CLARE BUSINESSES MEET THOUSANDS OF BUYERS AT LOCAL ENTERPRISE SHOWCASE
Businesses from Co. Clare 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.
Creative Clay, Siar Photography, The Moher Soap Company and Wix and Wax Ireland , 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.
Creative Clay - Creative Clay creates ceramic giftware that brings a unique visual experience to any wall or space in your home. Irish Ceramicist Raquel Walsh from Co. Clare creates a range of ceramic pieces that are inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape around her, in particular the Burren. These creations are influenced by the marks that time, weather and use leave behind and are decorated with wildflowers often found growing along the hedgerows of Ireland. Each piece is individually assembled from rolled out slabs of clay, decorated and hand painted so no two pieces can ever be the same. www.creativeclayireland.com
Siar Photography - SIAR meaning “West” or “Westward” in Irish, is a range of contemporary photography prints of Ireland founded in 2019 by husband and wife team, Gary and Aoife. SIAR Photography offers over 130 original photographs by Gary, with each print printed, packaged and sold from their studio in County Clare on the Wild Atlantic Way. They also offer greeting cards, notebooks, postcards, an annual calendar and collaborated with a local candle producer to create their first candle Trá, a scent inspired by the Irish beach and coastline. https://siarphotography.ie
The Moher Soap Company - Raquel Ruido is an artisan cosmetic producer based in Co. Clare. The product range includes Soaps, Lip Balms, Body Scrubs, Body Moisturisers, Bath Salts and a selection of Gift Sets containing all the above. All of her products are handmade using only natural ingredients with zero waste packaging. The business name ties the products to both the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland, where they are hand produced. https://themohersoapco.com
Wix & Wax Ireland- Wix and Wax Ireland is a luxury home fragrance company based in Ennis, Co. Clare. They manufacture a range of handmade home fragrance products including melts, candles, diffusers, rooms sprays and gift boxes for their own brand. Their products are vegan friendly and cruelty free and are manufactured using sustainably sourced soy blend waxes. https://wixandwaxireland.com
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 Clare companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Clare 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.
Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare, said;“Local Enterprise Showcase is potentially a business changing opportunity for these Local Enterprise Office clients. They have the chance to meet with buyers specific to their market from countries all over the world opening doors to new export opportunities that they simply would not get anywhere else.
“Each of these clients has worked closely with their Local Enterprise Office to ensure they are in the best possible position to sell their products to national and international buyers. This event shows the value of partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland partnering to give these wonderfully talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to bring their products to the world stage.”
Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design and Crafts Council Ireland 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 380+ exhibitors joined us to highlight and grow their businesses. I want to thank the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office, and of course the RDS for supporting such an important event in the Irish Design and Craft calendar.”
It was another strong year for Local Enterprise Showcase exhibitors as part of the Showcase Awards with several Local Enterprise Office client companies securing awards and recognition through the Showcase awards programme including the top award for 2023 for Tom King of An Gobha, supported by Local Enterprise Office Meath.
Winner of Overall Best Product Award – Iron St. Brigid’s Cross by Tom King of An Gobha Iron Works and Experience. An Gobha offers immersive and interactive experiences of traditional iron age metal forging delivered with theatre, stories, myths, and legends in Bohermeen, Co Meath. An Gobha also manufactures and sells handcrafted metal decorative objects based on ancient Celtic symbols and artefacts of the Boyne Valley, Ancient East. Tom has created the St. Brigid’s Cross as a work of art based around the traditional cross, with depth and with colour, to mark the new national holiday celebrating our female Patron Saint, St. Brigid.
Best Product Category Winners:
- Showcase Best Product – FASHION: Linda Wilson, Linda Wilson Knitwear
- Showcase Best Product – HOME: Kathleen Leadbetter, Jerpoint Glass Studio
- Showcase Best Product – GIFT: Serena Grimes, Snugí Babóg Knitwear
- Showcase Best Product – JEWELLERY: Garrett Mallon, Garrett Mallon Jewellery
- Showcase Best Product – WELLNESS: Annarita Monaldi, Craft Around the Clock
Other Showcase Award Winners:
- The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland Design Ireland Award – Linda Wilson, Linda Wilson Knitwear
- Local Enterprise Showcase Award – Síne Dunne, Siest Sleep
- Sustainability Award - Eoin Shanley, Copperfish Lighting Company
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
LEO Clare, Clare County Council
Email: localenterprise@leo.clarecoco.ie
Tel 087-4648402
