Press Release: 5 January 2015

Inspiring Carlow Craft Businesses To Showcase Design Talent To International Buyers

More than 100 makers to mark ‘Irish Design 2015’ in the Enterprise Zone at the Showcase Creative Expo in the RDS #enterprisezone 

Eleven inspiring Carlow craft businesses will be wooing international buyers with their unique design talent in the Enterprise Zone (#enterprisezone) at the Showcase Creative Expo, which takes place in the RDS Dublin from January 18^th to 21^st 2015.

The designers and makers will be hoping to secure lucrative orders for their work at the Showcase Expo which promotes and celebrates Irish design to buyers from Ireland and all over the world.

Supported by the Local Enterprise Office Carlow, exhibitors in the Enterprise Zone will be exposed to Irish and international buyers and hoping to break into new home and export markets during 2015. The Carlow companies exhibiting are: Emma Jane Champley from EJ Jewellery in Borris,Ariane Tobin from Ariane Tobin Jewellery in Kellistown, Martin Marley from MM-Ceramics in Bagenalstown, Leiko Uchiyama from Leiko Felt in Borris, Tomomi McElwee from Slaney HandCraft in Rathvilly, Liga Valge from Valg Studio in Tullow, Cillian Ó Súilleabháin from COS Furniture in Bagenalstown, Glenn Lucas from Glenn Lucas Woodturning in Garryhill, Maria Ryan from Lollipops & Daydreams in Tullow, Nicola Brown from Clasheen in Borris and Stephen O’Briain from Stephen O’Briain Furniture in Borris.

Organised by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, the annual four-day creative expo is valued by industry experts as one of the most important trade events for Ireland’s craft sector.

In 2010, the Local Enterprise Offices (formerly known as the County and City Enterprise Boards) supported 35 small businesses at Showcase through subsidised stands. But this figure has tripled to a record-breaking 105 businesses this year which is an extra special one for local designers and makers as they celebrate ‘Irish Design 2015’, which has President Michael D. Higgins as its patron.

Kieran Comerford from the Local Enterprise Office Carlow, said: “As we celebrate Irish Design 2015, there is a high calibre of craft businesses from throughout the region showcasing Irish craft and design at this year’s Enterprise Zone at Showcase. With the support of the Local Enterprise Offices, the businesses have the ideal platform to exhibit their work and meet international buyers at the RDS in Dublin. The record number of craft and design companies from throughout the country all have the potential to break into new markets both at home and abroad, securing valuable orders and create new jobs locally.”

The network of Local Enterprise Offices are committed to the craft sector nationally, providing supports such as mentoring, training, financial grants, networking initiatives, business advice and export initiatives, where applicable.

Brian McGee, Head of Marketing for the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Director of Showcase, said the record number of inspiring design businesses featuring in the Enterprise Zone this year is a reflection on the rich design talent that exists in Ireland.

"Small craft businesses who are making authentic and beautiful pieces need to be encouraged and nurtured, and the Local Enterprise Offices deserve credit for supporting craft makers and helping them get their unique product to the home and international market. Enterprise Zone at Showcase provides craft businesses with a valuable route to market, and plays a huge role in helping them expand and develop."

Showcase is promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland and further details are available by visiting www.localenterprise.ie and www.showcaseireland.com or by searching #enterprisezone on social media.                            

ENDS

For media queries, please contact Siobhan Donohoe at MD Media

Mobile Number: 086 1727972

E-mail Address: Siobhan@mdmedia.ie

Notes for the Editor:

Facts and Figures: Enterprise Zone at Showcase (#enterprisezone)

2010: Enterprise Boards supported 35 companies at the Enterprise Zone                                  

2011: Enterprise Boards supported 50 companies at the Enterprise Zone     

 2012: Enterprise Boards supported 57 companies at the Enterprise Zone                                    

2013: Enterprise Boards supported 75 companies at the Enterprise Zone

 2014: Enterprise Boards supported 93 companies at the Enterprise Zone                            

 2015: Local Enterprise Offices (formerly Enterprise boards) supported 105 companies

List of designers and makers exhibiting at Enterprise Zone at Showcase (Jan 2015)

From the County of Carlow

From the County of Clare

From the County of Cork

From the County of Dublin

From the County of Galway

From the County of Kerry

From the County of Kildare

From the County of Kilkenny

From the County of Leitrim

From the County of Limerick

From the County of Louth

Form the County of Mayo

From the County of Meath

From the County of Tipperary

From the County of Offaly

From the County of Roscommon

From the County of Sligo

From the County of Waterford

From the County of Wexford

From the County of Wicklow