The winners of the inaugural Business of Craft Awards have been announced as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024 in the RDS, which takes place from January 21-23.
The new 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
Palm Free Irish Soap, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, won the Sustainability Champion award. The luxury range of Irish made soaps, deodorant and shampoo bars 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.
The One to Watch Category was won by 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 reconised for an excellent focus on customer satisfaction and significant export potential.
And the Best Newcomer award went to Sully and Juno, supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford, in their first year at Showcase. The company have created a range of sensory friendly clothing and were reconised 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.
Showcase 2024 is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar. It opened its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, US, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, and generates millions of euros of sales orders during the show.
Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said the 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," he said.
