The winners of the inaugural Business of Craft Awards have been announced this morning (22/01/24) as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024 in the RDS. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) was brought in to recognise the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.
The Awards had 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 who has excellent export and international potential and finally Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business who is excelling in sustainability
In the Sustainability Champion category the winner was Palm Free Irish Soap, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office, Clare. The luxury range of Irish made soaps, deodorant and shampoo bars, which are free of palm oil, won the award for having sustainability running right through the business. The company reintroduce waste materials into their manufacturing process and have clear sustainable goals across the business.
In the One to Watch Category the winner was Bex Shelford Prints, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. The businesss, who specialise in fine art prints, cards, screen prints, was recognised for an excellent focus on customer satisfaction and significant export potential.
The last award for Best Newcomer went to Sully and Juno, supported by Local Enterprise Office, Wexford in their first year at Showcase. The company create a range of sensory friendly clothing and were recognised for outstanding commercial and design skills with an ambitious business roadmap for international expansion.
Each of the 105 Local Enterprise Office supported companies who are taking part in Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024 was eligible for the Awards. The event takes place across three days where the companies will get to meet with national and international buyers from the craft and design sector.
Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said: “Our three winners are exemplars of what a great craft and design business looks like. A brilliant product that is consistently growing its customer base through innovative new designs and behind that have great business acumen to ensure their businesses are staying ahead of the curve in looking for new markets, driving innovation or carving out a sustainable path for the future. Three amazing winners from a really strong shortlist in what is the first year of the awards and we wish them all the very best for the rest of Showcase and the year ahead.”
Showcase 2024, which is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar, and opened 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 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
FINALISTS - Business of Craft Awards 2024 – Local Enterprise Showcase @ Showcase 2024
Best Newcomer
- Sully & Juno – supported by LEO Wexford (WINNERS)
- Pawpear – supported by LEO Waterford
- Kyna Maree – Supported by LEO Meath
One to Watch
- Bex Shelford Prints – supported by LEO Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown (WINNERS)
- Hanna's Bees – supported by LEO South Cork
- Sketchico – supported by LEO Galway
Sustainability
- Irish Socksciety – supported by LEO Galway
- Palm Free Irish Soap Ltd – supported by LEO Clare (WINNERS)
- Conscious Convert – supported by LEO Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Declan Lee, Enterprise Ireland / Local Enterprise Offices: Declan.Lee@enterprise-ireland.com / 087 695 7451
About Showcase
Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo® is one of the country’s largest international trade shows. The annual event is attended by 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. More than 300 Irish brands are exhibited at the fair, including emerging Irish businesses supported by their Local Enterprise Offices. Showcase is for trade attendance only. www.showcaseireland.com / @showcase_ireland
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for craft and design in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design. DCCI's activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 64 member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients. www.dcci.ie / @dccireland
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. We work in partnership with Irish enterprises to help them start, grow, innovate, and win export sales in global markets. In this way, we support sustainable economic growth, regional development, and secure employment. http://www.enterprise-ireland.com / @enterprise_ireland
Local Enterprise Offices
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training, and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to: www.localenterprise.ie
