Two businesses from County Westmeath had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world this week as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024 at the RDS in Dublin.
Bambrew and IPI Teoranta, were exhibiting at the Local Enterprise Showcase, part of Showcase 2024, that saw over 4,000 buyers from retailers across the globe attend the three-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €25 million in business was expected to have been transacted across the three-day event.
Based in Athlone, IPI Teoranta, supply ready to wear living shamrock nationally and internationally and supply all major national and international events for St Partricks Day. They were delighted with Local Enterprise Showcase and how it gave them the opportunity to interact with potential buyers from abroad who are interested in using the Shamrock as a promotional product.
Bambrew, who are based in Milltownpass, are committed to promoting sustainable living and provide fun, ecofriendly products and alternatives to single use plastics. Siobhain from Bambrew has designed a collection of Irish Designs on stainless steel reusable cups exclusive to Bambrew. She wants “sustainable products to be available to everyone and feels that small steps are better than none”.
Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development, officially opened Showcase at the RDS, Dublin, highlighting how important trade shows such as Showcase are to the design and crafts sector. One of the country’s largest international trade fairs, Showcase 2024 welcomed almost 400 exhibitors and more than 4,000 buyers from Ireland and overseas. Upwards of €25 million in sales orders were expected to be transacted over the three days, with even more anticipated to be generated throughout the year due to the event.
The two County Westmeath companies were selected by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath to take part in this year’s Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024. They have been working closely with them in recent months to ensure they are in the best possible position to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production.
Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise for Westmeath County Council believes this is a fantastic opportunity for up-and-coming craft and design clients looking to make that break through.
“To have the opportunity to meet this many high-quality buyers in one place is incredible for any business starting out. If all goes well at the event, a business could fill their order book for the year and establish a partnership that could help them grow. Just to be here, sharing ideas with other businesses, expanding their sales and marketing skills will benefit them into the future,” Ms Charlton said.
