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It always amazes me how well known that shop is

I think it's probably because it's been around for so many years that it's a name that's instantly recognized in Britain. Pick up almost any issue of Practical Wireless, Radio Constructor etc. from 30+ years ago, and you'll find a Birkett ad in there! (Kind of like no issue would have been complete without an article from the late F.G. Rayer, G3OGR.)