Newark Business Club turned pink, with around 80 businesspeople wearing all kinds of pink clothing and accessories at the October breakfast meeting. With £5 of the ticket fee being donated to Cancer Research UK, business club chair Emma Holden announced that £400 had been raised from the ticket fees alone, with further donations welcomed during the meeting.
The roving mic travelled around the room, and everyone introduced themselves and their businesses. A wide array of businesses attended, from freelancers and sole traders to larger, well-established companies, reflecting the diversity of the club’s membership.
Meeting Sponsor – Mustard Software Ltd
Celebrating 30 years of being a company director, Barry Starling of Mustard Software Ltd, reflected on his experiences, revealing the highs and the lows. Before starting his first limited company in 1996, he was influenced by several famous people while growing up, including Sir Clive Sinclair, the inventor of the ZX Spectrum home computer, on which Barry started developing games and selling them in Exchange and Mart magazine, thus beginning his entrepreneurial journey.
While technology has changed dramatically over the past 30 years, Barry has run several different limited companies over that period, not only software development businesses but also a clothing retailer and a furniture manufacturer. His businesses have faced a variety of threats and challenges, including a terrorist attack that crashed the internet, losing his business phone number when he moved business premises, being recategorized by the HMRC to fall within IR35, a deal being negated and his business partner passing away.
After navigating all these challenges, Barry credits his resilience in business with taking the time to talk with and be mentored by other businesspeople and advisors. Many people in the local business community have helped him over the years with support, assistance and advice. He advised all new business owners to ask others one question, ‘Can I buy you a coffee?’ Sitting down and sharing a coffee and a chat while giving and receiving help and support, has been indispensable for him over the years.
To help small businesses and tradespeople to get their businesses off the ground and promote themselves online, Mustard Software offers a tailored-made, mobile-friendly website for just £295, including the domain name and secure hosting for two years. Go to www.startupwebsites.co.uk to find out more. Mustard Software also develops mobile apps, web apps and bespoke business systems for small businesses. See www.mustardsoftware.co.uk for case studies and further information.
The Business Card Draw
The business card draw has changed. Instead of two draws, there will now be one draw per month with the winner receiving a write-up on their business in the Newark Advertiser and the business club e-newsletter, as well as a video interview for social media filmed by MT Productions. This month’s winner was Connor Pollard of Duke IT.
Live Broadcast on Radio Newark
Radio Newark, a patron sponsor of Newark Business Club, has been on air for 13 years, providing a variety of programmes from ‘80s and ‘90s music to local news and sport. Broadcasting from 107.8 FM, DAB and its mobile app, it has 10,000 listeners every week.
This morning, Radio Newark broadcast live from the meeting, giving an interesting insight into how the local radio station develops content for its radio programmes. Matt Colbourne, Radio Newark’s breakfast show DJ, challenged all attendees to become breakfast show producers, creating content for the next link.
The theme for the content was National Name Your Car Day. Ideas for content were brainstormed, including famous cars, people’s car names and great stories about cars. This culminated in Keith Girling of Girling Driver Training telling the story of his former car, nicknamed Pink Peril, live on air.
Member Spotlight – Caroline Pallu of Glim Creative
This month, the spotlight shone on Caroline Pallu, a videographer and founder of Glim Creative, a video-first creative agency producing marketing content for businesses, including brand films, social reels, short-form video content, and full campaigns.
In a video showcasing her skills, Caroline shared some tips for shooting better videos, including cleaning the lens, trying different angles, and having good lighting.
Caroline takes time to understand her clients and their brand stories before creating captivating content that is fresh, original, and engaging. She manages the entire process from concept and script writing to filming, editing and delivery. Find out how Caroline’s service can help you to get all your social medica content sorted for the month at: www.weareglim.com
Who Gives a Book?!
Mark Enstone of Contemporary Art Newark recommended this month’s inspiring book, The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read by Philippa Perry. Kirsty Edwards, General Manager of Southwell Racecourse, won a copy.
Action Group Update
Chris Needle, chair of Newark Business Club’s Action Group, provided an update on the group’s recent work. In the area of transport and infrastructure, a meeting with local MP Robert Jenrick took place to discuss the future of the A46 Newark Bypass dualling project, putting forward the views of the business community, not only in Newark but also in Lincoln and Grantham. A consultation has recently been conducted, and the action group is considering how to respond.
In the area of retail, town centre and place, the action group is talking to as many retailers in the town as possible with a view to bringing all stakeholders together to improve communication and avoid duplication.
The next meeting of the action group will take place on 6 October at the YMCA. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Club Connections
Several attendees mentioned how meeting potential new clients at Newark Business Club and collaborating with other local businesses have moved their businesses forward during Club Connections. This is a relatively new section of the business club in which the many connections forged at the club are celebrated.
Events and Announcements
Events for businesses include:
Winter Social 2026, organized by Newark Business Club in collaboration with Grantham and Lincoln Business Clubs, will be held at the Renaissance at Kelham Hall on 1 December. Come along for an evening of networking and entertainment, including a special guest performance from Vicky McClure’s ‘Our Dementia Choir,’ as well as fundraising in support of the choir. Book your tickets at www.newarkbusinessclub.co.uk/events/
Charity Connect is a new networking group for charities, CICs and volunteer groups. The first meeting will take place at the YMCA on 6 October, starting at 9.30 am.
Newark Dining Network’s next meeting will be on 14 October at Baseri Nepalese and Indian Cuisine on Castle Gate, Newark. Come along for a relaxed evening of networking while supporting a local independent restaurant. Book your tickets on Eventbrite.
A new episode of Talking Newark, the new local podcast that shines the spotlight on the people, businesses and organisations that make Newark a wonderful place to live and work, is available every Sunday. A forthcoming episode, to be uploaded on 11 October, will focus on Newark Business Club.
Fundraising events include:
For a unique, exhilarating experience, head to Fernwood Village Hall on 17 October to take part in the Charity Firewalk 2026 in support of the Children’s Bereavement Centre. Find out more and register at: www.childrensbereavementcentre.co.uk/charity-firewalk
Charity Blind Wine Tasting and Quiz, in aid of Cancer Research UK, will take place at Newark Town and District Club on 18 October, starting at 4pm. Hosted by Ann Hayes, the founder of Ann et Vin, it will be a fun evening of blind-tasting red and white wines, accompanied by cheese, pate, bread and crackers, as well as a multiple-choice quiz with prices. Book tickets for £25 each by emailing newarkcruk58@gmail.com
Halloween events include:
Rocky’s Horrible Halloween Homicide, a Rocky Horror Murder Mystery event, will take place on 30 October at The Ram. Book tickets at www.shopnewark.online
Not My Monkey, the bar on The Wharf in Newark, is hosting a Halloween Party on 31 October with music from Rachael Calladine, a kitchen disco and spooktacular cocktails. Find out more at www.facebook.com/notmymonkeynewark
Member Spotlight – Duke IT
Award-Winning Local IT Business Continues to Grow
Duke IT, a Newark-based IT support company, is celebrating a period of significant growth after recently being named IT Support Business of the Year at the E2 Media Awards of Excellence 2026.
Founded by local business owners Connor and Hannah Pollard, Duke IT has built a reputation for providing reliable, jargon-free IT support to businesses across Newark, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas. Proudly known as the “Local Friendly Nerds,” the team focuses on making technology accessible and stress-free for organisations of all sizes.
Since launching, Duke IT has experienced rapid growth, recently expanding into larger premises to accommodate its growing client base. The company provides a wide range of services, including managed IT support, cyber security, Microsoft 365 solutions, cloud services, networking, broadband and VoIP telephone systems.
What sets Duke IT apart is its commitment to customer service. Rather than acting as an external supplier, the team works closely with clients, becoming an extension of their business and providing straightforward advice without confusing technical jargon.
The recent award win recognises not only the company’s technical expertise but also its dedication to supporting local businesses and helping them make the most of technology.
Looking ahead, Duke IT plans to continue investing in its services, supporting more businesses across the region while maintaining the personal approach that has become central to its success.
For Duke IT, technology is about people first, and their mission remains simple: delivering honest, reliable IT support with a friendly face.
Duke IT – Your Local Friendly Nerds.
By Roz Andrews of RA Writers For Hire/RA Book Editing
