Upon arrival, everyone was welcomed with a delightful spread of refreshments – hot and cold drinks, fresh fruit, and delicious pastries provided the perfect start to a morning of meaningful connections.
Turning Pain into Progress with Reverse Networking
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly our innovative 90-minute Reverse Networking session. This unique approach saw delegates introduce themselves and openly share their business “pain points.” It was genuinely inspiring to witness the collaborative spirit in the room as fellow attendees generously offered practical advice, clever suggestions, and valuable introductions. It’s a powerful reminder that within the 121 Business Links community, solutions and support are often just a conversation away!
An Unforgettable ‘Charity Chat’ with Heel & Toe
We were incredibly moved by our ‘Charity Chat’ guest, Kirsty Hutton from Heel & Toe Charity. Kirsty delivered a brilliant and heartfelt presentation, shedding light on the amazing work and vital support this charity provides to disabled children across our region.
Kirsty also shared a critical appeal: Heel & Toe urgently needs to raise £60,000 in 2025 to secure the future of their vital hydrotherapy pool in Perkinsville, County Durham. This essential facility is one of only two in our region, and for many children with conditions like Cerebral Palsy or traumatic brain injuries, it’s crucial for mobility strengthening and muscle development, offering benefits traditional therapies can’t. Sadly, due to financial pressures, staff redundancies have already impacted therapy access and created waiting lists.
You can find out more about the charity and their appeal, and how you can support this vital cause, by visiting the Heel & Toe Hydrotherapy Pool Capital Appeal page. Your support will help ensure every child can continue to thrive.

Thank You and What’s Next?
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and made this morning such a success! We also extend our sincere gratitude to Alex Stegaru and the wonderful staff at Beamish Hall Hotel for their exceptional hospitality and for looking after us so well. You can learn more about the stunning venue here: www.beamish-hall.co.uk.
Don’t miss our next opportunities to connect and grow! We have two more networking events this month:
- Eshott Hall – Thursday 17th July https://tinyurl.com/cbjy3r3m
- Iss Airview – Wednesday 23rd July https://tinyurl.com/cbjy3r3m
You can find out more about these upcoming events and book your place today via our Eventbrite page: 121 Business Links Events.
We look forward to seeing you there!

