Businesses from South Dublinhad the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world recently as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at 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 seven in attendance from South Dublin. Companies were all exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2024, 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 €25 million in business was expected to have been transacted across the three-day event.
The businesses included Thomp2 Socks a Sock company selling a range of fun and colourful socks, Donna McGee a Landscape and abstract Artist, The Crochet Dolls making Keepsake Crochet Dolls, Bear’s Little Fish selling Babies clothes and furniture, Jo Lawless A visual Artist creating landscapes, Goose & Gander an Irish brand crafting children’s fashion and Accessories4Babies a Feeding accessories and equipment for weaning babies.
Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, officially opened Showcase at the RDS, highlighting how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector. One of the country’s largest international trade fairs, Showcase 2024 welcomed 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.
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.”
The South Dublincompanies were selected by Local Enterprise Office South Dublin to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024. They have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the best possible position to maximize their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.
Head of Local Enterprise Office, Tom Rooneybelieves 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. While that won’t happen for every business, just to be here, see other clients, get new ideas and develop their skills in marketing and sales will stand by 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 was brought in to recognize 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
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. 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
