Career Hub

Make Your Own Job - Master Your Money
2026-07-06 10:00 - 13:00 UTC
Overview

The Make Your Own Job programme is here to give you the tools, support, and confidence to turn your next big idea into a new career!

Make Your Own Job is a practical 4-week programme designed to help you turn your ideas into real opportunities.
Whether you’re interested in starting a business, working as a freelancer, or simply building valuable employability skills, this programme will give you the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take the next step.
Across the four weeks, sessions will cover key areas including idea generation and what it means to be an entrepreneur, finance and pricing, marketing, and confidence and pitching. You’ll gain a strong foundation in how to develop and present your ideas, understand your market, and create something that can generate lasting income that can become your future career!
Session Overview
(22nd June, 10am-11am) Meet the Cohort Session: In this non-compulsary online session you will get the chance to meet other Make Your Own Job participants and find out more about what to expect from the programme!
(Week 1, 29th June 10am-1pm) Build Your Blueprint and Discover Your Spark: In week 1 you will learn what it means to be an entrepreneur and what skills you need to become a founder. We will also help you build your business blueprint which you will use as a guide for future sessions.
(Week 2, 6th July10am-1pm) Master Your Money: In week 2 we will guide you through the financial side of business, exploring different forms of pricing and how to effectively manage your cashflow.
(Week 3, 13th July 10am-1pm ) Own Your Narrative: Week 3 is all about marketing! We will look at how to market a business including maximising social media, creating captivating content and building your brand.
(Week 4, 20th July 10am-1pm) Perfecting Your Pitch and Take the Leap: In our final session we will cover how to create an engaging and impactful elevator pitch and memorable call to actions. The PNE Team will also be there to guide you through next steps so that you can take the leap!
Spaces on this programme are limited. It is a requirement of Make Your Own Job that you attend all sessions.
This programme is open to all North East residents.
By registering for this event you are expressing an interest in joining this cohort, a member of the team will be in touch to discuss your application.
For more information please contact: enquiries@pne.org
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-your-own-job-tickets-1989598023246

What Video Content Does Your Business Actually Need?
2026-07-06 17:30 - 20:00
Overview

A practical workshop on creating video that turns viewers into customers.

Most businesses making video content are making it for the wrong person.
It looks good. It talks about the services. It shows the team. But it does not connect with the customer who needs to see it. And when the engagement does not come, businesses assume video does not work.
Video works. But only when it is built around your customer’s world, not yours.
This workshop will help you figure out what that actually looks like for your business.
What we’ll cover
James will take you through a practical, no-nonsense session covering:
• Why most video content fails (and what to do differently)
• How to shift from talking about your business to speaking to your customer’s real concerns
• The questions your content should be answering before a customer even gets in touch
• How to use video to build trust, reduce doubt, and make buying easier
• What good content actually looks like for a business like yours
• A simple test to check if your content is working for your customer or just for you
The shift that makes the difference
The most common mistake James sees is businesses creating content for themselves, not their customers. It sounds like:
• Here is what we do
• Here is our service
• Here is us at an event
• Here is why we are great
It feels like marketing. But really it is a self-congratulation loop. The only people watching are already on the team.
Real content is built around the customer’s world:
• Their problems
• Their decisions
• Their risks
• Their next step
• Their outcome
James’s simple test: if your logo was removed, would the post still help your customer? If not, it is time to rethink.
What you’ll walk away with
• A clear understanding of what video content your customers actually want to see
• A strategy for creating content that builds familiarity and trust over time
• Practical ideas you can take back and use in your business straight away
• A simple framework for testing whether your content is doing its job
• Confidence to show up on video in a way that feels right for your brand
Who is this for?
This workshop is for small business owners, retailers, and creatives who are already posting video content or thinking about starting. Whether you feel like your content is not quite landing, or you are not sure where to begin, this session will give you a clear direction.
You do not need a big budget or a professional setup. You just need to understand what to say and who you are saying it to.
About James Ibbitson
James Ibbitson is a video content strategist who helps businesses stop making content for themselves and start making content for their customers. His approach is direct, practical, and grounded in what actually drives sales and conversations, not just views.
Practical details
Date: Monday 6th July
Format: In person
Location: The Glass onion, 33-34 Blandford St, Sunderland SR1 3JJ
About the Project:
Delivered by Market Collective as part of the Digitising the High Street project with Enterprising Sunderland. The initiative is funded by the North East Combined Authority and Sunderland City Council, supporting local businesses to grow and succeed in the digital space.
👉 Spaces are free but limited, so book early to secure your spot!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-video-content-does-your-business-actually-need-tickets-1987826629961
