This week on the roundup: digital tools, Belfast, deep cooperation, intimate atmospheres, milestones, opportunities, rankings, management, pathways, Climate resilience, support, applied knowledge, cupcakes, connections, response rates, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the Week

We introduced our new member Tara Elzingre Consultancy! This consultancy helps small businesses and growing teams build real AI literacy and digital tool confidence. Founded by Tara Elzingre, a qualified Purple Person who bridges strategy and technology, the consultancy turns complex systems into simple, scalable results. From AI training and tech stack audits to workflow design and automation, every solution is built to save time, reduce costs, and drive measurable growth. Tara works with ambitious business owners who want practical, ROI-focused guidance.

We reminded our members of the first IPBN event in Belfast next Tuesday Feb 24. A focused morning dedicated to strengthening connections, broadening networks, and creating new business opportunities between Ireland and Portugal! Designed for companies exploring cross-border expansion and collaboration, this Roadshow brings together IPBN members, academic partners, and key Belfast business organisations to share practical insights, real success stories, and first-hand experience of operating across both markets. You can still register here

The Blue Economy is the next frontier for growth. Because both countries sit on the Atlantic and because ocean sustainability is increasingly linked to jobs, innovation, and climate resilience, the Blue Economy is not just environmental policy but a business and trade opportunity. Ireland and Portugal are well placed to forge deeper cooperation in areas such as sustainable aquaculture, offshore wind, and maritime tech, providing common ground for companies, investors, researchers, and governments alike. Join us in conversation at the upcoming IPBN Sustainability March 17 in Lisbon to discuss the challenges and opportunities around the Blue Economy! Register here.

And now...

IPBN member Heritage Lisboa Hotels Group posted, "Solar do Castelo, one of Lisbon's most emblematic properties and part of the Heritage Lisboa Hotels group, has been distinguished in the prestigious list "The 2026 Top 25 Historic Hotels Worldwide Most Romantic Hotels" by Historic Hotels Worldwide. Located within the walls of São Jorge Castle, in the heart of Lisbon, Solar do Castelo stands out for its historic and intimate atmosphere. The building, constructed in the 18th century on the site of the former kitchens of the Royal Palace, combines the historic charm and authenticity of Pombaline architecture with all the comforts of contemporary life." For more information about Solar do Castelo and for reservations, please visit this link.

IPBN member Clubs to Hire shared, "Golf club rental firm expands operations in Spain. Clubs to Hire celebrates 700,000th rented set as company expands into Northern Spain. The milestone comes as the company enters its 16th year of operations, with strong momentum heading into 2026, including the launch of a new outlet in Girona, Northern Spain, a strategic expansion that strengthens service capacity across Catalonia and surrounding destinations."

IPBN member Tony Redondo sent thanks to Wayne Baxter for the opportunity to recently share on his dynamic '3 Questions' podcast: 3 Questions Cross-Border Businesses Should Ask Before They Engage Overseas Clients or Suppliers.

IPBN Academic partner Dean of Porto Business School said, "We’ve made history – PBS joins the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. For the first time, the International MBA at Porto Business School is featured in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking, debuting at #96 worldwide and joining the FT Global MBA Top 100. The milestone reflects the strength and impact of our model:

• #12 worldwide in Value for Money

• +90% average salary increase

• 100% employment three months after graduation

• 50/50 female-to-male ration across faculty

• 99% of faculty holding doctoral degrees

• #14 worldwide in ESG and Net Zero Teaching

IPBN member Vicky Rodrigues posted, "Seminar | The Responsibility of Managers and Administrators. Within the scope of the partnership between @NERA – Business Association of the Algarve Region and Teresa Patrício & Associados - Sociedade de Advogados e Consultores, a seminar dedicated to the responsibility of the management bodies of commercial companies will be held on February 24, at 2:30 p.m., in Loulé. See the complete program and technical information here."

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions asked, "What happens when someone faces persecution, has the financial means to relocate, but there is no legal visa pathway to reach safety? This is one of the growing grey areas in global mobility, where immigration law, humanitarian protection, and residency planning intersect."

IPBN member Dr Shane Farrelly posted, "The Atlantic is not a boundary. It’s a bridge. On 17 March, the Ireland Portugal Business Network brings its Sustainability Conference to Lisbon under the theme “Ocean – The Blue Economy.” Ireland and Portugal are uniquely positioned to lead in Climate resilience, Infrastructure protection, Ethical innovation and AI-driven environmental monitoring. But the real opportunity lies in governance."

IPBN member GRID Finance B Corp shared, "Five stars from Maura at The Cappuccino Bar. In hospitality, time matters, and so does cash flow. Maura found the process quick, clear and easy to manage, with reporting that actually makes sense. That’s what we’re about at GRID — straightforward support for Irish SMEs, built around the realities of running a business here at home."

IPBN member Flow Productions posted, "Behind each episode of They Know How there is strategy, purpose and brand positioning. In this project for INDASA, we filmed and accompanied Filipe Carvalho in the characterization of a helmet, highlighting three essential pillars: technique, overcoming and applied knowledge. More than a video, this format was designed to reinforce the brand's territory with its community of creators, showing how its materials are part of the real process of those who work with demand and precision."

IPBN member Clear Strategy said, "Great to bring the whole team together in our new offices last Friday to officially celebrate becoming a Snowflake Elite Partner. Huge achievement - and well worth the cupcakes!"

IPBN member TIRECHECK said, "Tire data is only valuable when it leads to action. That’s why TireCheck INFLEET goes beyond monitoring - connecting every reading to the person who needs it, in real time. From data to action - that’s the TireCheck difference."

IPBN member Croissant posted, "Improve response rates, monitor local teams to boost productivity, and improve retention using gen AI topics chosen by your leaders."