Norwich, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2012 -- The members of a North-Walsham-based business network are celebrating this year, after helping each other achieve more £250,000 worth of work. Even in the current economic conditions, the Business Networking International (BNI) group believes that they can help members find work through cooperation and collaboration. The 16-18 members of the North Walsham ‘Viking Chapter’ have met up for two hours every Thursday since its formation in April last year. They get together for breakfast, and swap referrals for possible work and read out testimonials from satisfied customers, before leaving to start work at 8:30am. “It can be incredibly helpful for small business owners and entrepreneurs to have that connection with other businesspeople,” said a source at Morton Solutions, a Norwich-based sales and marketing company.
The BNI group, inspired by similar American groups, believes that “givers gain” and members concentrate on learning about each other’s trades and professions, and thinking of ways to help other members. They have been operating in Norfolk for 12 years, and now have 11 chapters, with a combined 250 members. Last year these members managed to find each other a total of £7.25m worth of business. Viking chapter director Richard Hewitt said, “If I can give you business opportunities, you will want to give me business opportunities; it’s as fundamental as that.”
“I’m self-employed and in a shop on my own all day,” said Hazel Kemp, owner of Eastern Carpets, and recent chapter member, “and this group has the feel of a supporting community about it.” A member since before Christmas, Ms. Kemp said she had already more than recouped her annual membership fee. Our source from Morton Solutions said, “This is exactly the kind of thing that helps businesses through rough times like this. Getting together as business owners and seeking to support each other.”
Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk attended the chapter’s most recent meeting, and talked to the group about encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to consider exporting. “British firms export far less than many other European countries, particularly Germany,” said the MP, adding, “If we are going to re-grow our economy, part of that has got to be through exporting, particularly to countries in the Far East, including China.”
Our Morton Solutions contact added, “The potential for growth and expansion is still there in UK business, and it’s important that owners don’t get disheartened, and spend their time getting involved in positive initiatives like this.”
http://www.northnorfolknews.co.uk/news/business_networking_group_bni_viking_chapter_in_north_walsham_celebrates_250_000_milestone_1_1211872