How do you feel about the Government slashing the budget for higher education outlets?
My main concern is not the reduction of funds, but the disproportionate effect it is likely to have on the arts. Unfortunately, the wider contribution of craft-related courses to economic growth is rarely appreciated; they are considered expensive to teach and are therefore often the first things to be cut when money's tight. Ironically, our education system is currently considered one of the best in the world and it seems ridiculous to be dismantling something that so many others are attempting to imitate across the globe.

My greatest anxiety is the impact it will have on the UK in the long run; crafts are in themselves a great driver in the creative industries and also in supporting design production. Without these classes I fear we will be left with a work force that lacks ‘craft cultural literacy’ as well as the skills to move national creative and industrial production forward.

What affect do you think this is likely to have on craft-related courses?
These classes have been under threat for quite some time now and the past two to three years have seen a particularly strong acceleration in the number of them closing. Of course, this has been done in a covert manner and very few people seem to know what's been going on. It's astonishing really, particularly given the size of the sector and the huge contribution it makes to the economy.

The craft industry really is a backbone of the creative industries and not only creates thousands of jobs but is also the driving force behind developments in design, fashion, technology and art. At the moment, everyone is looking for ways to increase the amount of goods exported from the UK, but what many people don't realise is that it's the people from such courses who are supporting the creation of many of these items. Without them, the economy would be a lot poorer!

Unfortunately, closing these courses will also have a detrimental effect on the number of people pursuing careers in crafts – something which will inevitably reduce the size of the sector in the long run.

Do you think craft businesses, particularly retailers, will be impacted?
Broadly speaking, the mainstream of this country has lost touch with the immediacy of crafts in daily life over the past few years and while places like Germany still have a very strong handmade culture, the UK appears to have fallen behind. This has undeniably had a huge impact on the businesses specialising in this area and affected everyone from craft shop owners, to the number of people moving into the industry. And although we might not feel the effects of the closures right now, ten years from now people are going to be wondering where all the new talented makers and designers are.

How can craft shop owners help?
Firstly by doing what they do as it’s vital. Secondly, it will help if they can take risks and support unknown artists they might previously have felt uncertain about. As an industry, it's essential for us to all work together and generate as much business for one another as we can. For example, we always encourage our students to buy as many of their own materials as possible, whether that be through visiting their local craft shop or by going to a DIY store to see what's available. Right now, there is such a strong network of students spending money in this industry and this is something we cannot, and must not, allow to be lost.

At the end of the day, it will help all parties involved; after all, designers and makers will never forget the individuals who helped them when they were starting out and supporting them now will ensure they continue buying their supplies from you and recommend your business to others in the long run.