about different aspects of setting up my own business.

    Festival of Enterprise delegate
Photos of 2021 speakers

2021 Festival of Enterprise Speaker Interviews

The second DABS Festival of Enterprise took place on 21st October at the Xcel Centre, Newton Aycliffe. Our speakers inspired the audience and gave them their top tips on how to run and grow a successful business.

Watch the interviews

Photos of 2020 speakers

Enjoy the best of the 2020 Festival of Enterprise

Missed the inspirational talks from Teri Ellington, Stefan Thomas, Jimmy Cregan and Jake Newport from the 2020 event? Fear not! You can hear all about their business journey with our online recordings.

Watch the talks