Kilkenny businesses get international shot at Showcase 2022

Businesses from Kilkenny had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2022 in the RDS in Dublin.  

There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with two in attendance from County Kilkenny. Start Up Businesses Yellow Deer Designs and David Oliver Bespoke were exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2022 for the first time, that saw over 4,000 buyers from retailers across the globe attend the four-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead.  

Kilkenny businesses also exhibiting at Showcase 2022 included: Fred O’Mahony Woodturning, Irish Linen Shirts,  Cushendale Woollen Mills, Jerpoint Glass, Kilkenny Silver, Kilkenny Crystal and 
Nicholas Mosse.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Fidelis Doherty said: 

“It is encouraging to see the return of Showcase to give our talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to sell their products to national and international buyers. She added “It provides them with the opportunity to meet with buyers specific to their market from countries all over the world, opening doors to new export opportunities that they simply would not get anywhere else”.  

The Kilkenny companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2022.   The LEO have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production. 

This was rewarded with David Oliver Bespoke being featured on RTE’s Nationwide programme along with another Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny supported client Fred O’Mahony Woodturning, also based in South Kilkenny. Awards were also presented to Irish Linen Shirts, based in Inistioge, Co Kilkenny who received the Fashion Category Award for their Irish Linen Shirt Dress, whilst Cushendale Woollen Mills received the Home Category Award for their Silare Mohair Throw.

The show, which marked its 46th edition this year ran until March 2 and 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. 

Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny said: “We are delighted to partner with the Design and Craft Council Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to highlight the wealth of talent amongst emerging creative businesses across the country,  and in supporting their commercial potential through the Local Enterprise Showcase. For many it is their first time exhibiting and this dedicated area plays a critical role in allowing them to launch new collections, secure orders and connect with national and  international trade buyers, enabling them to develop their business and expand their client base.”

For more information on Local Enterprise Showcase 2022 and supports available to those operating in the design and crafts sector, log on to www.LocalEnterprise.ie and for more information on Showcase 2022, log on to www.ShowcaseIreland.com