Longford craft businesses impress thousands of buyers from global retailers at Showcase

Local Enterprise Office, Longford client businesses BenDec Lighting, Tabitha & Nora and Wendy Louise Designs all represented Longford at Showcase 2025 in the RDS, Dublin.  

Showcase 2025 is a three-day trade fair with more than 400 Irish businesses presenting to thousands of buyers from global retailers, including from the UK, the USA, Mainland Europe and Asia. Attendees are looking to secure new sales and partners for the year ahead, with over €25.6 million generated in sales order across the event. 

The event is presented on behalf of Design and Crafts Council Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland in promoting the trade show internationally, and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) nationwide. It is also supported by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. 

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Many of the businesses in attendance include emerging Irish businesses supported by their LEO. 

LEO Longford works with local business BenDec Lighting, Tabitha & Nora, and Wendy Louise Designs who appeared at the event. This work includes ensuring the businesses are in the best position to maximise the opportunity, including assistance with sales technique, marketing materials and stand production. 

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BenDec Lighting is a family business based in Moyne and creates lights from novel materials including from old, reclaimed and recycled items. Tabitha & Nora are an online business who produce fine art prints and printed scarves featuring work from local artists. Wendy Louise Designs is a milliner making custom hair accessories from Longford Town. 

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Speaking after Showcase 2025, Longford County Council Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin said, “LEO Longford was delighted to have a strong showing at this event once again this year with three exceptional craft businesses from County Longford. The quality standards for entry are very high and just goes to show the skill and innovation of our local crafters. We look forward to seeing these businesses grow and remind all that LEO Longford are here to help all County Longford SMEs.”

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