Showcase 2015
18th - 21st January 2015, RDS, Dublin
Five inspiring Kildarecraft 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 18th to 21st 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 Kildare Local Enterprise Office, 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 Kildare companies exhibiting are: Ken Greene from KT Metal Design in Leixlip, Amanda Finan from Amanda Christie Designs in Castledermot, Liadain Butler from Liadain de Buitlear Knitwear in Kildare Town, Caroline Johnson from Du Coeur in Kildangan and Gosia Sobkowicz from Candella in Kildare Town.
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.
Mary Foley from the Kildare Local Enterprise Office, 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.
