CRAFT COMPANIES SHOW OFF THEIR PRODUCTS
CREATIVE entrepreneurs from County Wicklow were in the spotlight last week as they promoted local craft and design to an estimated 5,000 national and international buyers at Showcase in Dublin, Ireland’s International Creative Expo.
Working in partnership with the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) around the country set up a dedicated area within Showcase, which enabled over 100 designers, manufacturers and craftspeople to sell directly to international buyers.
Among them were local companies that have been supported by their Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, such as Holly Somerville, Botanical Artist, Aoife Mullane from amullanedesign, David McGlynn of Fine Art Bronzes both from Bray and Suzie Beggan of Mookie and Boo from Greystones. The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, paid a visit to the LEO showcase to meet the start-ups and first-time exhibitors.
The Minister was joined by Sheelagh Daly of the Local Enterprise Offices, Karen Hennessey of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, Stephen Hughes of Enterprise Ireland and Anna-Marie Delaney of the CCMA Economic, Enterprise, Community and Culture Committee.
Sheelagh Daly Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Wicklow said: ‘At international trade fairs like Showcase, making the right first impression on buyers is key, especially if you’re a new start-up or first-time exhibitor.
‘As part of the supports provided by the LEOs, companies were given expert advice and training around on-stand selling and presentation skills. With over 5,000 buyers expected, Showcase is the ideal platform for micro enterprises and smaller businesses to attract trade customers from more than 20 countries.’
Further details about the Showcase Creative Expo are available from www.showcaseireland.com and details about the supports available to local design and craft companies are available from www.localenterprise.ie.