Local craft companies got national exposure

SIX small companies from Galway made a big impact on international buyers during their participation in the recent Showcase event for the craft sector in Dublin. The Galway County and City Enterprise Board supported Fergal Costello from Touchwood in Claregalway, Joanna Lalech from Olyart on the Clybaun Road, Lol McClean from Inishbofin, James McKeon from Kiyoni in Salthill, Robert Dâ€â„¢Eath from Sliding Rock Contemporary Ceramics in Spiddal and Lynsey de Burca, Kinvara, a jewellery designer.[private] CEO of the local enterprise board Breda Fox said all of the Galway companies benefited from the experience. The craftspeople met new buyers who could potentially help them break into new markets, secure valuable export orders and create additional jobs locally. â€Å“Each company made sales and generated many new contacts, some of which are overseas. Each of the companies is expecting further orders following the widespread promotion of Showcase and contacts made. Some of the companies will be taking things a little bit further and entering the Creative Island section next year,â€Â said Breda Fox. Jewellery designer Lynsey de Burca was highly commended in the Craftsmanship Awards. The enterprise board is committed to the craft sector in Galway city and county, providing supports such as training, business advice, mentoring, networking initiatives, export initiatives and financial intervention.[/private]