Supporting Irish businesses is vital this year, so in the lead up to Christmas Newstalk is featuring different local businesses around the country from a variety of sectors with thanks to the Local Enterprise Offices. Pat Kenny chats with Ambrose O’Halloran, Co-Owner of Ambrose and Brid.
Ambrose & Brid are a woodturning duo - crafting decorative art, home pieces and jewellery. The husband and wife partnership began woodturning in 1993 as a hobby and it quickly became their passion. Immersing themselves in their craft, they started the business in 2000 on a part-time basis, both teaching and wholesaling items to National Museum shops in Dublin and Castlebar. The business turned to full time in 2018 - combining teaching, wholesaling, retail, online selling and create bespoke corporate gifts and business awards.
Since the beginning of Covid-19, the business has suffered significant loss in revenue - with turnover down 70% from last year. But since September, the business has picked back up mainly online through the help of initiatives such as being featured on The Gifted Show at the RDS and the Design and Craft Council Made Local campaigns.