Milltownpass eco-friendly business at Showcase 2023

Businesses from Westmeath 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 three in attendance from Westmeath including BamBrew, based in Milltownpass, who create fun, eco-friendly lifestyle products, providing alternatives to single use plastics; Dominic O’Brien, from Athlone, a talented artist and illustrator; Fox & Bell Goldsmiths, also based in Athlone, bespoke jewellery designers and handmade and hand finished, fairtrade Irish bench goldsmiths.

Over 4,000 buyers from retailers across the globe attended 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.

Dara Calleary, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment officially opened Showcase 2023 at the RDS, Dublin.

“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,” stated Minister Calleary.

The Westmeath companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath to take part. LEO Westmeath worked 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.

Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise for Westmeath County Council believes 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," said Ms Charlton.

"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.”

Rosemary Steen, CEO of Design and Crafts Council Ireland added:

“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 plus 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.”

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.

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