WEXFORD BUSINESS SUCCEEDS WITH BUYERS AT LOCAL ENTERPRISE SHOWCASE

Businesses nationwide had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world last month as part of the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2023 in the RDS in Dublin. There were over 100 Local Enterprise Office supported businesses from across the country present at the event with one in attendance from Wexford.

Gorey’s Trustwordie exhibited at the Local Enterprise Showcase Ireland in the RDS from the 22nd - 24th January 2023 that saw over 4,000 buyers from across the globe attend the three-day event in Dublin looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead. Upwards of €20 million in business is expected to have been transacted across the threeday event.

Trustwordie offers a unique range of quirky and fun greeting cards created by Joy Redmond, for every relationship –the established couple, first-timers, the crush, the ex, the valentine, friends grieving/separated, and much more.

Joy Redmond, said: “Securing a spot in the Local Enterprise Hall at Showcase 23 has been transformative for my business. I’ve been selling my cards direct to customers for a few years and although I’ve managed to grow my customer base and product line alone over the past few years, real scale will only be achieved via retail. Showcase afforded me the opportunity to present my cards for real relationships to buyers from both small, independent gift and book stores and large chains. One chain of shops in NYC has already placed their first order and I’m following up with several exciting opportunities including a large Irish chain of bookshops which is an ideal fit for my wordy cards. I now have a firmer grasp of the mechanics of the industry and I look forward to returning to Showcase next year with the continued support of LEO Wexford.”

Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, officially opened Showcase 2023. The show, which marked its 47th edition this year, is one of Ireland’s largest and most important international trade fairs. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.

Minister Calleary said: “It’s great to be here and see some of the incredible products on display. Ireland is globally renowned for its craft and design, and Showcase is the international launchpad for so many Irish makers to achieve this recognition. Craft plays an integral part in Ireland’s economy, and I wish each maker the best of luck during Showcase.”

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise at Wexford’s Local Enterprise Office, said: “We were delighted to work closely with Trustwordie over the last number of months. Mentoring and training has allowed the business to be in the best position possible to maximise their appearance at the event including sales technique, marketing materials and stand production. This experience has opened the business up to a global market.”

For more information on Local Enterprise Showcase 2023 and supports available to those operating in the design and crafts sector, log on to www.LocalEnterprise.ie

And for more information on Showcase 2023, log on to www.ShowcaseIreland.com n