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CALL FOR GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT THE DECLINING ANTIQUES INDUSTRY
Posted by Antiques Info on 01/07/2009
Antiques.co.uk is calling 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, is asking 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. 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 to survive 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 UKs antiques and art industry continues to provide a large amount to the UKs economy.
In 2007 the UKs antiques and art industry generated revenue of £4 billion. Global revenue from the art and antiques market was £40 billion in 2007, the UKs contribution therefore represented 10% 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.
Iain Brunt states: "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. With sterling at its lowest for some 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."
Petition
Our campaign to get the government to support the fine art and antiques industry is gathering momentum. We have already received backing from The Times, Antiques Trade Gazette, Antiques Info, Country Life and Retail Jeweller but we need to keep the support flooding in so that our petition can make a real difference. As the government 's latest budget report focused on incentives for those businesses that were 'green', they should also be focusing on the oldest method of recycling and on of the most environmentally friendly industries in the world. Once we have over 5,000 names, we will be taking the petition and your views to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Alistair Darling MP. We've received support not only from the UK but also from antiques dealers and lovers around the world.
Sign our online petition today by visiting antiques.co.uk and make sure that you are playing your part in the conservation of the UKs antiques industry.
