This week on the roundup: IPBN highlights, our Algarve CCDR event, the AGM, executive discussions, award ceremonies, life abroad, the textile industry, health awareness, aggregators, leadership transitions, quiet shifts, sustainable tourism, congratulations, meeting points, commercial development, bringing clarity, Open Air Shakespeare, sleek curved entrances, and more!

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

We highlighted what members are saying about the IPBN in some recent testimonials from the Tony Boyle Business Success award winners! Plenty more have also weighed in with their thoughts about the network and shared their experiences on how their connections have moved them forward.

We reminded everyone of our April 9 event at the CCDR in Algarve, Faro - Building on the momentum of our recent Sustainability Conference in Lisbon, this event brings the conversation to the Algarve — a region deeply connected to the ocean — to explore both the challenges facing coastal environments and the opportunities the Blue Economy presents for sustainable growth on 9 April, from 10h to 12h at the CCDR Algarve in Faro. Find all the details here, where you can still register.

And we will hold our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lisbon on Thursday, April 16, from 10h to 11h30. The venue is yet to be confirmed, but we will announce it shortly. Secure your spot by registering today! This event is open to members only. We invite all our members to join us. We look forward to hearing from you, as your input is what makes this network rich and dynamic!

And now...

IPBN member Dr Shane Farrelly from HealthNEXT and SomarMed shared the EUROPE ENTRY WORKFORCE HEALTH GOVERNANCE SCORECARD (CSRD-ALIGNED). "This document is a structured governance tool designed for direct use in board and executive discussions. It translates European workforce health requirements into governance, financial risk, and ESG (CSRD) exposure."

IPBN member John Donnelly posted, "It was an honour to be part of the Clon-Tech Direct team, which was presented with the 2025 Overall Performance Award at Clonmel Healthcare’s Values Award ceremony. It was a real team effort across various departments including sales, operations, and regulatory to bring this project to fruition. Clon-Tech Direct enhances our customer experience and, importantly, supports the patients who rely on these often critical medicines."

IPBN member Sharon O’Neill Ryan posted, "Constant overthinking or persistent worry are often signals. They suggest it is time to stop and process what you are carrying. Whether it is the weight of adjusting to life abroad, work stress, or relationship difficulties, you do not have to manage these feelings alone. I can support you non judgementally. Professional support provides a space to untangle these thoughts. Are you ready to talk?" Please send a message to book a consultation.

IPBN member re.store shared, "March 30, 2026. International Zero Waste Day: Choices that shape the future. International Zero Waste Day is a global invitation to rethink habits that, often without us realizing it, impact the health of the planet. In the textile industry, this impact is particularly visible. The fashion industry, characterized by rapid cycles and intensive production, is one of the biggest sources of waste."

IPBN member John Donnelly wrote, "This May, I’ll be taking part in an international charity cycle in Portugal in support of Cycle Against Suicide. The event is a cycle all the way from Chaves to Faro along the N2, an incredible 738km over six days. Like many causes, mental health awareness and suicide prevention have touched the lives of so many people around us, and this initiative is focused on encouraging open conversation and reminding people that it’s okay to ask for help. If you were to, perhaps those who donate could write IPBN after your names so I can reference the IPBN in my appreciation."

IPBN member Christopher Garner posted, "Home improvement contractors lose deals they never even knew they had. Here’s why: The lead came from an aggregator. It was sold to 4 other contractors at the same time. The homeowner never consented to being contacted. And by the time your rep dialed, someone else already had them on the phone. That’s not a lead. That’s a raffle ticket. EasyLivingClub is built differently from the ground up." Read more about it here.

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel shared, “It’s not a training gap.” Most HR leaders in SMEs aren’t struggling with strategy. They’re managing what happens between the strategy. Teams across locations and cultures… where small misunderstandings create big friction. It’s rarely a training gap. It’s a leadership transition gap. If this feels familiar, I’d be interested to hear what you’re seeing in your teams right now.

IPBN member Cheryl Smith shared, "There’s a quiet shift happening in travel. More people are choosing to learn something new rather than simply visit somewhere new. We were recently featured in Euronews Travel in a piece exploring this rise in creative holidays across Europe. It reflects something we’ve been seeing for some time — a move towards slower, more meaningful experiences centred around creativity and connection to place."

IPBN member Samuel Lyons said, "As I build out EnterPortugal's Sustainable Tourism Engine, I keep circling the same question. Is sustainable tourism really just 'do no harm?' I think it's closer to regenerative — building something that actively thrives. But what does that look like in practice? Portugal, right now, is at the moment where it can get this right. Or wrong. That choice is live. Read more about it here."

IPBN member Luis Alves shared, "Congratulations to MiiE Pharmacy Concept on its 4th anniversary. Four years ago, we began our journey in Dublin, supporting community pharmacies as Locum Pharmacist. Since then, we have grown and evolved, expanding our services to include Marketing, Innovation, and New Technologies."

IPBN member Business Partner UAlg TEC Campus posted, "Four years ago, a space designed for the future began to take shape. UALG TEC CAMPUS, Universidade do Algarve 's business accelerator, managed by Algarve STP (Systems and Technology Partnership), was born with a clear purpose: to create a meeting point for those who want to do more, better, and together! More than a physical space, it is an ecosystem that actively contributes to the development of the Algarve's business fabric, positioning the region on the map of innovation and technology. Today we celebrate the path made so far and everything that is yet to come! And we at the IPBN are proud to be a close partner with the Campus and support them in their development."

IPBN member Diarmuid Crowley was pleased to attend the recent UEFA Grow Conference in Vienna as a UEFA Grow Mentor, joining discussions on communications, marketing, and commercial development across European football. "One theme stood out clearly: purpose is becoming a more important driver of commercial partnerships."

IPBN member Invoke Creative Agency says, "Typography shapes more than how a brand looks, it influences how it feels, communicates, and is remembered. Clean, considered font pairings can bring clarity, consistency and personality across every touchpoint, from digital to print. At Invoke, we approach design with both creativity and strategy in mind, making sure every visual decision supports a stronger, more cohesive brand."

IPBN member Shane Casey is performing in The Taming of the Shrew, produced by Open Air Shakespeare (a non-profit organisation), on April 11–12 at the Unicorn Factory in Lisbon. Find out more about it here.

IPBN member Total Expo shared, "Fleetwood Paints at Hardware Show 2026, RDS Simmonscourt. A standout build featuring a bold overhead banner, sleek curved entrance, and high-impact illuminated displays, bringing the brand to life. Always a pleasure working with this team."