This week on the roundup: EU Council Presidency, recycled content, food news, new members, support models, web relaunches, common challenges, global communities, elegant workspaces, strategic steps, the Global Passport Index, standards of quality, problem solving, relocation planning, splitting the bill, de-risking innovation, press trips, tax rules, gastronomy, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week

On Wednesday July 1st, Ireland assumed the Role of President of the Council of the European Union Today: But what does this mean for IPBN Members? Read all about it in our exclusive article here!

It’s the Summer. We will be recycling content during the month. Tune into our LinkedIn page and subscribe to our weekly newsletter if not already done. And, if you have a contact you feel could benefit from membership, why not show them how to join and support the network here? We started this week with our Spotlight series.

We shared an article from Yvonne Scully, IPBN member and guest speaker at our recent Innovation conference in Dublin. Read it here!

We welcomed three new members this week and more are to come: ST TAX , Filotipo, and Relocate360 LLC! Join us in giving them a warm IPBN hello.

Finally, help us grow the network by referring us to your business partners and friends who are looking at doing business in Ireland and Portugal and beyond! Check out our membership database here.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner Otonomee posted, "Your support model scales. But not every interaction should be treated the same. Complex and high-value cases need more than a volume-trained agent — they need experience, judgment, and ownership. Otonomee works alongside your existing provider, not instead of it. We take on the interactions that need more depth, while your current setup handles the rest. Talk to pour team by clicking here."

IPBN member Rural Properties has relaunched its popular website with a clear remit of attracting investors to the growing popularity of Portugal's inland areas. Director, Paul Rees, also highlights the Company's development of a range of affordable bioclimatic homes for rural areas in response to the housing shortage and rising energy costs. Find out more here!

IPBN member IN2 Engineering asked, "Are we designing buildings for performance, or just adding cost? Overdesign is one of the most common challenges in the built environment. While it often comes from a desire to future-proof projects or reduce risk, it can lead to unnecessary capital expenditure, increased embodied carbon, and systems that are more complex than they need to be." Read the full article by Eddie Beer here.

IPBN Academic Partner Jose Esteves posted, "Porto Business School was born in Porto. But our community is global. With the launch of our new Alumni Chapters in Lisbon, Luanda and São Paulo, we are strengthening our global community."

IPBN member Glandore shared, "A closer look at Suite 103 at No. 24 Fitzwilliam Place. Overlooking the Grand Canal, this bright and elegant workspace is now available at one of Dublin's most prestigious business addresses. To find out more, contact our sales team at info@glandore.ie." 

IPBN Academia Partner Nuno Mendonça from UC Business posted, "Coimbra Supernova, the triple helix in the space economy at Coimbra Region! A strategic step towards the international implementation and investment attractiveness, in which Universidade de Coimbra will guarantee the scientific excellence and future workforce, for which the new Aerospace Engineering degree will actively contribute! Join us!"

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions says, "The Global Passport Index 2026 has now been released. Developed by the Global Intelligence Unit at Global Citizen Solutions, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of passport performance across 197 countries and territories. You can access the full report here."

IPBN member Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa was proud to host the 2026 edition of the Portugal Travel Awards by Publituris, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Portugal's tourism industry. They shared, "The ceremony brought together leading professionals, brands and projects that continue to raise the standards of quality, innovation and excellence across the national tourism sector. It also reinforces the resort's position as a premier destination for events, conferences and celebrations, offering elegant and versatile venues, dedicated teams and an exceptional setting for memorable experiences."

IPBN member John Byrne from Writers’ Bloc posted, "Five people you need to know to build a startup in Ireland were in one room last week. I was lucky enough to be there with them. Two events. Two days. One location: The Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin (the host of the IPBN's Innovation Conference). The first event was Business Beyond Borders USA, put together by Skillnet Ireland and the GEC. Skillnet connects smaller businesses with larger companies to solve specific problems — which helps the smaller business grow their customer pool in the process."

IPBN member Relocate360 LLC invites you to imagine landing in a new country— And your home is ready. Your paperwork is done. Your essentials are already set up. No scrambling. No stress. No “figure it out later.” Just a smooth start, exactly how it should be. That’s not luck. That’s planning. Click here to read more from Relocate 360.

IPBN Board member Mario Gago shared, "OS 27, expected in mid-September 2026, can split a restaurant bill from the camera. It reads the items, splits tax and tip, settles in Apple Cash. No third party app required. Reading a messy receipt used to be work, so it lived in an app. But AI erases that friction. Now the OS can take features that needed judgment, not just utilities. Deciding which features are yours to own and which the OS will eventually take is a real part of product strategy. It's the conversation we have at Pink Room. If you are thinking about this, let's talk."

IPBN member Deemaze Software posted, "Public grants aren't the bureaucratic nightmare you think they are. We share how Deemaze turned public R&D funding into a strategic tool — de-risking innovation, protecting equity, and powering our internal AI workflows, all without giving up a board seat. Check our new blogpost!"

IPBN member Quinta do Lago said, "Hosting a great press trip is about so much more than showcasing a destination. It’s about creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections. Over the past few days, Quinta do Lago had the pleasure of welcoming five lifestyle journalists from the UK and Ireland, alongside our valued PR partners at MMGY Grifco PR , to experience everything the resort has to offer."

IPBN member Blevins Frank shared, "Portugal tax rules can be complex. Especially when it comes to reporting worldwide income and overseas assets. From residency rules and annual declarations to increased scrutiny and offshore tax implications, understanding your obligations is essential to avoid penalties and unnecessary tax. Swipe through for the key points or read the full article to simplify your tax position in Portugal.

IPBN Academic Partner Universidade Europeia posted, "The Postgraduate Program in Creative Gastronomy brings news! There are four modules to explore creativity and innovation in gastronomy, masterclasses with national and international chefs and even GastroTalks with experts. The next edition starts in November. Learn all about it here."