This week on the roundup: deadlines, conversations, jobs, announcements, backdrops, thanks, transitions, impact, launches, governance, experiences, passports, treasures, finance, validations, beaches, optimism, gastronomy, challenges, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week:

We welcomed back everyone and outlined the main events of Q1 2026.

We reminded everyone of the deadline on January 19 to apply for the Tony Boyle IPBN Business Success Awards. These Awards play a vital role in showcasing the success, diversity, and resilience of our member companies. We encourage all IPBN members to apply and share their standout achievements from 2025. Want to be considered? Click here to Apply Now and showcase your 2025 success story.

We introduced our new Conversations with a Leader series. In 2026, the Ireland Portugal Business Network is delighted to launch a brand-new event series, Conversations with a Leader, in partnership with IPBN member Writers' Bloc EU, a community for independent journalism and publishing, and its CEO, John B. Check more about it here.

Have a regular look at our Job Board, which is updated every week!

We announced the launch of our new 2026 Ireland Roadshow...starting in Belfast on February 24, with an in-person session focused on “Doing Business in Portugal.” Find all the details here.

And now...

IPBN Member Tribulum Restaurante's milestone moments deserve a backdrop as special as the occasion. "From the first toast to the final bite, let Tribulum Restaurante host your next private celebration. Our dedicated team takes care of every detail, so you can focus on what truly matters — making memories. Contact us to plan your event: (351) 289 397 784 or visit: www.tribulumalgarve.com!"

IPBN Business Partner Niamh Collins shared her sincere thanks to John Kennedy, Editor of Thinkbusiness.ie for the opportunity to take part in a recent podcast interview. "We discussed my early journey in the startup ecosystem, the evolution of The Guinness Enterprise Centre and the breadth of supports the GEC provides to startups and scaling companies at all stage of growth."

IPBN Board member Mario Gago and IPBN member Joao Monteiro posted, "We live in times marked by accelerated changes and uncertainties of global impact, from geopolitics to digital transformation, from talent shortages to an aging population, from climate change to energy transitions. In this context, we believe that it is essential to build a shared vision for the business ecosystem. It is with this purpose that we launched the first Coimbra Founders Night.An evening designed to discuss strategic issues, exchange perspectives, stimulate collaborations and explore projects with the potential to attract investment and boost Coimbra's economic growth. Register here."

IPBN Board member Rachael Milne shared a testimonial that reads, "Rachael Milne is not just a PMP trainer; she's a catalyst for change in project management training. Her unique approach has transformed countless businesses and careers. Learn more about her impact and insights here."

IPBN member Lee Bristow is launching Saros Insights this Friday, 9 January. "I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to work with Cillian Kelly FCIOB as our inaugural guest! In this episode, we break down the practicalities of Digital Twins, BIM, and AI strategy, focusing on the leadership mindset required to drive digital transformation."

IPBN member Dr Shane Farrelly says, "Over the next three Wednesdays, I’ll take one market at a time (UK, Ireland, Portugal) and translate the system into board-level governance: where absence escalates, what 'good' looks like, and the 3–5 metrics that prove control (not activity). On the 4th Wednesday, I’ll publish a PDF dashboard summary."

IPBN Academic Partner Catolica Porto Business School shared, "In the first edition of The Pulse in 2026, we look back at Alumni Abroad: Sharing Experiences, which once again brought together students and alumni from Católica Porto Business School to share their international journeys and experiences. We also highlight a webinar dedicated to ethical leadership and conflict management, and Ana Oliveira Madsen's analysis of the impact of the geopolitical context on the day-to-day economy. Discover these and other featured stories."

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions says, "A country can look great on paper and still be hard to live in. The Quality of Life pillar of the Global Intelligence Unit's Global Passport Index assesses how countries perform across the conditions that shape everyday life, with a clear focus on what matters most to people who relocate."

IPBN member Salmon shared, "A sharp take on what treasurers need next, with input from our CEO, Tom Leitch. Work with partners who are proven and actually transforming, based on customer needs, not pitch deck lines. Read it here."

IPBN member ALL FINANCE MATTERS – PT posted about the IRS: What to do and what to avoid. Contact info@afm.tax or visit www.afm.tax for professional guidance.

IPBN member GEOPALM says, "When accuracy is treated as an extra, the risk becomes structural. Reliable projects start with reliable data collected on the ground, validated and rigorously integrated. This is how we work: accurate dimensional measurements and precise georeferencing, carried out in a timely manner using precision topography, laser scanning, GNSS and state-of-the-art technologies, always combined with good engineering and topography practices."

IPBN member Aurelien Hyunen invites you to check out the post about Sesimbra, "one of our favourite beach town within easy access to Lisbon. Great new real estate projects there, worth checking out!"

IPBN Media Partner Essential Business shared,  "From the economy to housing – The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) says it is optimistic overall about Portugal’s economy for 2026 in its annual survey. The Economic Survey – Portugal 2026 report predicts that Portugal will grow 2.2% in 2026 after an estimated 1.9% growth in 2025."

IPBN member Vale do Lobo posted, "TINTO, in Vale do Lobo, has been featured by Boa Cama Boa Mesa, from Expresso, in a selection of new restaurants to discover in the Algarve in 2026. This recognition reflects the team’s consistent work and its commitment to the quality of both the gastronomic offering and the experience provided to our guests. Read the full article here."

IPBN member Clear Strategy and winner of the IPBN Business Success Award last year posted, "Fresh from winning the Scale Up Award at the Tide everywoman Entrepreneur Awards in London pre-Christmas, our Director, Julie, caught up with Laura Varley at Silicon Republic this week to reflect on her career journey into data, the challenges and rewards of building a start-up, and her perspective on the opportunities and risks of AI. Read more here!"