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Cork's Best Craft & Design Businesses set for Showcase 2025

16/01/2025

Some of the best up and coming craft and design businesses from across Cork City and County will be part of over 100 small/micro businesses from Ireland who will get a chance to meet with buyers from all over the world as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at the 2025 Showcase event in the RDS, running from the 19th – 21st January.

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, the Local Enterprise Showcase, is a special area at Showcase that houses a range of Ireland’s newest design talent including Cork city businesses Saw Framed, Blarney Honey Bee Products, Yarn Vibes, Noelle Ferris Felt Artist, JolliPop Illustration.

The event, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the Show.

Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

Local Enterprise Office, Cork City has been working with its clients on merchandising for their stands, marketing, and sales techniques to ensure they maximise opportunities at the three-day event.

Dr. Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork City believes this is an opportunity like no other for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that breakthrough. “To be exposed to this many high-quality buyers in one place is an incredible opportunity for any business. It's a tremendous opportunity to develop relationships with buyers from around the world, learn from other exhibitors and the experience of being at a leading industry event.”

For the second year in a row, Local Enterprise Showcase clients had the opportunity to enter The Business of Craft Awards. The Awards celebrate the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.

The Awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business who is exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business that has excellent export and international potential and finally Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability.

This year sees an additional award - Best Visual Branding Award. This will be judged at the event and will be awarded to the craft and design business with the best visual presence and branding both at the event but also across their online footprints.

Clients of LEOs in Cork City and County attending Showcase 2025:

LEO Cork City;

  • Hannah McGrenera - Saw Framed
  • Roy Kelleher - Blarney Bees
  • Joan Lucey - Yarn Vibes
  • Noelle Ferris - Noelle Ferris Felt Artist
  • Rita Casey - JolliPop Illustration

LEO Cork North & West;

  • Orla Culligan - Orla Culligan Ceramics
  • Claire O'Sullivan - WASI
  • Paul Murphy - Mindful Maker
  • Sinead O'Keefe - Red Clover Farm
  • Paula McGovern - Wizard & Grace
  • Tracey McCarthy - Naturally Balanced

LEO South Cork;

  • Marc O'Sullivan - Doctrine Skincare
  • Jane McCarthy - Janey Mac
  • Akbar Ali - Caraliza Desings

The Business of Craft Awards 2025 – Shortlisted Finalists

Best Newcomer

  • SIÓG Botanicals supported by LEO Kildare
  • Incredible Socks supported by LEO Dun Laoghaire Rathdown
  • Mojo & Co supported by LEO Louth.

One to Watch

  • Culu Design supported by LEO Wicklow
  • One Dame Lane supported by LEO Wicklow
  • Fussy Food Plates supported by LEO South Dublin.

Sustainability Champion

  • WASI supported by LEO Cork North & West,
  • Rowena Sheen Jewellery supported by LEO Clare
  • Crafts of Ireland supported by LEO Cavan.

Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. Other events include Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme and the Local Enterprise Village as part of the National Ploughing Championships. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie

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