Stockbrokers can beat the internet investment trade by providing the personal touch, declared a Leigh broker celebrating his firm's 125th birthday.

Redmayne-Bentley Stockbrokers has seen plenty of market ups and downs and so has Leigh manager David Strang in his 40 years in the industry.

But despite the growing opportunities for investors to buy and sell stocks through the internet, Mr Strang, 57, believes high street brokers can stay in business by building up a face-to-face rapport with clients.

He said: "Internet trading fits a certain sort of investor but the man in street likes to know who is he dealing with.

"People like to know who they are talking to. They don't want to phone up and get a voice. They want to get a feel that you know what you are talking about.

"It's just a fact that they can pop in, they know who is going to be here, they know it's all in confidence and they appreciate that."

The Leigh Road branch will celebrate Redmayne-Bentley's 125th anniversary by handing over all the commission earned at the shop next Tuesday to Little Haven children's hospice.

Customers will also be encouraged to make donations to the hospice.

Mr Strang said: "We are delighted to be a part of Redmayne-Bentley's celebrations and tradition. We are continually changing to meet the needs of today's private investor."

Hard at work -- David Strang of Redmayne-Bentley Stockbrokers

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Net curtains on the net

A curtain shop has gone digital by launching its net collection on the internet.

The Net and Curtain Company, London Road, Westcliff, is the first business venture by Thorpe Bay man Russell Solomon.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.