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Antiques.co.uk has called for Antiques and Fine Arts dealers to speak out about the £2
billion loss suffered by the trade in 2008 and the government's lack of
support during this recession.
Iain Brunt, the site's creator, has asked for dealers to make a stand and sign a petition urging the government to equip this often overlooked industry with the tools to restore it to its former glory.
Recent recessions have seen the antiques trade slump but it has
previously managed to rebuild itself due to trends, such as the 1993
birth of Antiques Fairs throughout the UK. However last year many
Antique and Fine Art dealers were forced to close their premises as a
direct result of high rent and business rate increases, at a faster
rate than in previous recessions.
With many Antiques shops being small
businesses - still fighting for survival despite the Chancellor's
rethink on the previously tabled increase in business rates - the time
has come for a change in perception and for people to realise that the
UK's Antiques and Art Industry continues to provide a large amount to
the UK's economy.
In 2007 the UK's antiques and art industry generated revenue of £4
billion. Global revenue from the art and antiques market was £40
billion in 2007, the UK's contribution therefore represented 10 per
cent of the global market share. In 2008, however, there was a
significant fall to £2.75 billion. While other sectors are receiving
help from the Government, the Antiques industry — which is partly
reliant on the housing market — does not.
“The Antiques industry creates jobs in tourism,
shipping, transport and conservation. At a local level, antique shops
provide an important draw to country towns, helping other local shops
and businesses. Every closure leaves a gap in provincial streetscapes.
On an ecological level, the Antiques industry encourages the re-use of
old and beautiful things, reducing landfill and new-goods consumption.
It's time that people realised that Antiques are the new green,” Ian Brunt stated.
“With sterling at its lowest for some considerable time, UK products
are once again attractive to overseas buyers. With some marketing
support from the Government, we could be using this opportunity to
reach the world market for antiques and help sustain our economy,”
he added.
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