Jamie Fish has always loved vintage and retro items.

“My mum was an antiques dealer and it’s always been in my blood,” said the 49-year-old father of two.

So, after being made redundant for the third time in a career which has spanned several sectors including IT, automotive, recruitment and manufacturing, he decided to turn his passion into a business.

Already successfully buying and selling on the web as a hobby, Jamie and his wife, Sam, launched their shop, Fish4Junk, in Moordown, Bournemouth, in August – and haven’t looked back since.

He said: “We’re really pleased with the way things are going.

“Every week has got better.

“I’m especially proud of the feedback we’re receiving.

“In 14 weeks, I’ve received 74 five-star Google reviews.

“It’s early days but, without doubt, we’re up and coming.”

Jamie buys, sells and sources mid-20^th century furniture and home accessories from the 1950s through to the 1980s.

Items range from a sideboard or a chest of drawers through to pictures, TV props, toys and everything in between.

His speciality purchases include the Cathrineholm enamelware from Norway, pictured, which is particularly known for its distinctive lotus leaf designs of the 1960s.

“Our stock changes every day and I’m always sourcing new items from all over the world,” said Jamie.

Many of the Google reviews refer to Fish4Junk being a ‘treasure trove’ and highlight Jamie’s knowledge, passion and enthusiasm.

They include:

• “Little shop of treasures. At last there’s a local shop full to the brim with quirky, interesting and unusual objects. Jamie is friendly and passionate about hunting down these collectables.”
• “What a treasure trove – so many unusual and unique pieces, and a friendly team too. Great to have something like this on our doorstep.”
• “Cool guy. Cool items. I love original 80’s and there are a few here.”
• “Mid Century Heaven. This is now my favourite shop in Moordown. Great vintage and mid-century furniture.”

Jamie said: “There’s a lot of interest in items from the mid-century.

“Paloma Faith has been among my customers and we’re happy to sell and rent items for photoshoots.”

Other services provided by Fish4Junk include valuations and house clearances.

The shop, at Mayfield Buildings, 933 Wimborne Road, Moordown, Bournemouth, BH9 2BN, is currently open three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – from 10am to 5pm.

From this Thursday, December 9, it will open until 8pm every Thursday in the run-up to Christmas.

Future plans include acquiring a warehouse/unit, taking on more staff and offering a recycling service.

Jamie, who supplements his income by working part-time as a supermarket delivery driver, said he was proud that Fish4Junk was helping to lead a resurgence of the Moordown trading area.

He said: “A number of new businesses have opened up and we’re becoming something of a hotspot.

“It’s so satisfying to do something I love.

“I know this industry, I have a passion for what I do and I enjoy putting smiles on people’s faces.”

As for the name, Fish4Junk, Jamie said: “My name is Fish and one man’s junk is another man’s gold.

“And I have plenty of items that could be classed as gold.”

• fish4junk.co.uk