Business of Craft Awards – Winners Announced
22nd January 2024
The winners of the inaugural Business of Craft Awards have been announced this morning as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2024 in the RDS. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices was brought in to recognise the business behind the amazing craft and design products that are created across the country.
The 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
In the Sustainability Champion category the winner was Palm Free Irish Soap, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare. The luxury range of Irish made soaps, deodorant and shampoo bars, which are free of palm oil, 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.
In the One to Watch Category the winner was 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.
The last award for Best Newcomer went to Sully and Juno, supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford, in their first year at Showcase. The company create 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.
Tom Rooney, Head of Craft & Design, Local Enterprise Offices, said: “Our 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.
Three amazing winners from a really strong shortlist in what is the first year of the awards and we wish them all the very best for the rest of Showcase and the year ahead.”
