This sub-sector has many more lone workers than the other sectors with 87% of traders operating as sole traders.  40% of businesses turned-over less than £10,000.  30% of makers have been trading for more than 20 years.

Sources: Skills Needs Assessment 2007 and Gap Analysis and Market Testing 2007

In England and Wales:

• Two thirds of makers are female
• 96% of makers are white
• 87% of makers are operating as sole traders
• 40% of businesses turned over less than £10,000

Source: Crafts Council (2004) Making it in the 21st Century

In Scotland:

• Two thirds of makers are female
• 98% of makers are white
• 22% of makers had been in business for more than 20 years
• 76% of makers are operating as sole traders
• 47% of businesses turned over less than £10,000

Source: Scottish Arts Council (2002) Craft Businesses in Scotland: A Study

In Northern Ireland:

• Two thirds of makers are female
• 100% of makers are white
• 86% of makers are operating as sole traders
• 48% of businesses turned over less than £10,000

Source: CraftNI (2006) A Future in the Making: A socio-economic study of makers in Northern Ireland 2006

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