Businesses from Co. Wicklow had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world this week as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2023 in the RDS in Dublin. There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with fifteen in attendance from Co. Wicklow.
Kelly Hood (print artist), BeKind Industries (hand rolled incense) and Eriu (Wicklow made woollen blankets), were all exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2023, that saw over 4,000 buyers from retailers across the globe attend the three-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €20 million in business was expected to have been transacted across the three-day event.
Dara Calleary, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment officially opened Showcase 2023 at the RDS, Dublin. The show, which marked its 47th edition this year and ran until Tuesday 24th January, is one of Ireland’s largest and most important international trade fairs. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.
Minister Calleary said: “It’s great to be here and see some of the incredible products on display. Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design, and Showcase is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition. Craft plays an integral part in Ireland’s economy, and I wish each maker the best of luck during Showcase.”
The Wicklow companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2023. They have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.
Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow said “Showcase is now in its 48th year and we were delighted to welcome buyers from Ireland and all over the world who play a vital role in creating a stage for Irish craft and design. This year was a really busy show with orders higher than last year for our fabulous Wicklow exhibitors who worked so hard over the three days of this Tradeshow.”
Eoin Shanley, of Copperfish Lighting Company won the prestigious Sustainability Award at Showcase this year. Copperfish are based in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.
For more information on Local Enterprise Showcase 2023 and supports available to those operating in the design and crafts sector, log on to www.LocalEnterprise.ie and for more information on Showcase 2023, log on to www.ShowcaseIreland.com
