Minister Officially Opens “FORM” Craft Exhibition in Carlow
Carlow Creative Cluster of designers and crafts people launch new directory and brochure
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O’Connor, T.D., today (10th June 2016) visited Carlow Town to officially open the FORM - 'designmade in Carlow - Craft Exhibition, launch their new directory and brochure, and to meet with local entrepreneurs and employers.
FORM is a creative craft cluster made up of designers and crafts people living and working in the Carlow area. It was developed by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Carlow and supported by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. The Minister launched a new series of publications for FORM today, which were developed by the LEO and Carlow Library Services, to promote Carlow’s design and craft sector.
Speaking at the launch Minister Mitchell O’Connor, T.D., said: “Working in partnership is key to the development of a supportive enterprise eco-system. These projects in Carlow are clearly focused on tangible economic outputs which will bring further employment to the local economy.” The Minister added: “The Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation are working very closely with Carlow County Council in the development of the Local Enterprise Office. Since it was set-up in 2014, LEO Carlow has successfully delivered many innovative partnerships, helping to support hundreds of local businesses and start-ups in the process.”
Speaking at the launch, Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland said: “In Ireland, we have a dynamic craft and design sector which generates vital employment across the island of Ireland and makes a significant contribution to our economy and culture, projects like FORM and our work with the Local Enterprise Offices ensures that our creative sector is supported to create economic gain for their counties”.
Chairperson of FORM, Nicola Brown who is a textile artist said: “"We in FORM are delighted with the ongoing support from the agencies. It's designed firstly to respect our artistic viewpoint and secondly to help us gain competitive advantage at home and abroad."
The Minister also visited Launchpad in Carlow Town, which is a new business incubation space developed by US-company Unum in partnership with the Local Enterprise Office. Launchpad provides HPSU (High Potential Start-Ups) companies with free office space and mentoring, provided by the executives of Unum. Its first tenant is Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Finalist - EquiRatings who are currently expanding into international markets.
Speaking at the Launchpad Minister Mary Mitchell O’ Connor said “One of my key priorities as Minister is encouraging more people to start their own business and creating an environment where job growth can thrive. Providing more soft supports like co-working spaces and mentoring for start-ups can make a real difference. I am delighted to see first-hand this new incubation space developed by Unum in partnership with the LEO’.
Speaking about Launchpad, David Mc Mahon – Unum – US Vice President said: “We see giving back to the local economy as an essential part of our ongoing support to the development of Unum in Ireland and we are delighted to be able to work with a variety of partners such as IT Carlow and Carlow County Council’s – Local Enterprise Office on the ground in Carlow in order to make real tangible projects that are making a difference to the Local Economy.”
Commenting on the visit of the Minister, Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said: “Carlow County Council now places significant emphasis on supporting its enterprise community and this year including the supports provided by Enterprise Ireland will deliver over 1.1 million of Enterprise Supports on the ground to a variety of sectors”.
