He took this over in 2013 when it was on its last legs and the market in south London now has a healthy 70 traders weekly.
As part of his whirlwind week, Collins also organises antiques markets in London at Covent Garden (Monday) and Spitalfields (Thursday), as well as weekly weekend fleamarkets in Cambridge and Wimbledon.
Collins, who has always been full of praise for all the traders at his markets and with whom he has formed lasting friendships, said: “I’m very sad to be giving up something I really love doing at Bermondsey.
“I have so much admiration for these guys who stall out in all weathers. It’s always been a privilege to work with them and to be part of their passion for what they do.
“But it’s now about giving my family what they deserve and spending more time with them. I long to have a full weekend off.”
Mike Collins, director of specialist market Sherman & Waterman, has announced that he is giving up the running of Bermondsey Antiques Market which he has organised since 2013.
Moving on
Collins, 70, who is also S&W’s accountant and covers the marketing, would like to be able to hand over the running of the Bermondsey Antiques Market to the traders who stall out there by the autumn.
Since 2014, Jane Waterman, the widow of Cyril Waterman, one of the founders of S&W in 1974 and who was Collins’ partner in the business, has been an active member and is now joint owner with Collins of the firm.
