As we pass the halfway mark in 2025, the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) has taken a moment to reflect on the momentum and milestones achieved so far this year. From growing partnerships to increasing member engagement, here are five important lessons we’ve learned—or confirmed—between January and June. Here's what we came up with:

1. Our appeal to academic and business partners continues to grow
This year, the IPBN has become even more attractive to academic institutions and external business organisations interested in collaborating with our members. The range and quality of new partnerships forged over the past six months demonstrate how our reputation continues to grow. You can now explore these exciting connections in more detail on our updated Partners Page, showcasing new alliances across both Ireland and Portugal.

2. Executive Partners remain committed—and growing
Every one of our Executive Partners renewed their support again this year, reinforcing the value they find in being associated with the IPBN, our mission, and our members. What’s more, we welcomed two new Executive Partners during this period, underscoring the sustained confidence in the network’s relevance and impact.

3. Member referrals are fueling the network’s expansion
Word of mouth remains our most powerful growth engine. Increasingly, members are introducing the network to their wider business contacts—proof of the strong trust and value they see in the IPBN. Testimonials from applicants to the Business Success Awards in January reflect this sentiment, highlighting how the network has positively impacted their professional journeys.

4. The depth of expertise within the network is exceptional
We’ve long known that IPBN members bring impressive experience to the table, but the content created over the past six months has taken this to a new level. Whether through our member-exclusive podcasts, conference keynotes, or our Masterclasses, the knowledge being shared is practical, high-quality, and helping our community develop stronger management and business skills. Notably, every speaker at our two conferences this year was an IPBN member—a reflection of the talent that exists within our own ranks.

5. Irish companies in Portugal continue to thrive
Irish businesses expanding into Portugal aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving. Companies like Otonomee, FinTrU, and Ardanis have all seen growth in talent acquisition and operations— in fact, Otonomee is currently looking to hire for 100 roles in Portugal alone, having already filled 50. The Irish Ambassador's visit to FinTrU in May, our podcast features with Otonomee's Hilary O'Shea and FinTrU’s Telmo Fernandes, and Ardanis’s sponsorship of the Innovation Conference in Dublin all point to a broader trend: Portugal continues to be a promising destination for Irish companies looking to grow and scale.

The first half of 2025 has made it clear—our network is more vibrant and connected than ever. As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we’re energized by the continued support of our partners, the enthusiasm of our members, and the growing recognition of the IPBN as a dynamic force in the Ireland–Portugal business ecosystem.

Let’s keep building—together!