FOR many craft is associated with hobbies, a pastime for relaxation and enjoyment. However crafting in the UK forms part of a growing industry, home to more than 11,600 business which contribute £746 million to the national economy every year.

This month is the sixth annual Craft and Design month, an initiative set up by craft&design magazine to raise awareness of the enormous amount of creative talent that there is in the UK.

The project is supported by the Crafts Council, which has commissioned several reports in recent years into the economic impact of the craft industry and the opportunities it presents for innovation and growth.

Annie Warburton, creative director for the Crafts Council said: “The UK’s strengths in the creative industries – and in craft – are currently unrivalled.

“However, international competitors are fast catching up, investing heavily in creative education, in research and development, and in facilities that bring the physical making and digital worlds together. China is a case in point. But the same is happening to different degrees in other parts of Asia, North America, Europe and Africa.

“Unless we take action now we will experience a talent drain and lose competitive advantage.

“Currently most innovation through craft happens through happy accident. Our

vision is to move to an established culture of open innovation and collaboration.

“The potential rewards are great: improved productivity, development of new products and services, and differentiation of UK output, enabling us to access new global markets and reap both social and economic benefits.”

Across the UK, there are 11,620 businesses involved in craft industries, which account for 0.2 per cent of the UK business population. More than half of these businesses are unregistered micro businesses operating below the VAT/PAYE threshold, suggesting a strong reliance on small independent makers.

These businesses employ 43,250 people across the UK. However, the combined impact of craft industries and occupations means there are 149,500 people employed in the craft economy when you take into account those working in craft outside the craft industries.

The 11,620 businesses involved in craft industries generate nearly £1.9 billion in turnover in the UK. The total turnover of craft industries accounts for 0.1 per cent of all UK turnover, and contributes £746 million to the UK economy in Gross Value Added.

In Craft and Design Month the spotlight has been shone on the industry locally as York has just hosted its Open Studios, showcasing the work of 112 artists.

Beccy Ridsdel, chairwoman of York Open Studios said: “As well as chairing the York Open Studios I teach at York College where we have a thriving craft degree.

“We teach ceramics, jewellery design, wood and metal work, and quite a lot of people that come through our degree then go on to set up businesses in their trade.

“I think there are a lot of people who don’t consider arts and crafts to be a proper career, and they are surprised when they see someone who not only does it as their job but is making a success of it.”

Lyn Grant, who runs Fangfoss Pottery with her husband Gerry, and who took part in the succeeding Pocklington Open Studios this weekend, added: “York and its surrounding area has hundreds of artists, designers and craftspeople manufacturing and selling their products in the UK and the overseas markets.

“An increasing trend over the last few years is for artists and designers to take part in Open Studio events. These are seen as a way of shining the spotlight on the skills of local artists throughout the areas they live.

“By opening the doors of their studios and houses the artists hope to raise awareness of the arts and crafts available in the area.

“It is hoped that as the general public see what is available locally, they might think twice about who to go to when they need something for the home, and buy something manufactured near to them. If that succeeds then Craft and Design month will have achieved its purpose.”