Tech a Break

Journey down the marketing rabbit hole with Adam and Andy as they talk about what goes on under the surface 🐰

On this episode of Tech A Break, we dive deep into the customer journey, what it really means, what it takes to get it right, and why even the smallest details (including toilet roll in the stalls) can make all the difference. We also bring back our fictional rare bookshop, first introduced in some of the earliest episodes.

On this episode of Tech A Break, we’re joined by Rob from Rob-Cam Productions, a filmmaker creating diverse video content inspired by TV and film. From vlogs and motion graphics to promotional films, visual effects, podcasting, and more, Rob brings a creative edge to everything he does. We dive into his journey as a filmmaker, his insights on AI in the creative industry, and the evolving role of v...

*nothing in this episode is to be taken as financial advice* Today on Tech a Break, we welcome back Rob, co-founder of LightningPayNZ, who first joined us in Episode 41 to break down Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. This time, we go even deeper into the world of cryptocurrency, focusing on why you should have Bitcoin, how it’s evolving, and what LightningPayNZ is doing to make transactions faste...

Today on Tech a Break, we’re joined by Adam. No, not the boss, the other Adam! He takes us behind the scenes of a super creative project: a stop-motion TV advert for Darlington College, starring their newest tiny talent, Little DC the puppet. From sketching storyboards to hand-cutting props and editing each frame, Adam walks us through the month-long journey of bringing this animated advert to lif...

Today on Tech a Break, we're excited to welcome back Liz Lawrence from TigerDove Marketing, a highly skilled and experienced marketing consultant who first joined us in Episode 34. This time, Liz teams up with Adam to dive into the details of a recent collaborative project they've been working on. Together, they discuss how combining their unique skills and perspectives led to a powerful a...

Today on Tech a Break, we sit down with Craig, owner of Castle Homes, a forward-thinking estate agency based in Darlington. Craig shares the story behind building his company, how technology is used within his business and why Alex the Robot, their virtual assistant, is the first voice many clients hear when they call.

Today on Tech a Break, we’re joined by Science and Magic, a forward-thinking digital marketing company. In this episode, we explore how the “science” of analytics and the “magic” drive engagement, and create campaigns that stand out in a crowded digital world.

Today on Tech a Break, Adam and Andy are letting it all out, yes it's a full-on rant session. From ridiculous clickbait news headlines (“You won’t BELIEVE what happens next!”) to those creepy targeted ads that just won’t go away (yes, we’re looking at you, foot-related ones)

Today on Tech a Break, we’re joined by Jo, the passionate force behind VIXI Fitness, the brand-new gym at Darlington Business Central. Jo shares the story behind launching the gym, what makes VIXI different, and why being close to people is key to what they do.

In this episode of Tech a Break, we chat with Liam, the newest apprentice at Resilient Business Systems. Liam may only be three weeks into the job, but his passion for tech and IT runs deep. He shares what it’s been like stepping into the world of IT, how he landed the apprenticeship, and what excites him most about the industry.

Today on Tech a Break, we're joined by Hannah Ross from We Do HR and We Do Health and Safety — two outsourced consultancy companies helping businesses stay on the right side of the rules without the hassle of hiring in-house.

This week on Tech a Break, we roll out the red carpet for Darren, the founder of an exciting new startup: Carpet Ninja — a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning business. He’ll clean your carpet so fast, you won’t even know he was there — like a true ninja. One minute it's stained, the next it's sparkling. Darren shares the journey behind launching Carpet Ninja, the challenges of sta...

Today we are joined by two lovely ladies: Annemarie Vendy, Branch Manager at Darlington Helping Hands, and Kate, a dedicated Care Coordinator. Together, they share their passion for supporting individuals who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes. From managing services to coordinating care, they open up about the real-life impact of their work, the emotional depth of caregiving, and wh...

We guarantee this episode of Tech a Break won't GRIND any gears, you won't get BOARD and you certainly won't won't to FLIP onto a different video. If you hadn't guessed by now we were joined by skating boarding legend Olly Graham who runs 4Motion in Darlington. Olly talks about his love for the sport, what it means now it's an Olympic sport, as well as how he wants to expand the park in the next f...

Today, we’re talking branding—and no, it’s not just about a pretty logo. With examples and straight talk, this episode is all about helping you see how branding is developed.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dan from Facility 6, an electrical engineer based in Darlington and serving the whole of the North East. Facility 6 delivers expert solutions in electrical systems, LED lighting, maintenance, mechanical services, and solar panel installations for both commercial and domestic clients.

In this episode, Adam and Andy dive into the world of open-source software—what it is, why it matters, and how you can use it.

In this episode, we’re joined by Claire from Darlington College, Head of Marketing and Engagement, to talk about the exciting ways the college is using technology to enhance learning. From VR experiences and a 360° projection room that helps students immerse themselves in creative writing, to Alex the Robot, a medical training tool that simulates different medical conditions—Darlington College is...

In this episode, Andy takes a deep dive into the upcoming end of life for Windows 10 in October 2025. What does this mean for users and businesses? What should you do to prepare? And most importantly, what can you do with old machines that can’t run Windows 11?

Join us on episode 76 of the Tech a Break podcast as we have fellow Darlington Workspace tenant Jamil Albarq talk about CER Education and what it does for North East schools!

In this special episode, we’re joined by Mark to talk about the Team Luke Foundation, an organisation dedicated to confronting Neuroblastoma. We discuss the foundation’s incredible mission and its impact. Mark also shares details about their upcoming Family Fun Day at Blackwell Meadows on 10th May 2025, from 11 AM - 5 PM—a fantastic event to support an important cause! Tickets: https://www.tickett...

In this episode, we’re putting the emphasis on web development with Mark Stevens from Emphasise Digital. As a web developer, Mark knows what it takes to build a site that not only looks great but also performs well and gets found online.

In this episode, we’re threading our way into the world of business and creativity with Donna Gurney, founder of Sew Happy to Help and owner of Smampy’s Corner. Donna is a passionate sewing enthusiast, community advocate, and expert in bespoke pattern making. Find out more at: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/donna-gurney Email: donna@smampyscorner.co.uk donna@sewhappytohelp.co.uk Phone: 07757 055850 We...

In this episode, Adam and Andy have their heads in The Cloud☁️—what it is and how businesses use it. They discuss the benefits, like seamless access to files from any device, as well as the downsides, including security risks and environmental impact.