The Weekly Roundup January 8 - 12

News from the Network

This week on the roundup: economic performance, expansion, language, initiatives, conversations, new contracts, blogs, demand, welcomes, consulting, red tape, overviews, trends, programs, real estate, expansion, nominations, financial action, articles, equipment, changes, secrets, sensors, and more!

But first, some news...

Portugal has had the 8th best economic performance out of 35 OCDE countries, according to The Economist Newspaper.

And...

Ricardo Valente, Porto City Councillor for Economy, Employment and Entrepreneurship shared that "According to Orbis Crossborder Investment's data, the Porto Metropolitan Area has shown an increasing trend in the number of FDI projects in recent years in contrast to the trends followed by Portugal and Western Europe. Bring your business to Porto. Learn more about it here.

You know that the IPBN has been active in the North of Portugal region for about 2 years now and can help you if interested to move your business or open an office in the region as some of our Irish members have already done.

Also...

From our business visit in Cork in June last year, Everywhere English shared information about English learning that helps non-native English-speaking teams in businesses to improve their level of English. Everywhere English focuses on industry-specific English for Business. If you are a company that works with English-speaking clients or looking to expand internationally, then we can help you! 

Kate and Becky Popova of Everywhere English will be travelling to Lisbon from the 17th to 20th Jan. If interested, please contact arnold.delville@ireland-portugal.com!

And now...

IPBN member Sam Marchetti is delighted to share the ConsortiaCo 2023 Impact Report, detailing a year of successes, far-reaching initiatives, and impact-driven programs across the Irish Enterprise Ecosystem. Check it out here!

The Chair of the IPBN Geoffrey Graham posted an update on the Golden Visa and the Non-Habitual Residence in Portugal. He will be in conversation with Chitra Stern, CEO of the Elegant Group, Portugal. According to Geoffrey, "This talk is for those who are considering a move to Portugal, investing in Portugal, or thinking of any other residence migration program. Register here."

IPBN member Salmon Software Ltd is thrilled to announce the signing of a significant contract with Azorra, the relationship-driven aircraft lessor. The agreement solidifies Salmon Software as the chosen partner to implement Salmon Treasurer for Azorra’s financial operations.

IPBN member Graham Smith posted a new blog: The Game Changer for Startups and Small Businesses from Fresh Agile. He said, "A business agility coach is indispensable for startups and small businesses, offering essential strategies for adaptation, resource optimization, process streamlining, cultural transformation, strategic planning, and customer satisfaction, all crucial for thriving in today's fast-paced market."

IPBN member Ana Damásio from the Wyndham Grand Hotel Residences shared, "The numbers don’t lie! The demand for property in Quinta do Lago remains as strong as ever, with the market still outperforming. This is because Portugal always has so much to offer, with Quinta do Lago one of the most prestigious golf destinations in the world."

IPBN member Monsoon Consulting posted about a fantastic way to wrap up the year! They wrote, "We welcomed colleagues from Brazil, South Africa, Ukraine, and more, under one roof earlier this month. The event was a perfect blend of celebrating our achievements, planning for an exciting 2024, and fun team activities."

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions shared some recent (proposed) changes to the Portuguese Nationality Law that (if approved) will bring relief to applicants facing delays in residency application processing, a commitment from Portugal to continue attracting global talent and investment, and a fair attempt to make up for those delays. You will find more information here.

Also, IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions and NGO Lisbon Project United on December 18th for a Heartwarming Christmas Immigration Support Day in Celebration of World Migration Day. "In the true spirit of the holiday season, migration consultancy experts Global Citizen Solutions joined forces with Portugal-based NGO, Lisbon Project, for an all-day event providing free consultation to local community members. Over 65 people signed up for the Insight Hub on 18th December at the Lisbon Project headquarters, seeking guidance on various bureaucratic matters."

IPBN member Paul Rees from Rural Properties shared that his business has not gotten involved in the short-term rental (Alojamento Local) market in Portugal, despite this being a growth area. He said, "The reason we have avoided this sector is that a finely tuned sense of danger predicted that politicians will meddle, creating red tape and over-taxation."

IPBN Partner Landing Jobs shared the 2024 Tech Hiring Market overview: 2023 review and what to expect of 2024.

IPBN media member TNews posted information regarding AI and 5G: The 5 technological trends that will influence tourism in 2024. The article is in Portuguese.

IPBN member Gerry Dawson says, "If you are considering returning to Ireland, locating a business in Ireland, or maybe considering opening an office in Ireland, I can wholly recommend this 'Back for Business' support program I participated in during 2013. A very stimulating, monthly workshop and supportive B2B network, led by Paula Fitzsimons and her team of successful, international Entrepreneurs, with Irish Government support... The Closing Date for applications is 15 January 2024."

 IPBN member Rebecca Nixon invites you to start the new year with this impressive 5 Bed Country House in Santa Barbara de Nexe, Take a Tour with Neil & Cindy. View the video here.

IPBN member Gerry Fagan wants you to check out Reserva da Luz's new website!

IPBN member Serenity just celebrated its company birthday! They posted, "On January 11, 2021 we were two, in a tiny empty coworking office, with the idea of starting a business. And now what…? Two certainties in mind: do something nobody else is doing. And the name: Serenity. Things aren’t always easy or simple. Too many times reality and expectation don’t match. And it makes us feel crazy to have kept doing it."

IPBN member Wyndham Grand Algarve says, "Let's Make It Grand! We start the year in Grand with a prestigious nomination for the World Luxury Hotel Awards, in the following categories: Luxury Resort, Luxury All-Suite Hotel, Luxury Sustainable Resort. But the big news this year is the new nominations of our Restaurant XXL By Olivier Quinta do Lago - Olivier Restaurants in the World Luxury Restaurant Awards."

IPBN member C-MORE! Beyond the Obvious welcomed Yvette to the team! "Born in Switzerland but a longtime resident of Spain, Yvette Ehrlich brings a wealth of experience to our team. As the financial controller, she not only meticulously analyses past financial actions but also forecasts strengths and weaknesses, enhancing our consulting processes and supporting various business verticals."

IPBN member Henrique Paranhos posted, "For those who say that Email Marketing is dead. Let's talk about it!"

IPBN member Thomas Prete says, "In my practice as a lawyer in international trade, few matters are more underrated than knowing when an overseas binding commitment is effectively concluded. How is it formed and when is it enforceable? I invite you to check my new article."

IPBN member HPA Health Group shared that one year ago, they pioneered the treatment of benign hyperplasia with the Aquabeam® robotic system. "This equipment allows benign prostatic hyperplasia to be resolved with high precision in about 6 minutes, preserving sexual life and urinary continence. Watch the interview with Prof. Tiago Rodrigues. You will remember that Professor Tiago Rodrigues was a guest speaker in our panel discussion about AI and Healthcare last October. You can relive that discussion here."

IPBN member Bharat Sharma from Moonsoon Consulting is looking forward to speaking at Biopharma & Life Sciences Connected Live in Cork on January 25 and meeting all the Biopharma & Life Science experts interested in their journey to eCommerce.

IPBN member Teresa Patricio & Associados shared that on the 5th of January 2024, the Portuguese Parliament approved new changes to be made to the Nationality Law, namely regarding the time limit for applying for nationality by residence, the granting of nationality to children and the descendants of Portuguese Sephardic Jews. You can read more about this in their newsletter.

IPBN member BRIDGE IN shared information about their next webinar on February 28! "The next webinar powered by BRIDGE IN is all about setting up your tech hub in sunny Portugal! Save your spot now and join Pedro Henriques and Joshua Taylor for an exciting session full of Secrets for thriving in this thriving ecosystem, Savvy insights on relocating like a pro, and tips on setting up shop." Ready for a business adventure in sunny Portugal? You can already register here.

IPBN member TireCheck's External Agri Valve Mounted TPMS sensor is designed for easy installation on common agricultural wheel designs. Fits large bore off-the-road tire valves. Measures tire pressure & ambient temperature. Transmits data every 2 minutes. Find out more here.