This week on the roundup: partnerships, interviews, introductions, reflections, summer highlights, innovation and sustainability, people management, rewatering systems, operations, internal dives, differentiated health care, connecting businesses, potential, innovative solutions, preservation, commitment, architectural design, coastal communities, candidacy, identity and community, pre-checks, effective digital presence, foundations, and more!  

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

We reminded everyone that we chose partnerships as our guiding theme for 2025—not just as a concept, but as a commitment to action. Just six months into the year, that commitment is already bearing fruit. Check all about it here.  

We published a new Spotlight interview in which you can learn about one of our new partnerships mentioned above, led by Mariana Calaça Baptista, Director of the Centro de Portugal Film Commission (CPFC). Learn here how her work with Art&TUR is helping the central region evolve into a dynamic and film-friendly destination with a bold vision for international collaboration and sustainable growth.  

We introduced our newest member of the IPBN, PURUS, represented by Edmundo Alarcão, Operations Manager!  PURUS is a boutique hospitality group dedicated to restoring and revitalising historic properties across Portugal. Check their profile here.  

We will be hosting a networking Members meet Members at the Purus Casa do Bento in Coimbra, Oct 2. Check all the details here where you can already register.  

As we pass the halfway mark in 2025, the 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. 

As the pace of business gently slows over the summer months, it is also the perfect time to catch up on the wealth of valuable content the Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) has produced so far this year. Here are just a few of the highlights. 

The IPBN will take a break now over the next few weeks. Back in late August. We wish you all a very nice Summer. You can already check some of the events confirmed for the rest of the year in our events page here. More to come. Thank you again for all your support.  

And it might be a good time to check here the benefits of being an IPBN member whether if you are already a member or if you have not joined us yet. You might also want to check testimonials from members here. 

And now...

IPBN Partner Enterprise Ireland shared, "This week marks the first day of the new Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland, almost 29 years to the day since she first joined this organisation. As CEO, Jenny Melia is committed to leading and supporting the dedicated Enterprise Ireland team as they foster the next generation of Irish startups, work to support SMEs to become more profitable, productive and competitive by harnessing AI, innovation and sustainability, and to accelerate Irish businesses to scale and become leaders in international markets." 

IPBN member Stephanie Prenderville posted, "In the latest episode of ChattingGPT, we role played what talent and people management in future focused firms might look like. You can listen right here." 

IPBN member Caroline Clark has heard some ideas for inter-City Wildlife and plant introduction, and they are just brilliant. "Combine this with our rewatering system and it’s a self-contained area." 

IPBN member FinTrU shared a Testimonial. "Last week, I had the chance to take part in the FinTrU Summer Insights Programme in Porto. Throughout the day, I got to know more about the company, its culture, and its core areas of operation, including KYC, compliance, and other key aspects of the financial services industry. It was truly a valuable and enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the sector." 

IPBN member Diarmuid Crowley posted that Druid Sport Welcomed the New and The Next with a Brand Refresh & New Website. "Over the past few months, we have taken a deep internal dive: who we are, how we work, and what we stand for. And now, we are proud to lift the curtain on a brand refresh and a new home for our story and market proposition — druidsport.com." 

IPBN member HPA Group posted that the HPA Institute asserts itself as a reference unit in the southern region of the country, distinguishing itself by its strong investment in highly specialized clinical areas. "Among these, the Advanced Ophthalmology Centre and the Specialized Centre of Dermatology stand out, spaces designed to offer differentiated health care, with the support of the latest technologies and medical teams of recognized experience." 

IPBN member Algarve Staff shared, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” – John C. Maxwell. (And we know where to find your dream team). "At Algarve Staff, we’re not just filling positions — we’re connecting businesses with the right people to thrive across the Algarve. Need reliable staff for your business in paradise?" 

IPBN member Filipe Pinho Pereira said, "The more I explore Vibe Coding, the more convinced I am of its potential: to build highly domain-specific products. Fast. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Vibe Coding *IS* a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned. I recommend everyone do the same." 

IPBN member IN2 Engineering's IN2 Academy is Providing Real-World Experience for over 15 Years! "For 12 weeks every summer the IN2 Academy offers placement students, recent graduates and anyone within IN2 the opportunity to learn about our innovative solutions used in real world projects - and all from the team of engineers who actually delivered them. Most recently the IN2 Academy team visited Portal, an innovation hub in the Trinity College East Campus." 

IPBN Partner Livraria Lello said, "On the 5th and 6th of July, as part of Open House Porto, Livraria Lello opened its doors to the public and, with them, the pages of its history and sketches of its future. At Livraria Lello, we shared with hundreds of visitors what has been preserved for more than a century and what is being born now, in the expansion that promises to transform the house."  

IPBN member Blevins Franks posted, "The celebrations are in full swing at our 50th Anniversary Lunch in France at Le Bistro de Malfourat, marking five decades of trusted expertise. This milestone is a testament to our commitment to strategic tax, financial and generational planning. Here’s to the next 50 years of trust, success and excellence! A heartfelt thank you to our clients and followers for being part of our journey." 

IPBN member Quinta Dourada shared, "Phase one complete. At Quinta Dourada, luxury lives in the details, from striking architectural design to flawless high-end finishes that set the standard for quality in the Algarve. With only a few townhouses remaining in Phase One, secure your place in this exceptional new development today." +351 919 993 500, info@quintadourada.com 

IPBN member Gerry Fagan posted about Twelve Homes. He said, "One Final Opportunity by the Sea. Life by the ocean has its own rhythm and life feels calmer, clearer, more grounded. Welcome to Reserva da Luz, a coastal community just west of Lagos, set along one of the Algarve’s most desirable shorelines. Years in the making, this carefully planned neighbourhood is now entering its final phase, with only twelve ocean-facing plots remaining." 

IPBN member Miguel Antunes from RedLight Software shared, "To return ambition to Coimbra, with courage, vision and commitment - this is the mission that moves me! There are many of us who believe that Coimbra can do more. That can be a living, daring city that leads by example. This candidacy was born from the desire to contribute to a more progressive, fair, innovative city, with room for everyone: for those who study here, those who work here, those who invest here and those who live here. This is the moment. If not now, when?" 

The IPBN is here to help you and Coimbra meet your objectives. We’ll be there on October 2 as mentioned in the highlights of the week.  

IPBN member Career Training Internships shared that Cork’s hurling hopes were dashed for the year, "but the Football All-Ireland Final is still to come this Sunday between Kerry and Donegal. This blog looks at what sport really means in Ireland, from pride and place to identity and community. Have a read here." 

IPBN member TIRECHECK says your drivers can instantly access live tire pressure and temperature data during pre-checks - simply by scanning a QR code. "Whether you manage trucks, trailers, or buses, TireCheck’s TPMS yard monitoring ensures every vehicle rolls out road-ready - without delays or guesswork." 

IPBN member WEbrand Agency posted, "Our client, Madeira Rent, has been, over the last few years, betting on an increasingly cohesive and effective digital presence. With the services we provide, Madeira Rent has now a stronger and more consistent digital presence. With Madeira Rent, we travel together in a collaboration ready for every turn!" 

IPBN member Invoke Creative Agency shared, "Clarify before Creativity. Our brand positioning statement is the foundation of everything, from visuals to voice. It defines who you’re for, what you offer, and why it matters. Clear. Concise. Confident. That’s how standout brands start. Need help defining your brand’s direction? Let’s build it together."