Limerick business swipes two awards at national showcase
A LIMERICK designer won two awards at the annual Showcase - Ireland’s International Creative Exhibition in the RDS, which is now in its 48th year.
Linda Wilson Knitwear, who creates her own designs in her Limerick city studio, took home the award for best product in the fashion category, as well as The Design & Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) Design Ireland Award.
Linda, who owns her own small knitwear business under her own name, won the Showcase Best Product Award in the fashion category with her Large Wrap Scarf.
She said: “I’m a sole trader, not a large manufacturing company - so to win awards like this, it is lovely to see that other people appreciate what you’re doing as much as you appreciate it,”
“As much as anything I think it’s that acceptance of people actually liking what you create that makes a difference for me.” Linda added.
Over 4,000 buyers from across the world attended the event, with an estimated generation of sales orders of over €20 million over the three days.
Finding the exhibition helpful in terms of sales, Linda said: “It’s been a really good show, really busy - they reduced the show from four days to three which I think is a really positive thing because people are here to do business,”
“Everyone is optimistic about the coming year - I’ve picked up some new stocklists in Canada, America and in France as well as new customers in Ireland, so I’m really happy!”
A panel of independent judges selected Linda for both awards, after assessing the Design Ireland exhibitors for design and display, product quality and overall suitability.
The Showcase exhibition was founded in 1976 by DCCI and is in association with Enterprise Ireland, who promote the trade show internationally through their networks overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.