Thanks so much Pumpkin, its all so confusing! One minute you think you are within a chance to apply and the next, there's no chance.
Have I exhausted all avenues?
I do have relevant BA Honours Degree Interior Design 2:1 passed in 2004.
Subsequently, have 5 years work experience with relevant job roles, then unfortunately the recession kicked in so for the last 5 years I have been working freelance for my own business ALL interiors - but not had a stable income from it, so had other jobs to keep me afloat. As far as I can work out, they judge last 5 years worth of work experience, therefore, work experience alone may give me unsuccessful application
I need to speak to someone who knows the score on this matter. Thanks so much for your time, greatly appreciated