INDIE BUSINESS
Bath’ s family run businesses
Rolfey’ s
David Rolfe, known to everyone as‘ Rolfey’ has been addicted to antiques and collectibles for 45 years after getting the bug during his 20s when he was working as a civil servant in the city.
But his career in the trade really took off more than 20 years ago following terrible news. Rolfey was diagnosed with cancer and told he had only a short time to live.
Expecting the worst, he decided to fulfil a life-long dream and opened his antique shop as a last dream scenario. Luckily, the cancer treatment worked and Rolfey still runs the shop with his team today – the team includes his wife Katie.
In the early 2000s, he was also a regular presenter and expert on local regional ITV television shows The Bargain Hunters and Beat The Dealer working alongside fellow presenters Fred Wedlock and Melinda Messenger.
Rolfey has a particular love of chairs, often saying he’ ll never know enough about them!
What was the antiques trade like in Bath when you started dealing in antiques?“ Forty-five years ago the Bath antiques trade was thriving and the exporting of antiques was also insatiable, times were good. There were more than 100 antique shops in and around the city and it was a buzzing, competitive and moving environment.”
And today?“ Today the table has turned. Brown furniture is as popular as the plague and people are design led and have little interest in the craftsmanship that went into making something.
“ People tend to follow the fashion of their favourite celebrity and seem to be slaves to the glossy magazines and the‘ Ikea ethic’ that furniture has a short shelf life and should be replaced when it falls apart.
“ People no longer collect and we are encouraged to de clutter. Today things are much tougher and our customer base has shrunk to the extent that we are a dinosaur, a curiosity, the last of our kind.
“ Bath now has just five antiques shops – 40 years ago there were more than 100. That’ s very sad to me.”
Why continue?“ It’ s in the blood and one cannot just stop. We continue in the hope the wheel will turn and once again people appreciate the quality only antiques and craftsmanship can offer.”
Highlights of your career so far?“ During my career I have had many highlights and lowlights. The first was the bitter sweet opening of my shop then the lucky break of appearing on a regular local television programme.
“ The most important of all is being accepted by my fellow dealers and the public as someone qualified and trusted to sell their items.”
His best buy?“ Perhaps still to come … some objects I have to live with for a while before selling, that’ s just the way it is …”
Rolfey( centre) with his son John who is now an auctioneer himself with a visitor to an event- Sue Rush
What’ s popular today?“ Today the trade is very different, but fine lines such as Ercol and anything with a designer name are popular- the quirkier the better.
“ Also the reality is fur coats and taxidermy are back at forefront of desirability.
“ Chrome is definitely in along with religious items and modern design.”
Do you like car boot sales? Yes, I’ m still a bit of an addict. They can still provide rich pickings if you know what to look for!”
What do you think 2017 holds for your business?“ 2017? Can’ t wait, Brexit is here whether we like it or not, the antique exporters are back buying due to the low pound and the future is rosy( we hope). I look forward to every day, every auction and the next deal.”
Top business tip“ Be passionate about what you do – that’ s the one thing which will get you through when times are difficult. For me, business may be tough but it’ s bloody exciting.”
A family affair at Green Park Brasserie
Three-generations are now working together as Alex Peters, son of Andrew joins the fold at Green Park Brasserie.
Alex has joined the family run business as marketing manager after cutting his teeth in industry outside the city. Alex studied marketing and design at Leeds University and after graduating secured a job in-house for the British Museum. His love of Bath drew him back to the city and the time seemed ripe to become part of the family fold which has become a bit of a Bath institution.
Andrew, Alex’ s Dad took over the venue in 1992. Investing in Green Park Brasserie was a real gamble at the time, as the country was in a deep recession and no one else was interested in buying the business. Andrew said:“ After a stint living in London I moved back to Bath, as it’ s such a great place to bring up a family. At the time none of the venues were offering the laid-back vibe of the big smoke and I wanted to emulate that in Bath. Good quality food, drink and live music. Live jazz has always been our thing and it’ s become our USP. It suits the building and its location, being a transient environment with the walk-through to the city centre or towards Sainsbury’ s and Oldfield Park. It provides a lively scene.”
Over the last 24 years the business has evolved and now has more than one string to its bow. They own the Bath Function Rooms, situated above the Green Park Brasserie, perfect for weddings, events and the corporate market, Bath Pizza Co and the Green Park Express- a place to grab a coffee on the go.
Bath Pizza Co is situated under the Victorian canopy of the old Green Park Station, just outside the Green Park Brasserie. Launched at the beginning of 2016, It provides a bit of theatre with chef’ s throwing around dough and adds to the area’ s vibrant, eclectic scene from the permanent stalls to the visiting farmers market every Saturday. The pizza is made in an artisan way with a wood fired traditional oven. Even though the business has grown, it’ s not lost its family feel.
Douglas, Andrew’ s Dad and Alex’ s Grandad still comes in each week to manage the bookkeeping and accounts. Douglas now 91, was a Bath GP based on Pulteney Street before he retired and started helping out at Green Park Brasserie. The staff are also an extension of the family too, employing 50 people across the different businesses. Liz the general manager has been with the firm for 23 years and the chef Steve Derry has been there for twelve years.
The family are looking to 2017 with high hopes for a prosperous future. Alex said:“ Footfall’ s definitely rising in Green Park with the new Riverside development and student accommodation. We’ re also really excited about the opening of the Apex Hotel, just opposite. It should be great for trade. We hope Green Park keeps giving locals and visitors that hyperlocal, unique offering that’ s a true slice of Bath.”
Douglas Peters, Andrew Peters and Alex Peters
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2016 19