NI companies showcase products in Paris

Nine Northern Ireland companies have exhibited with considerable success at an international Museum Expressions show in Paris.

The local companies had the opportunity to showcase their products before an international delegation that included senior management figures from the Tate Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum and Rijks Museum in Amsterdam.

Sculptor Raymond Watson, a representative on the Design Northern Ireland stand said: "I found the show really interesting and I gained a good idea of what museum and gallery shops want. I also made contact with a private buyer who is interested in commissioning a significant piece of work from me."

The stand for the three-day show was organised by Ledu and the small business agency's export marketing executive, Ciara McLinney, said: "This show was a great opportunity local companies have to break into this niche market. Buyers from all over Europe visited and the companies made a lot of good contacts with potential buyers and we were delighted at the response."

The show was open to buyers from heritage sites and benevolent organisations to identify craft products appropriate for sale in their tourist sites.

The nine companies involved were; Appletree Press Ltd; Partridge Peartree Promotions Ltd; Raymond Watson, An Tain; Algan Arts; The Really Useful Design Shop; The Potting Shed; McCaw Allan & Company Ltd and Capemist Knitted Accessories. (GMcG)