About this Event
We’re excited to be heading to Darlington Arena for our next Just Networking event.
Your hosts, Sharon Hutchinson (First Principles), Alicia Nesham (Hewitts Solicitors), and Christine Tarran (Tarran & Co Financial Planning Ltd) can’t wait to welcome you.
Just Networking is relaxed and informal, focused on genuine business conversations with no pressure or pitching. It’s a chance to share ideas, experiences, and trusted contacts, and to build meaningful connections with other businesswomen across the Tees Valley.
At Assist, we truly live by Women Support Women (#WSW) - collaboration, connection, and community are at the heart of everything we do.
Join us for a cuppa, great conversation, and a supportive networking space.
Why Come Along?
This is your chance to step away from the office or WFH for an hour and connect with other women from the world of work.
We're big on collaboration and the 'trade local' approach. So many of our members have built solid business relationships through Assist – and friendships have blossomed too.
Use this hour to:
● Meet new contacts and potential collaborators
● Catch up with familiar faces you haven't seen in a while
● Share news about your business, launch, or upcoming event
● Simply enjoy the company of a room full of women with a positive vibe
We genuinely want to hear about you, your business, and what you offer. Are you launching something new? Looking for customers? Got an event to promote? Come and tell us about it – we're keen to help share your news.
What to Expect
When you arrive (from 9:30 onwards), one of our hosts will greet you, sign you in, and hand you your name tag. You'll be invited to add your business card or leaflet to our community board – we'll take a group photo at the end so everyone can stay connected afterwards.
Got exciting news to share? Pop it in the Shout Out Bucket. Three will be picked at random to feature during the event and on our socials.
After signing in, grab a drink and enjoy some informal pre-networking. We know networking can feel a bit daunting, especially if it's your first time, but we promise this is one of the most supportive rooms you'll ever walk into.
Your 30-Second Spotlight
You'll have a quick spotlight moment to share:
● Who you are
● Where you're from (your business or workplace)
● Your 'ask' or 'tell' for the day
It's short, simple, and friendly. Think of it as your mini introduction. This is your chance to tell everyone why you want to connect – and to hear who you'd like to reach out to after the session.
When…
Just one hour, one morning a month. We create a welcoming space for you to meet other businesswomen and those representing their organisations. You’re welcome to attend regularly and build lasting connections, or simply join us as a one-off - it’s entirely up to you.
Cost to you…
A small £5 donation goes into the pot to support the Sisterwood, our wider campaigns, and the ongoing running of the network. Assist is a not-for-profit organisation, led entirely by volunteers, and every contribution helps us continue creating opportunities for women across the Tees Valley. Thank you — we promise it’s spent wisely.
We’re incredibly grateful to the business and local community who open their doors to us, and extend a special thank you to Darlington Arena for generously hosting this Just Networking event.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Do you find networking daunting or feel like it’s just not for you? You’re not alone, and we may have the solution.
If the thought of networking feels overwhelming, our Assist Friends are here to help. They’re part of our friendly team and are on hand to make your experience more comfortable and welcoming.
Simply reach out to us before the event and let us know. We can arrange for someone to meet you on arrival, help you settle in, and make those first conversations feel a little easier.
Networking should feel supportive, not stressful, and we’re here to make sure you feel included every step of the way.
Find out more…
Assist is more than just networking. We collaborate with a wide range of organisations and deliver projects and campaigns at both local and national levels.
Everything we do is powered by volunteers who share one common goal: to make the Tees Valley a better place for businesswomen, women in the workplace, and the next generation to grow, thrive, and succeed.
When you join Assist, you’re becoming part of something bigger, a community built on support, opportunity, and positive change.
What to do now…
Register to let us know you’re coming! Your donation helps us continue our work into the future.
Come and discover more about Assist and the benefits of being part of our network. New friends and familiar faces are always welcome; we have so much to share about what we do!
If you’d like an Assist Friend to meet you on arrival, just let us know.
Sharon, Alicia, Christine, and the Assist Team can’t wait to welcome you!
Remember: Women Supporting Women 💜
Credit: Illustration by JiQing Fan
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club, Neasham Road, Darlington, United Kingdom
GBP 6.13
