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Albert Road, Southsea UK -

Ian Parmiter of Architectural Antiques in Hampshire, has really made his mark on trade in his area. He has been dealing for twenty years in architectural and twentieth century items and built up what he describes as a small but successful business. He is proud to deal from Albert Road, Southsea, and tells me that up until ten years ago there were fifty antique shops on the road.

Now there are just ten. Mr Parmiter feared the whole road would die. So, last year, he started the Love Albert Road campaign to raise the profile of all the businesses, not just antiques, in the street.

His actions had some positive results and last September he organised 'Love Albert Road Day' with live entertainment and much joility. He expected a few thousand revellers but to his amazement attracted 20,000. He financed the whole thing with about £1000 of his own money and plans an even bigger 'Love Albert Road Day' on September 28th this year.

Mr Parmiter said "Most importantly I have shown people will support small independent business and that this kind of niche shopping is very attractive. My takings and those of my neighbours have risen significantly since the campaign began".

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