Anyone who tours the Portobello Road antiques market can see family-run businesses which have the best chance of survival precisely because two, or even three, generations share their knowledge and passion for antiques.
In the Portobello Road council-run street antiques section, at least one third are family businesses which are the backbone of the market.
The strengths of the older generation are experience and accumulated specialist generation are energy, ambition, vision and the embracing of technology.
Dealers aside, we should not necessarily assume that no one under 35 is interested in antiques.
In our business, we attract young people who want to buy items ranging from antique christening gowns to wedding veils.
The future of the antiques trade will be bright if we continue to put our trust in our young people.
Anne, Philip and Phil Swift
Stall 1, Portobello Road (Antique Lace)
London
