A relaxed, informal gathering for local business leaders who want to put Darlington first, share ideas, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. All business sectors welcome.
We believe the best business connections shouldn't come with a price tag. Darlington First events are completely free to attend — one of very few free networking events across the entire North East region.
By removing the barriers to entry, we're opening the door for young entrepreneurs just getting started and experienced business leaders alike. Everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Our networking events will vary — some traditional networking, others more creative: think watching local football or rugby together, a game of padel or tennis, bowling, and plenty more. The one thing we're committed to is a free, no-hassle monthly coffee morning — with venues rotating each month to support as many local Darlington businesses as possible.
Just a heads-up: While our events are free, we do ask that everyone pays for their own coffee. It's our little way of supporting the brilliant local venues who host us.
More Than Networking
Our Social Value
Darlington First isn't just about business cards and handshakes. We're here to create real, lasting social value for our community.
Inspiring Stories
We'll be introducing guests with inspiring stories — real people doing great work in our region, sharing their journeys to motivate and energise the room.
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Great Ideas Deserve Support
You don't need a business degree to have a brilliant idea. We're here to help those with passion and vision prosper — even if they're just getting started and learning as they go.
Celebrating Community Heroes
Through our High Street Heroes Awards, we'll be shining a spotlight on the unsung heroes — the people and businesses making a real difference on our high streets and in our communities.
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Coaches & Connections
We'll be making introductions to business coaches and likeminded individuals — connecting you with the right people who can help take your ideas to the next level.
Ready to Join Us?
Secure your free spot at the next Darlington First networking event. Meet local business leaders, share ideas, and help shape the future of our business community.
Darlington is the gateway to the North East — connecting Durham, Newcastle, and every town in between. With major government investment in the train station, Teesside International Airport, and the relocation of HM Treasury, Darlington has never been better positioned for business.
Major Transport Hub
Darlington station sits on the East Coast Main Line — connecting London, Edinburgh, and every major North East city.
HM Treasury Relocation
Major government investment is transforming Darlington into one of the most strategically important business locations in the UK.
Teesside Airport
Teesside International Airport connects the region nationally and internationally, making Darlington a true gateway city.
Our Mission
Building a community that generates real opportunity
We're building a business community that is first and foremost supportive — and in turn becomes progressive and generative. Generating sales, generating income, and generating real opportunities for businesses across the region.
Bridging ambition & experience
We want to connect emerging young entrepreneurs with established, experienced business leaders — bridging the gap and creating a network where everyone grows together.
Darlington First is just the beginning
Alongside our networking events, we're launching three pillars that will form the lifeblood of what we're building — and expanding across the North East.
Networking
Free monthly coffee mornings and varied events in rotating Darlington venues — building community, one connection at a time.
● Live Now
Awards
The North East High Street Heroes Awards — recognising and celebrating the businesses that make our high streets thrive.
We're more than a networking group. We're a movement to put Darlington on the map as the North East's premier business destination.
Who We Are
Darlington First was born out of a simple belief: that Darlington deserves a world-class business community. We're a collective of local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community champions who want to see our town thrive.
We run relaxed, informal networking events — completely free to attend — because we believe the best connections shouldn't come with a price tag. From monthly coffee mornings to creative events like watching local sport together or a game of padel, no two events are the same.
100% Free to Attend — no membership fees, no hidden costs, no long-term commitments.
Darlington First is part of the First Connections Group — a wider ecosystem of networking, awards, and podcasting that champions businesses across the North East.
Our Values
What drives us
Community First
We put the people of Darlington and the North East at the heart of everything we do. Real relationships over transactions.
No Barriers
Everyone deserves a seat at the table. We remove financial and social barriers so anyone can connect and grow.
Real Social Value
We're not just about business cards. We generate genuine social value — inspiring stories, practical support, and lasting impact.
Growth for All
From first-time founders to seasoned CEOs — we bridge the gap between ambition and experience so everyone grows together.
Our Story
How Darlington First came to be.
The Idea Takes Root
Frustrated by the lack of free, accessible networking in the North East, the founders of First Connections set out to create something different — a space where everyone belongs.
First Coffee Morning
The inaugural Darlington First coffee morning brought together local business leaders in a relaxed setting, proving that great connections don't need a price tag.
High Street Heroes Launches
We introduced the North East High Street Heroes Awards — celebrating the unsung businesses making a real difference on our high streets.
Regional Podcast Goes Live
The First Connections podcast launched, spotlighting the stories, insights, and voices driving business forward across the North East.
Growing Across the Region
With sponsors on board and a growing community, Darlington First is expanding — becoming the first place businesses come to connect in the North East.
Part of First Connections
Darlington First sits within the broader First Connections Group — three pillars built to empower businesses across the North East.
Networking
Free monthly events in rotating local venues across Darlington — building genuine community, one connection at a time.
● Live
Awards
The North East High Street Heroes Awards — shining a light on the businesses that make our communities great.
Darlington First is run by local people who care deeply about this town and its business community. We're not a faceless corporation — we're your neighbours, your collaborators, your fellow North Easterners.
We believe Darlington First, Newcastle First and the wider First Connections network can help the North East punch above its weight on the national stage — starting with the grassroots, one coffee morning at a time.
Just a heads-up: While our events are free, we ask everyone to pay for their own coffee. It's our way of supporting the brilliant local venues who host us.
Ready to be part of it?
Join us at the next Darlington First event — free, relaxed, and full of genuine connections.
Three pillars. One mission. Building the most connected business community in the North East.
What We're Building
Darlington First isn't just events. We're building a lasting ecosystem that generates real opportunities for businesses and communities across the region.
Business Networking
● Live
Darlington First
Networking
Free monthly coffee mornings and varied networking events in rotating local venues. No fees, no barriers — just great people and genuine connections.
Monthly coffee mornings
Creative event formats
Rotating local venues
100% free to attend
● Live
Newcastle First
Networking
Now live in Newcastle — the same free, barrier-free networking, bringing business leaders together in the heart of one of the North East's most vibrant cities.
Monthly events
Free to attend
Local venue rotation
All sectors welcome
● Coming Soon
Durham First
Networking
Durham is next on the map — bringing the same free, community-first networking experience to connect Durham's brilliant businesses and ambitious entrepreneurs.
Launching soon
Free to attend
Local venue rotation
Be first to know
Awards & Media
High Street Heroes Awards
● Nominations Open
The North East High Street Heroes Awards — recognising and celebrating the businesses that make our high streets thrive and our communities stronger.
These are the confirmed Darlington First business networking dates for the year ahead. Every event is designed to keep the community connected, visible, and moving forward.
Perfect for visitors who want the latest live listing and ticket availability.
What to Expect
Every event is different
No two Darlington First events are the same — but every one of them is free, welcoming, and worth your time.
Monthly Coffee Mornings
Our guaranteed monthly staple — relax, connect, and have a great conversation over a cuppa in a rotating local venue.
Every month
High Street Heroes Awards
Our flagship September event — celebrating the businesses and people making a real difference on our high streets.
September 2026
Creative Formats
From padel and bowling to watching local sport together — we keep things fresh so every event feels genuinely new.
Varied throughout year
Every single event is 100% free to attend — no membership, no catch, just great people and great conversation.
Community Marketplace · Live
Deals from the DF community, for the DF community.
Exclusive discounts and offers submitted by local Darlington businesses. Free to browse. Free to list. Reviewed and approved before going live.
Free
Strategy Call
Local consultancy
25% Off
Brand Photos
Darlington studio
Buy One
Get One Free
Local café, High Row
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★Featured This Month
All Community Offers
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Business Resources & Offers
Exclusive discounts, trusted services, and powerful business tools from our partners — available to the Darlington First community.
Delivery Partners
Featured Partner Offers
These partners have made a commitment to the Darlington First community — offering real value and exclusive deals to every member.
New Resource
First Connections Funding Support
Grants, Funding & Tender Support · Powered by Metrick
We've teamed up with Metrick, the North East's specialist grants & funding consultancy, to help our community secure the money and contracts that fuel real growth. From Innovate UK and R&D tax relief to decarbonisation grants and public-sector tenders — they do the paperwork, you run your business.
Fast, friendly ironing and laundry service with collection and delivery available across Darlington. A proud delivery partner of Darlington First, supporting our local business community.
As part of the Darlington First community, you can enjoy an exclusive discount on all their services. Simply quote Darlington First Networking when you get in touch.
Everything your business needs — all in one place, for just £24.99/month + VAT. No hidden fees, no long-term contracts. A bundle of premium tools typically worth over £1,000/year.
What's Included:
Bookkeeping SoftwareAccess to QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage — choose the platform that works best for you.
Office 365 & All AppsFull Microsoft 365 membership — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and more.
Acronis Cyber SecurityEnterprise-grade data backup, disaster recovery, and cyber protection.
Dropbox & E-SignaturesCloud storage plus Dropbox eSignatures — create, share, and sign documents seamlessly.
⭐ Chartered Accountant Support (Worth £700/year)4 free hours of chartered accountant support per year — one hour per quarter.
Coworking & Meeting Rooms · Central Park, Darlington
Two centres at Central Park in the heart of Darlington — Business Central (offices, meeting rooms and coworking lounge) and Innovation Central (45 Grade A offices and 5 labs).
As a proud sponsor of Darlington First, Darlington Workspace are offering our community two exclusive deals:
Free Coworking Day PassA full day in the coworking area — experience the space, the community, and the facilities.
10% Off First Meeting Room BookingProfessional spaces for presentations, workshops, and team sessions.
The North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has helped over 7,000 people start businesses since 1994 and supports more than 300 businesses across its centres in Sunderland, Darlington, and Washington.
As a proud sponsor of Darlington First, North East BIC offers the wider regional support network behind our community:
Free Startup AdviceOne-to-one business advice from expert advisers — open to anyone starting a business.
Flying Start WorkshopsFree workshops covering everything you need to know about setting up a business.
Surgotech Solutions helps businesses unlock their potential through smart technology and proven process improvement strategies. As a Darlington First member, you get access to two exclusive deals.
Option 1 — Free: 1-Hour Discovery CallA free, no-obligation consultation to explore how Surgotech can streamline your business operations.
Option 2 — 40% Off: Business Process AuditAn 8-hour audit identifying inefficiencies and delivering a clear improvement roadmap. £895 → £537
Free apps built right here in the North East — supporting wellbeing and employment readiness.
🧠
Emotional Wellbeing Indicator
A smarter way to improve your emotional health. This free app uses marginal gains — small, targeted actions that lead to big results.
Answer 100 simple yes-or-no questions to assess key areas of your wellbeing. When you respond negatively, the app provides practical, personalised advice to help you improve. Your unique action plan evolves with you, helping you build lasting habits and track progress over time.
A smarter way to prepare yourself for employment. This free app uses marginal gains — small, targeted actions that lead to big results.
Answer 100 simple yes-or-no questions to assess key areas. The app provides practical, personalised advice and generates a certificate of employability to present to potential employers.
We're always looking for great local businesses to partner with. If you'd like your business featured here or have a discount to share with the Darlington First community, get in touch.
£First Connections Funding Support · Powered by Metrick
Grants, Funding & Tender Support
Unlock the funding your business deserves
We've teamed up with Metrick, the North East's specialist grants & funding consultancy, to help our community secure the money and contracts that fuel real growth.
From Innovate UK and R&D tax relief to decarbonisation grants and public-sector tenders — we do the paperwork, you run your business.
£2.7m
Recent scheme delivered
200-home retrofit · Hull
End-to-end
Fully managed service
Research, paperwork & submission
North East
Local & trusted
Founded 2021 · Newton Aycliffe
Free
Discovery call for members
No obligation, no upfront cost
What we can help with
Four ways we help you grow
Chasing a specific grant, bidding for a public-sector contract, or unlocking private investment — Metrick brings the expertise, First Connections members get priority access.
Grant Funding
Full grant identification, application & submission. Innovate UK, R&D tax credits, Made Smarter, regional growth & decarbonisation schemes — we find what you're eligible for and handle the paperwork.
Business Funding
Investment introductions and support with lender-ready business plans, forecasts and pitch decks. Ideal for start-ups, scale-ups and growth-stage SMEs looking beyond the grants ecosystem.
Tender Support
Public & private-sector tender writing, bid management and PQQ support. Win contracts on Find A Tender, Contracts Finder and framework agreements — from strategy through to submission.
Accreditations
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, SafeContractor and more. The credentials that unlock tenders, win larger contracts and prove operational maturity — often grant-eligible themselves.
The process
How it works
From first conversation to funded project in four simple steps. No obligation, no jargon, no upfront cost to explore.
01
Register interest
A short form below — a few details about your business and what you're hoping to fund.
02
Free discovery call
A friendly, no-obligation conversation to understand your goals and eligibility.
03
Opportunity match
Metrick pinpoints the grants, tenders or accreditations best suited to your business.
04
We handle it
Applications and submissions managed end-to-end — you focus on running your business.
— Who we help
Built for North East businesses at every stage
From pre-revenue founders exploring their first grant to established SMEs pursuing seven-figure tenders — if you're based in the region, there's probably funding you don't yet know about.
✓Start-ups & early-stage founders
✓SMEs & growth-stage businesses
✓Charities, CICs & social enterprises
✓Manufacturers & industrial businesses
✓Net-zero & decarbonisation projects
✓Any business tendering for public-sector work
— Recent success
£2.7m Hull retrofit scheme
Metrick helped deliver a £2.7 million home improvement scheme that retrofitted around 200 properties in Hull with solar panels, modern heating systems and improved insulation — a live example of what's possible with the right partner in your corner.
Founded 2021 in Newton Aycliffe · Five-figure investment from Durham Business Growth · Grants platform launching 2026.
— Register your interest
Let's find the funding you're eligible for
Fill in the form and a member of the First Connections team will be in touch to arrange your free discovery call with Metrick. No obligation, no upfront cost.
— Why this partnership?
First Connections, powered by Metrick
First Connections exists to help North East businesses grow. Metrick brings the specialist expertise in grants, tenders and accreditations. Together, we're giving our community priority access to funding support that's usually out of reach.
Free for members to exploreDiscovery call & eligibility check at no cost.
Managed end-to-endResearch, paperwork & submission all handled.
Built for the North EastLocal knowledge of regional funders & programmes.
Confidential & no obligationYour project stays between you, us and Metrick.
Grants & funding service delivered in partnership with Metrick Limited, Newton Aycliffe.
— Prefer email?
Or drop us a line
Rather write directly? Send us an email and we'll route it to the partnership team.
