The approach of Brexit is on the minds of designers and retailers at a creative trade fair in Dublin.
With less than two weeks until the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, Irish businesses in the design and retail sector say they are ready to meet the challenges posed by Brexit.
Four hundred Irish designers and retailers are taking part in Showcase Ireland, a three day international creative trade fair at RDS in Dublin. Despite market uncertainty, organisers of the event say that business is prepared for Brexit.
Eddie Shanahan, Showcase Ireland, believes that Brexit offers Irish producers an opportunity.
We're ready to take on those challenges.
One of the participants in the trade fair is county Down based retailer FieldDay who specialise in scented candles and fragrances for the home. Alix Mulholland, owner of FieldDay, says their main concern is the border but they have developed what she calls, Brexit proof products.
Another family-run brand Irish Linen House also trades across the border. Marie Claire Whelan is confident that any challenges presented by Brexit can be turned into opportunities.
Thomas Diem, Diem Pottery, says that Brexit is forcing retailers to pitch their products to new markets.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 January 2020. The reporter is Sharon Gaffney.
