News

Kilkenny’s up-and-coming craft and design businesses get a shot at international success

Some of Kilkenny’s best up and coming craft and design businesses will be part of over 100 companies from across Ireland who will get a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2023 Showcase event in the RDS, running January 22-24. An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise Showcase, is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Ireland’s newest design talent. Participating for the first time will be Geraldine Walsh, Geraldine Walsh Art displaying her original oil paintings, fine art prints and cards; Anne Healy, Biddy’s Good Luck Horse Shoes, a business creating good luck gifts for all occasions from genuine horseshoes; and Kristina Belejova, Amalka a linen brand with elegant clothing for everyday wear and for special occasions. Following a successful year, Cait Mackey Maher with her award winning, greeting card business Yellow Deer Designs will be participating for the second year in row. The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has been working with these clients on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. Other participants from County Kilkenny at Showcase 2023 will include Nicholas Mosse, Jerpoint Glass Studio, Dominka Stoppa, Kilkenny Silver and DFM Clothing. Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick said: “Showcase provides small businesses with the opportunity to meet with buyers specific to their market from countries all over the world”. He added “This event shows the value of partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland working together to give these wonderfully talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to bring their products to the world stage.” Aileen McGrath, Acting Head of Local Enterprise believes this is an opportunity for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out,” she said. “The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has been working with our clients on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event”. Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design and Crafts Council Ireland said: “We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland are greatly looking forward to the return of our international trade fair, Showcase 2023. Showcase offers designers and makers the opportunity to not only meet and do business, but also the chance to come together to celebrate the creativity, the impact and the importance of the heritage of the Irish craft and design sector globally.” Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit localenterprise.ie/kilkenny.

See also  The essential household items that always feature in Black Friday sales from Dyson, Ninja, Simba and more

Creator :Sam Matthews

Published on : 2023-01-17 07:00:08

Source :kilkennypeople

Article from : See Article