Think positive - and beat recession!

We've all heard the phrase 'been there, done it, got the T-shirt.'

Well, it's more of a case of 'got the T-shirt, not going there!' for a positive-thinking group of businesspeople in the Dereham area who are proudly wearing their anti-recession message.

Members of the Dereham chapter of the Business Network International (BNI) have produced T-shirts with the upbeat slogan 'I refuse to participate in the recession.'

The group meets each week to chat and share ideas and encourage each other and are determined to keep smiles on their faces.

They launched their new creations at their meeting on Wednesday and highlighted the good news which is still around despite the gloom in the economy.

One of the group members is Nick Flower, of B2B Cash Flow Solutions, who said: 'We've never been busier and our biggest challenge is getting the message out. The network is spreading out about what we can do.

'The idea of the T-shirts is about making people aware that it is not all doom and gloom. We think the recession is optional and we choose not to be part of it!'

Zoe Tuijl of Top 2 Toe Massage in Dereham, said: 'We need to keep positive and if you are positive it really helps your business and the T-shirts are a way of getting the message across. We have members in the chapter from a very wide range of businesses who are all passing on business to other members.'

Jacquie Clarke, of accountancy firm Adepta, said: 'It is a fantastic idea and self-fulfilling and positive thinking is so important.'

Carl Foster, of Sue Knight Business Services in Dereham, said: 'With a large amount of good new business being done it's no surprise that members of Dereham BNI chapter feel they have to make a stand and state our position. Business is tough but BNI certainly helps.'

Anyone wanting more information on Dereham BNI can contact assistant director Richard Kerrison of F1 Signs on 07795 975561.