Kildare Businesses meet thousands of buyers at Local Enterprise Showcase

Businesses from Kildare had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world as part of the recent Local Enterprise Showcase - Showcase 2024 at the RDS in Dublin. There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with three in attendance from Kildare.

Showcase 2024 is one of the country’s largest international trade fairs, welcoming almost 400 exhibitors and more than 4,000 buyers from Ireland and overseas. Upwards of €25 million in sales orders were expected to be transacted over the three days, with even more anticipated to be generated throughout the year due to the event.

Nina Patterson Art, Fiadh & Finn and Everblooms, t/a One More Thing were the Kildare companies all exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2024. The Kildare companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Kildare to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024. They have been working closely in recent months to ensure they were in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.

Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, officially opened Showcase at the RDS, Dublin, highlighting how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector.

Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, said: “I’m delighted to be here at Showcase 2024, to see some of the incredible products on display from our craft and design sector. I’m also thrilled to welcome such a diverse group of buyers from all across the world. Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design and Showcase truly is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition. Most craftspeople live and work in rural areas outside our capital city of Dublin. My department is working hard to ensure that we continue to support the rural development of these areas and encourage the growth of this sector for many years to come. Craft plays an integral part in Ireland’s economy, and I wish everyone the best of luck over the next couple of days.”

Kildare County Council’s Head of Enterprise, Jacqui Mc Nabb said “This was an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that breakthrough. To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place was an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things went well at this event, a business

could fill their book for the year and may well establish a partnership that could extend longer than that and help them grow. While that won’t happen for every business, just to be there, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand to them going forward.”

This year saw the introduction of the Business of Craft Awards by the Local Enterprise Offices for all the craft and design companies taking part in Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices recognises the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.

The awards had three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business who has excellent export and international potential and finally Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability

Sustainability Champion – Palm Free Irish Soap, supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare
One to Watch – Bex Shelford Prints, supported by Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoighre Rathdown
Best Newcomer – Sully and Juno, supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford

It was also 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.

Best Product Category Winners:

Showcase Best Product – FASHION: Linda Wilson Knitwear
Showcase Best Product – HOME: Rhyme Studio Inc
Showcase Best Product – GIFT: badly made books
Showcase Best Product – JEWELLERY: Lynsey de Burca
Showcase Best Product – WELLNESS: Pure Oskar

Other Showcase Award Winners:

Design & Crafts Council Ireland Award – Éiru
Local Enterprise Office Award – Stories by Ola
Sustainability Award – Hanna’s Bees

Pure Oskar is a family-owned personal care and wellness brand based in County Kildare. They specialize in crafting high-quality, natural soaps that offer a healthy alternative to mass-produced personal care products.

For more information on Local Enterprise Showcase 2024 and supports available to those operating in the design and crafts sector, log on to www.LocalEnterprise.ie and for more information on Showcase 2024, log on to www.ShowcaseIreland.com