Westmeath craft businesses showcased to international buyers

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 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 Westmeath.

BamBrew and Meab Enamels were exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2022, 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.

Bambrew create fun, eco-friendly lifestyle products, providing alternatives to single use plastics. Meab Enamels design and create unique and colourful Irish enamel jewellery, made here in Westmeath.

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Damien English officially closed Showcase 2022 at the RDS, Dublin. The show, which marked its 46th edition this year and ran until Wednesday, March 2, 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.

Minister English said: “It is incredibly encouraging and exciting to see the return of Showcase as an in-person international trade event in the RDS. Showcase is a crucial event to letting global buyers know that Ireland’s Design and Craft sector very much open for business and we are driving economic recovery through the dynamism of these brave, talented and creative makers from across the country.

There is a tangible air of excitement as buyers and sellers get to connect face-to-face and get down to business together. I would like to congratulate the exhibitors and thank the trade buyers who have come to Showcase from far and wide, both in person and via Showcase’s digital marketplace Showcase Connect. The continuing support of Irish businesses helps to drive enterprise, growing the sector and strengthening the Irish economy.”

Mary Palmer, Chair of Showcase, said: “Showcase marks one of the most important events in the design and crafts sector’s calendar. For many, this is their first trade show of the year, a chance to launch their new collections and secure orders for the year ahead. Attracting buyers from Ireland and around the world, Showcase’s strength lies in its unique identity and high quality display of Irish design and crafts. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in Showcase 2022, you are helping to support and grow our sector.”

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.

Christine Charlton, Head of Local Enterprise Office Westmeath said: “At international trade fairs like Showcase, making the right first impression on buyers is key, especially if you’re a new start-up or first-time exhibitor. As part of the supports provided by the LEOs, companies were given expert advice and training around on-stand selling and

presentation skills. With over 5,000 buyers in attendance, Showcase is the ideal platform for micro enterprises and smaller businesses to attract trade customers from more than 20 countries.”

In the Local Enterprise Showcase Award category Tidings supported by LEO Louth was selected as the winner of the Local Enterprise Showcase Award. Highly commended were David Oliver Bespoke supported by LEO Kilkenny, Kings Forge Glass supported by LEO Monaghan and The Designer of Things supported by LEO Cork North & West.

The Local Enterprise Office supported clients also dominated the sustainability awards this year. The Sustainability Award which promotes innovative and sustainable development in craft, was won by Badly Made Books supported by LEO Cork City. Nunaia supported by LEO Tipperary and Kopper Kreation supported by LEO Dublin City were highly commended in this category.

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