About this Event
We can't wait to welcome you!
Join us for a relaxed morning of genuine connection and support. Assist is where businesswomen from across Tees Valley come together to share ideas, build relationships, and help each other succeed.
Our Darlington Hosts, Sharon Hutchinson, Alicia Neesham and Christine Tarran-Walker will make sure you receive a warm welcome and help you make the most of your time with us.
Whether you're looking for new contracts, want to showcase your product or service, or simply fancy some good business conversation over a cuppa, you're in the right place.
Our Meeting Sponsor for February 2026 is our venue, The Darlington Arena and there will be an opportunity to learn more about them on the day.
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.
The Details
When: Wednesday 11th February 2026, 9.30am - 11.00am
Where: Darlington Arena, Neasham Rd, Darlington DL2 1DL
Duration: 1.5 hours
Investment: £5
Your £5 meeting fee helps us support the Sisterwood, other campaigns, and keeps the network functioning for others to benefit in the future. We're a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, and we'll spend it well on our campaigns and operational costs.
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.
New to Networking?
If networking feels daunting or you'd like some extra support, we may have the solution.
Our team of Assist Friends can meet you when you arrive to make the experience a little easier. Just let us know on the booking form that you'd like an Assist Friend to welcome you – we're here to help.
About Assist
Assist is more than just networking. We collaborate with many organisations, run projects and campaigns on local and national levels, and we're all volunteers with the same aim: to make the Tees Valley a better place for businesswomen, women in the workplace, and our younger people to grow up in.
Come along and find out what benefits you could enjoy as an Assist'er. We have so much more to tell you about what we do!
Women Supporting Women #WSW
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 the benefits of being part of our Assist network.
New friends and familiar faces are always welcome.
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
