Three Local Enterprise Office Clare clients will be given the opportunity to promote their business to a global audience in the ‘Local Enterprise Showcase’ at Showcase 2019, Dublin, in January.

Small designers and craftspeople are given the opportunity at the trade event to meet over 5,000 buyers from all over the world opening new doors for them to global markets.

Over 80 Local Enterprise Office clients will exhibit their products at the event and this will include Local Enterprise Clare clients, Sallyann’s Handmade Bags, Galanta Jewellery and Airmid Natural Irish Skincare.

Showcase gives Local Enterprise Office clients from every corner of the country, who are primarily from the design and craft sector, the chance to exhibit at the event, which hosts 5,000 buyers from over 20 different countries. Taking place from the 20th – 23rd January, Showcase is presented by the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and is supported by Enterprise Ireland and country’s network of Local Enterprise Offices.

Some of those who started their journey at Local Enterprise Showcase include the likes of fashion designers Jennifer Rothwell and Emma Manley, jewellery designer Blaithín Ennis and artisan homeware slate brand, Slated.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare, said; “Local Enterprise Showcase is potentially a business changing opportunity for these Local Enterprise Office clients. They have the chance 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.

“Each of these clients has worked closely with their Local Enterprise Office to ensure they are in the best possible position to sell their products to national and international buyers. This event shows the value of partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices, the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland and Enterprise Ireland partnering to give these wonderfully talented designers and craftspeople the opportunity to bring their products to the world stage,” added Mr. McElwee.

Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, said: “The work of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices is invaluable to micro and small enterprises exhibiting at Showcase – Ireland’s International Creative Expo, mentoring and supporting them in launching their latest innovative products at the trade fair. We are delighted to partner with the Local Enterprise Offices in highlighting the wealth of talent amongst emerging creative businesses across the country, and in supporting their commercial potential through the Local Enterprise Showcase. This dedicated area of the show plays a critical role in connecting up-and-coming Irish entrepreneurs with international trade buyers, enabling them to develop their business and expand their client base.”