Self-employed female entrepreneurs have emerged as the driving force behind the growth of the UK crafts sector, which is now estimated to be worth over £800m. According to the latest report by the Crafts Council, which documents the findings of a survey of over 2,000 makers and crafts-people in England and Wales, women makers outnumber men by two to one; and despite relatively low financial returns, 94% are satisfied with their work.
Compared with 1994, the last time a major study of the sector took place, more craftspeople are setting up businesses in their 20s and the number with degrees has grown by over 20%. The stereotype of crafts being restricted to rural areas is overturned, with significant pockets of activity taking place in urban areas. The full report will be released on May 28 at http://www.craftscouncil.org.uk
Published: 03-05-2004