Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and 8 local SMEs attended ‘Top Drawer London’, which took place at the iconic Olympia London on January 13th and 14th, 2025. This exciting opportunity brought together eight innovative businesses from Carlow’s lifestyle, craft, home, and gift sectors. The group was accompanied by representatives from South East Technological University (SETU) and Kilkenny Local Enterprise Office. The group experienced first-hand the latest trends and innovations in one of Europe’s leading trade shows.
The two-day event was packed with inspiration and learning. Top Drawer London is famous for its vibrant mix of exhibitors, featuring the best in Home, Gift, Fashion, Craft, and the Food Emporium sectors. With over 500 handpicked exhibitors showcasing their products, participants were immersed in a world of creativity and innovation. Emerging talent and trend insights were everywhere, offering plenty of ideas to bring back to Carlow’s thriving business community.
This visit was a chance for local businesses to discover fresh product ideas, connect with suppliers and industry experts, and attend expert-led seminars. These sessions offered practical advice on topics like retail strategies, product development, and customer engagement—tools that businesses can use to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.
Commenting on the trip, Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council highlighted the importance of initiatives like this: “For businesses in Carlow, stepping off the island and experiencing international markets is crucial for growth and innovation. Visits like this provide our local entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives, new ideas, and the tools to compete effectively on a global stage. I’m delighted to see our Local Enterprise Office supporting businesses in achieving their full potential.”
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said “This visit reflects the strength of collaboration within the region. With SETU and Kilkenny LEO lending their support, the initiative demonstrated the shared commitment to fostering innovation and growth for small and medium enterprises across the southeast.”
As always, Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office remains committed to empowering local businesses. Whether through trade visits like this, training programs, or one-to-one mentoring, the goal is to help Carlow businesses thrive, adapt, and lead in today’s competitive markets”.
For further information on the Carlow County Council – Local Enterprise Office programme go to http://www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or call 059/9129783