Olive Murphy of Olive Murphy Designs, working in her studio, handpainting a fuchsia lampshade.
The network of Local Enterprise Offices has unveiled 97 different design and craft businesses, including local businesses, which will be aiming to impress 5,000 buyers visiting the ‘Enterprise Zone’ at Showcase in Dublin later this month. North Cork
will be represented by a number of craft and design businesses within the Enterprise Zone, which include Olive Murphy Designs, Mallow. Showcase at the RDS runs from January 24th to 27th and is the first major trade event of the year, organised by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. A wide range of creative sectors will be represented within the Enterprise Zone, such as ceramics, knitwear, jewellery, interiors, skincare and giftware. Joan Kelleher, Business Adviser from Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West said: “Thanks to practical business supports through the Local Enterprise Office in the Local Authority, our local craft and design businesses is well-placed to secure substantial international orders during the four days of Showcase, helping them grow and expand into new markets.”
Joan
added: “On a year-round basis, there are lots of other supports available to the craft and design sector locally. These include financial assistance, microfinance loans, trading online vouchers, mentoring, business advice clinics and training programmes, which are all available through the Local Enterprise Office.”
Kevin Curran, Acting Head of Enterprise Cork North and West said there was a high calibre of craft businesses throughout the region showcasing quality products at the event. “With support from the Local Enterprise Office, the businesses have a valuable opportunity to exhibit their products,” he pointed out.
Further information about the Enterprise Zone at Showcase is available at www.showcaseireland.com and www.localenterprise.ie.