Designs on the Irish (From Gazette & Herald)

Designs on the Irish

FOUR design and textile companies from North Yorkshire, including one from Malton, "go Irish" next week to attract international buyers.

All are taking part in Showcase Ireland, a week-long craft and design trade fair in Dublin starting on Saturday. Showing their wares to more than 10,000 visitors will be:

Carol Cummins, of Malton, who designs and produces a range of wreaths and garlands using natural fruit, flowers and plants.

Amazing Rugs of Tadcaster, run by husband and wife team Madeleine and Dudley Edwards, whose wool rugs have appeared in the Big Brother house on Channel 4 television

Buttercup Knitwear, which began in 1982 when neighbours Diana Birtwistle and Ann Kirkpatrick of North Rigton, near Harrogate, began making pinafores and dungarees for their toddlers

Lynne Glazzard, who designs and manufactures jewellery at her home in Glaisdale, near Whitby.

Lorraine Ellison, of UK Trade & Investment, which organised the trip, said: "All of these companies are rural businesses and for most this is their first taste of an overseas market.''

Updated: 09:34 Wednesday, January 25, 2006