Longford businesses impress and meet thousands of buyers at Showcase 2023
Local business Craft Around the Clock wins Showcase Best Wellness Product at event Press Release 7 February 2023
Pic 1 – Annarita Monaldi of Craft Around the Clock pictured with her award - Best Product in the WELLNESS category
Pic 2 – Alison Bray, Sonas Aromas
Pic 3 – Wendy Knight – Wendy Louise Designs.
Local businesses met with over 4,000 buyers from across the world at the Local Enterprise Showcase 2023. Longford companies joined over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses, with Craft Around the Clock winning in the Showcase Best Product in the Wellness category at the event.
For the three-day event held in the RDS in Dublin, thousands of buyers from global retailers look to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €20 million in business was expected to have been transacted at Ireland’s largest tradeshow, which marked its 47th edition this year.
Longford businesses in attendance included award-winning Craft Around the Clock, owned by entrepreneur Annarita Monaldi. The craft-based business specialises in knitted, crocheted and textile jewelry, accessories, and home furnishings. Also securing great interest at Showcase 2023, Alison Bray of Sonas Aromas makes natural aromatherapy products including candles, reed diffusers and wax melts, and Wendy Louise Designs, a milliner producing bespoke hats and headpieces using traditional skills. All businesses work closely with Local Enterprise Office (LEO), Longford.
Showcase is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide. LEO Longford work with local business appearing at the event to ensure they are in the best position to maximise the opportunity, including assistance with sales technique, marketing materials and stand production
Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Dara Calleary TD officially opened Showcase 2023 and 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.”
Local Enterprise Office, Longford Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through. “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business starting out. If things go 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. Congratulations to Annarita Monaldi and her business Craft Around the Clock who was awarded Showcase Best Product in the Wellness category.”
Design and Crafts Council Ireland CEO Rosemary Steen added, “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 2 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.”
For further information on Showcase please contact Anna Lane at the Local Enterprise Office Longford on 043 334 3349 or at alane@leo.longfordcoco.ie. ENDS All media queries should be directed to the Longford County Council Communications Officer via mediaenquiries@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 4217.
