Kilkenny businesses meet thousands of buyers at Local Enterprise Showcase
Businesses from Kilkenny 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 four in attendance from Kilkenny.
Kilkenny businesses exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase area included Biddys Good Luck Horse Shoes which make beautiful pieces of Irish good luck from genuine horse shoes which were once worn by Irish Sports horses; amalka.design - an eco-friendly handmade online brand; Yellow Deer Designs - an award winning, greeting card company with the mission of building connections and empowering relationships through the timeless act of card giving and Geraldine Walsh Art specialising in original oil paintings, fine art prints and cards of the beautiful Irish landscape were all part of Showcase 2023.
The event 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.
The Kilkenny companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2023. They 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.
“Showcase Ireland 2023 provided a stage for some of our top Kilkenny micro businesses and the opportunity to meet with buyers specific to their market from countries all over the world," said Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick.
“This event showed the value of partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland working together to give these wonderfully talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to bring their products to the world stage.”
Aileen McGrath, Acting Head of Local Enterprise expressed how Showcase provided such a big opportunity for Kilkenny 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," she said.
“The Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has been working with our clients on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximized their opportunities at the three-day event”.
Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design and Crafts Council Ireland said: “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 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.”
A Kilkenny based company take home Showcase Best Product in the HOME category. Congratulations to Kathleen Leadbetter of Jerpoint Glass Studio. A well-earned accolade for a studio that embodies the best of Kilkenny Irish design and craft. Other Kilkenny Participants in main area included Nicholas Mosse, Dominka Stoppa Prints, Kilkenny Silver and DFM Clothing.
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.