Businesses from Waterford 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 with 3 in attendance from Waterford.
Polly and Andy, Dust+Rock and Mad Jessie 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.
After a lot of research, trial & error Polly Doyle knew bamboo socks with a seamless toe was the way forward for her products. “The first layer of clothes on kid’s skin is so important. All it takes is a scratchy label, an irritating seam, or rough texture against soft skin, to cause discomfort. And when a child can’t tell you what’s wrong, discomfort can become distress”. The range has since expanded to include adult sizes, knee highs, ankle socks & soft tops. Catering for baby sizes & up to UK Adult 13. Check out Polly and Andy's products and full story here - https://www.pollyandandy.com/
Mad Jessie is an award-winning business all about creating and designing outdoor accessories that make you feel great. Unique, Funky, Limited, and most importantly, Fun.
Product uniqueness, collaboration and sustainability are the key differentiating factors of this business. Jessie continues to work hard finding ways to champion sustainability, fun, and kindness, in her products and in her way of life. The business is an alternative to Fast Fashion offering consistently high-quality products in distinctive styles. All designs are created by Jessie an experienced artist and are unique and hand drawn. For more info check out - https://www.madjessie.com
Dust + Rock are the proud creators of The Original Wrist Pocket, designed in Dungarvan, Co.Waterford. The Original Wrist Pocket is a unique product, designed by commercial pilot and mum of 3, Susan Furniss Radley. Designed to keep your phone and essential items TO hand but not IN your hand. Susan is on a mission to empower women through fashionable and functional products to give freedom to their busy lives. For more info check out - https://dustandrock.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.”
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
For more information on Local Enterprise Office Supports contact Local Enterprise Office Waterford on 051 849905 or via info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie