What’s on this summer: our pick of local fun days and festivals

Our roundup of summer 2026 events near Consett and across the North East — with dates, costs, and honest tips on travel and parking, from a family who’s been to most of them.

Getting Verified on Google Business Profile: What the New Video Verification Process Actually Involves

Google now often asks for a short video instead of a postcard to verify your Business Profile. Here’s what’s involved, what to film, and why choosing storefront or service-area matters.

Google’s Biggest Search Shake-Up in 25 Years — What It Means for Your Local Business

Google has just announced the biggest upgrade to its search box in over 25 years — and it changes everything about how local customers find businesses like yours. AI is now doing the searching, summarising the answers, and in some cases even making the booking. Your website still matters enormously, but the rules have shifted. Here’s what’s happening, what it means for your business, and the five things you can do right now to stay visible.

Brand Identity vs Visual Identity: What’s the Real Difference?

Northumberland web designer Terence Walsh explains the real difference between brand identity and visual identity — and why getting the order right could save your business time, money, and a rebrand down the line.

Google Feb 2026 Core Update: Tips for Northumberland Businesses

Is your local business ready for the Google Feb 2026 Core Update? Discover how Northumberland small businesses can win with local content and original expertise.

Elementor Broken Mobile Menu Not Working? Fix PhastPress Caching

The Boatside Inn Warden Rebrand and Web Design

Explore how TWDA revitalised The Boatside Inn with a bespoke logo and high-performance website. A deep dive into modern branding and mobile-first hospitality design.

Is Your Local Business Ready to Rank on AI Search? The New Rules of Ranking

I’ve worked in web design for over 25 years, and I’ve seen plenty of trends come and go. But the shift to AI search isn’t a fad; it’s a fundamental change in how customers find you. If you are still relying solely on traditional keywords and backlinks, you are becoming invisible to a massive segment of the market. Here is how to pivot your strategy and rank on platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini.

SuperControl API: WordPress Search Integration

Learn how to link a custom HTML search form to the SuperControl API in WordPress. Build a bespoke, high-converting booking experience and ditch clunky widgets with our step-by-step guide.

A Guide to AI Search Optimization (ASO) for 2026

The way people find your website is about to change forever. Google’s shift to AI-powered, agentic search is the biggest update in 20 years. Learn what AI Search Optimization (ASO) is and how you can adapt your strategy to attract more visitors in this new era.