Kildare Finalist Announced for Business of Craft Awards at Showcase 2025
14th January 2025: A craft and design business from Co. Kildare has been announced as a finalist for the Business of Craft Awards, as part of Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase 2025 in the RDS later this month.
Lorna Frawley and Joanna Brien-Sammons of SIÓG Botanicals, supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, have been shortlisted in the 'Best Newcomer' category. They are competing against Incredible Socks supported by LEO, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Mojo & Co supported by LEO, Louth.
SIÓG Botanicals specialises in creating pressed flower art prints and greeting cards inspired by the beauty of Irish nature. Their work has gained recognition not just locally but across the country, and this nomination is a testament to their passion and craftsmanship.
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise, Tourism and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said: “The addition of the Business of Craft Awards to the Local Enterprise Showcase at Showcase, is a significant boost for the companies. It helps to highlight some of the best-in-class businesses from the design and craft sector across the country and we are doing that in front of key buyers both nationally and internationally. So, it gives businesses that extra competitive advantage as we look forward to the event.
Showcase 2025 is set to be a huge event for our Kildare Local Enterprise Office supported companies, including SIÓG Botanicals, Loinnir Jewellery and Tamzen Lundy Designs. They will have the chance to meet with buyers from all over the world and it’s three days that could change their business forever. We’ve been working closely with them all to ensure they can maximise their participation, so there is a lot of excitement ahead of the event this year.”
The awards have three categories; Best Newcomer for the best craft and design business exhibiting for the first time, One to Watch for the best craft and design business with excellent export and international potential and Sustainability Champion for the best craft and design business excelling in sustainability.
The awards will take place on Monday, 20th January at Showcase in the RDS as part of the overall event. The finalists were selected from the 105 Local Enterprise clients who will be exhibiting to national and international buyers across the three days.
Mary Blanchfield, interim Chief Executive, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) commented: “Congratulations to all the finalists of the LEOs Business of Craft Awards. These awards are a great way to celebrate the business models of craftspeople across the country. Showcase 2025 promises to highlight the very best of Irish talent and creativity. At Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), we are delighted to have the opportunity to provide support a dynamic platform for businesses to connect and collaborate with both domestic and international buyers. We look forward to working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices to welcome all the exhibitors and to build on the success of last year’s show.”
Showcase 2025, is a pinnacle event in the global design and crafts calendar and will open its doors to thousands of buyers from across the world, including Ireland, the UK, USA, mainland Europe, Asia and Africa, generating millions of euros of sales orders during the show. Showcase is presented on behalf of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally through their network of offices overseas, and the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide.
Local Enterprise Showcase is one of several enterprise initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices across the year to foster entrepreneurship and help small businesses to start and grow. Other events include Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the National Enterprise Awards, the Student Enterprise Programme and the Local Enterprise Village as part of the National Ploughing Championships. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices and the supports they can provide, please visit LocalEnterprise.ie
