The IPBN Business Success Awards ceremony was held on January 30 at the Irish Embassy in Lisbon to a very fine turnout of guests and representatives of the 11 IPBN member businesses that applied. After careful consideration of the applications by the panel of judges comprised of three IPBN Board Members appointed by the network, three winners emerged based on their dedication to sustainable practices, innovative initiatives, job creation, and trade between Ireland and Portugal: Cheryl Smith, Owner of Figs On The Funcho, David Fitzpatrick, Director of Clear Strategy Limited, and Kayleigh-Ann Myles, Sustainability Engineer of Lawler Sustainability.

Thank you once again to the Embassy, the Irish Ambassador, Alma Ní Choigligh, and her supporting staff who welcomed the three winners with IPBN Board Members and Executive Partners for lunch at her residence to celebrate the winners' standout success stories. We would also like to congratulate and thank all IPBN members who applied: Rosa Santos of Martinhal Luxury Resorts & Hotels, Ciara Battigan of GRID Finance, Gizane Campos of Global Citizen Solutions, Tony Redondo ACIB of Cosmos Currency Exchange Ltd, Lee Bristow of Dawn Horizon, Sam Marchetti of ConsortiaCo, Barbara Monahan FAIBF of CUBE Design, Tony Judge of Clubs to Hire, Mark Javed of Innovate360, and Tania Teixeira of Quartz Cottage Lda. and Lapa Interior Design. The network is made of its members, so sharing all your amazing stories made the event all the richer.

So finally, who are the winning thought leaders and what were their standout success stories from 2024? Keep reading to find out. 

Figs on the Funcho

Figs on the Funcho is a boutique retreat in Portugal’s Algarve region owned and operated by Cheryl and Graham Smith. This retreat offers transformative experiences through art, wellness, and culinary immersion. Specializing in art and yoga retreats and Portuguese spice route cooking holidays, Figs on the Funcho fosters creativity, mindfulness, and sustainability. It is committed to eco-friendly practices and features solar-powered showers, composting toilets, and locally sourced vegetarian and vegan ingredients, supporting the regional economy.

In 2024, Figs on the Funcho gained recognition with multiple awards, including Riverside Retreat of the Year by Corporate LiveWire and Best Culinary Boutique Retreats in Portugal by the LuxLife Hospitality Awards. It was also a finalist in the Algarve Business Awards for Tourism & Hospitality and a semi-finalist in Sustainability. Media features in The Times (UK), AlgarvePlus Magazine, and Portugal News further elevated its profile.

The retreat experienced strong growth, achieving a 63 percent occupancy rate and expanding opportunities for local chefs, yoga instructors, and artists. The launch of a Lunch and Learn series introduced an additional revenue stream, while collaborations with Responsible Travel and Vita Nativa reinforced its sustainability efforts.

According to Cheryl, membership in the Irish Portuguese Business Network was instrumental, as it provided strategic consultancy, networking opportunities, and increased visibility. Support from UCD MBA consultants enhanced its website and marketing, while partnerships and collaboration with IPBN members like Elaine Godley, Fiona of MyGuideAlgarve, João Marques Seguros' own Paulo Sousa, and Jo James contributed to business development and the launch of new wellness retreats."

Through innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, Figs on the Funcho continues to establish itself as a premier destination for meaningful and transformative retreats in the Algarve, and is well deserving of their newest achievement!

Clear Strategy Limited

Clear Strategy, represented by David Fitzpatrick and Julie Flanagan, was founded in 2018 and has established itself as a leading Data & AI company. With headquarters in Dublin and operations in Lisbon, the company helps businesses transform data into a strategic asset. Its comprehensive services include data strategy, architecture, governance, AI solutions, reporting, and literacy training, equipping organizations with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly data-driven world.

A key driver of Clear Strategy’s success has been its innovative product offerings, according to David. Tempo, an enterprise data management solution, ensures accuracy and compliance, while Kerbi, an AI-powered Snowflake application, automates data transformation, reducing implementation costs by 30%. The 2024 launch of Kerbi was a defining moment, as it gained visibility on the Snowflake Marketplace and was showcased at the Snowflake Data Cloud World Tour. Rapid adoption by major Irish enterprises has reinforced its impact on data integration and governance.

Clear Strategy’s recognition as a Top 10 finalist in Deloitte’s Fast 50 awards underscores its rapid growth and market influence. These achievements pave the way for international expansion into the UK, EMEA, and the US, with a projected 30% growth trajectory. Strengthened brand credibility and a dynamic company culture continue to drive momentum.

According to David, despite joining mid-year, the IPBN has played a crucial role in Clear Strategy’s expansion, offering invaluable networking opportunities, regulatory guidance, and increased visibility in Lisbon. He said, "The IPBN's collaborative environment and access to thought leadership and others who have already ‘walked the walk’ inspires us to accelerate our expansion in Portugal...Our IPBN membership has enabled Clear Strategy to strengthen our cross-border connections, greatly expand our knowledge of ‘doing business in Portugal’, with lots of practical tips and advice, and accelerate our expansion plans."

As the company scales, the IPBN hopes to remain an essential partner in fostering connections and supporting its strategic growth. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing what is next on the horizon!

Lawler Sustainability 

Lawler Sustainability, represented by the company's Sustainability Engineer, Kayleigh-Ann Myles, operates in Ireland and Portugal, delivering innovative ESG strategies, carbon reduction roadmaps, lifecycle assessments, and sustainability certifications (LEED, BREEAM). Lawler Sustainability's unique partnership with Lawler Consulting integrates M&E engineering with sustainability consultancy, ensuring impactful solutions. In 2024, the company expanded into Portugal, reinforcing their commitment to tackling climate change through cross-border collaboration.

Lawler Sustainability's standout success was winning Consultancy of the Year at the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards 2024 while the Business Success Award recipient herself, Kayleigh-Ann Myles, was chosen as a Rising Star finalist at the PWC & Business Post Awards.

According to Kayleigh-Ann, "A key milestone was securing our first Ireland-Portugal business partnership, leveraging the IPBN network to drive sustainability transformation...This success enhances our market position, credibility, and international reach." The company's expansion into Portugal strengthens Irish-Portuguese collaboration, allowing businesses to align with EU regulations while benefiting from Lawler Sustainability's expertise in ESG and carbon reduction.

Meanwhile, their IPBN membership has been instrumental in the company's growth, according to the submitted application for this year's Business Success Awards. She said, "The support and collaboration within the network facilitated our first Ireland-Portugal partnership, marking a significant milestone in our cross-border sustainability mission. Looking ahead, we plan to leverage the IPBN network by creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and drives sustainable growth."

Suffice it to say, the IPBN is here to continue supporting these endeavors and plans for growth, and hopes to continue our commitment to sustainability and innovation. We are proud to have facilitated promising partnerships and commend you on your achievement! Bravo to all the winners!