Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start the business…

A. During the 1980’s I was lucky enough to do my MA in ceramics in Stoke-on Trent, at that time still a hive of industry, and I gained a valuable insight into all manner of design and production methods. I did a placement there for Johnson Brothers part of the Wedgewood group Jessie Tait who designed some iconic ceramics in the 1950’s was still working there which was a great inspiration to me. There had been many pioneering women associated with the potteries such as Susie Cooper & Clarice Cliff whose stories are truly remarkable. I had a brief spell after leaving college designing in the Potteries full time but quickly realised it was too restricting in terms of design then to keep me interested. So it was a natural move to use the technical knowledge I had learnt to start my own company.

Q. Where is your business located?

A. We have a factory unit in Penzance where allof the tiles are made from raw clay while the decorating is done from home in a small barn. Ironically after we bought the house we found out that Tregonning Hill that we can see from the barn was the first place China Clay was discovered in Britain in 1746 by William Cookworthy.

Q. Do you use any specialist techniques or equipment to produce your goods?

A. All our tiles are made entirely from scratch in our own factory, and are made from English clay and materials. They are batch produced by hand which gives each tile its own unique character. We use many different methods to decorate them, from transfers to hand painted lustres.

Q. What are the most popular products in your range?

A. For years it has been our trademark Welbeck Words tile panels with written words such as herb names, but our new Vintage Patchwork Tiles are also proving to be very popular.

Q. What’s the best thing about what you do?

A. Turning raw materials into something someone loves - its a bit like alchemy!

Q. Why do you choose to make your products in Britain?

A. Made in Britain has been a benchmark I grew up with to represent the very best, and I like to think I'm doing my bit to help get us there again because without doubt we have some of the most talented creative minds in the world.

Q. What’s been your proudest moment?

A. Seeing our tiles on the shelves in Fired Earth.

Q. Where do you sell your products?

A. We sell through our catalogue and a small network of kitchen showrooms. We also have a new gift ware range coming out in September which will be available to buy on our website.

Q. Which other British producers inspire you and why?

A. I have for a long time been a big fan of Neisha Crosland - I love her use of pattern and colour. I have a few of her scarves which are timeless. We're also doing a project with Jemma Lewis who makes some stunning hand marbled paper.

Q. Do you make an effort to buy British when food shopping?

A. We are so very lucky here as lots of people grow their own produce and have little stalls on the roadside selling all kinds of goodies such as eggs, vegetables in season and lovely cut flowers. Also, just down the road from our factory is the Polgoon Vineyard who make some lovely Rose wine!

Q. Where is your favourite place to holiday in Britain?

A. It would have to be Cornwall! Our favourite place is Porthcurno - the beach is made up of tiny shell fragments and it has the most turquoise sea you can imagine. The stunning Minack Theatre is there too. Jamie Oliver's restaurant Fifteen Cornwall at Watergate Bay is a real treat - especially on a wild day in Winter.

Q. And finally, what do you do to relax and unwind when you’re not busy working?

A. We love exploring the wonderful coves on our doorstep with our adorable West Highland Terrier Billy.