The Weekly Roundup May 5 - 9

News from our Members

The Weekly Roundup May 5 - 9

This week on the roundup: jobs, yearnings, reminders, navigation, introductions, community, profiles, webinars, meetings, residency, music, common mistakes, arenas, case studies, click-throughs, legislation, showcases, projects, transitions, and more!

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

Don’t forget to regularly check our job offers, updated every week. Have you seen the latest ones from Algarve Solar Pool and Heating? There are also incredible opportunities listed from Executive Partner and Sponsor of the upcoming Dublin conference Ardanis, as well as IN2 Engineering, Tony Berkery and more!

We shared our latest Spotlight interview. After more than two decades in the banking industry, Joerg Lewerenz and his family found themselves at a crossroads. "We found ourselves worn out and yearning for something new," he reflects. That yearning led them to Portugal, where an unexpected opportunity captured their hearts — the chance to help revive a nearly forgotten treasure: Vinho de Carcavelos. Read the full interview here.

We reminded our members of our new "Advertising, Branding, and Communication " Workshop with IPBN member Shane Moran, Brand Architect, in Lisbon on Friday, May 16.

We introduced our new Master Class Tuesday May 20 with Lee Bristow, author of Human AI Alliance, about implementing governance frameworks to ensure fairness and equity in AI systems and how to navigate AI regulations like the EU AI Act with transparency and trust. This will be a great introduction for our conference in Dublin, where Lee will be a keynote speaker, which will focus on innovation and AI.

We introduced another new member based in Porto Alexander Hutkoff, Freelance Consultant in Digital Solutions and Process Optimization! You can check his profile here.

We produced a podcast on a conversation between IPBN members Brian Shanahan of Informita and Carlos Justino of MadeinWeb! This chat focuses on understanding the impact of the recent tariffs on SMEs to help minimize the impact on companies with some practical advice for both businesses and consumers alike. Click here to have a listen!

And we gave you a glimpse of what it’s like to be a part of the IPBN — from the perspective of our members. And if you have been considering it, now is a great time to step in and join this community of like-minded business people from Ireland and Portugal.

And now...

IPBN member Mike Rumble invited you to submit your films! "There is still time to submit your film to ART&TUR - International Tourism Film Festival (Sep 9-12 - Fundao, Portugal). Please submit all your tourism films produced after January 1, 2024. Film submissions can be submitted via the website here. Festival information is available here. The submission deadline is June 30.

IPBN member Tribulum Restaurant issued its monthly newsletter full of special events. It Feels Like Summer!

IPBN member BRIDGE IN is hosting a free, live webinar that dives into how AI is transforming tech jobs—and why Portugal is becoming one of Europe’s most exciting AI hubs. "It’s designed for tech professionals, hiring managers, and founders looking to stay ahead of the curve in the age of AI. Join this free webinar on why Portugal is becoming Europe’s next AI hub—and what it means for your team, your company, or your career. May 15 at 3:00 PM Lisbon time." Register here!

IPBN member JGSA - Jardim Gonçalves & Associados shared, "It was a great pleasure to join our esteemed partners from BOKS International Limited for the EMEA Regional Meeting 2025 — a truly unforgettable gathering of law and accounting professionals from across the region in the vibrant and historic setting of Lisbon."

IPBN member Global Citizen Solutions said, "Our Global RCBI report is out! It is the most detailed ranking of residency and citizenship by investment programs in 2025. Whether you’re an investor, an advisor, or just passport-curious, this report gives you the clarity, strategy, and insights to decide where to go next in your mobility journey."

IPBN Board member John Paul Prior posted, "For over 40 years, Musicmaker Dublin has been serving Ireland's vibrant music scene, providing the best in musical instruments, tech, and accessories from its iconic Dublin headquarters and its online store. To find out more about MusicMaker and how embracing eCommerce can transform your business model, click here. Always happy to talk all-things Musicmaker Dublin with anyone who’ll listen!"

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel shared insights on "Starting Strong as a New Leader. The pressure to prove yourself is real when you’re new, whether to a team, project, or organisation. But don’t make this common mistake: focusing too much on results and not enough on relationships. Pro tip: Before trying to persuade, take time to connect. Leadership is a team effort, not a solo mission."

IPBN member WEbrand Agency asked, "Is it worth investing in Google ads? The answer is YES, as long as it is done correctly! But beware! Without a well-defined strategy, ads can become a waste of money. The secret lies in an effective and well-structured approach. Do you want to invest in Google Ads and maximize your results? Talk to us!"

IPBN member IN2 Engineering says planning is underway for Ireland's first dedicated Winter Sports & Entertainment Arena! "We are delighted to be providing the M&E services as part of the team developing this state-of-the-art, multi-purpose arena in Cherrywood, South Dublin. This arena will be a home for Olympic-standard winter sports as well as Dublin's first professional ice-hockey franchise. For more details, click here for the full story."

IPBN Board member Rachael Milne loves a happy student story, and Cath Stocker PMP, AIBB went on to pass her PMP exam in record time! "Well done, Cath! If you are looking to formalise your or your team's Project Management experience and gain the PMP, the gold standard in PM, please get in touch to learn more."

IPBN member Claire Mason says, "As SEO takes a hit, media coverage is stepping up as your most valuable content asset. When Google's new AI Overviews appear, click-throughs to the top organic result drop by 34.5%! It’s a fundamental shift in how people find + (key point) trust information. So where does that leave your content strategy?"

IPBN member Teresa Patrício & Associados asked, "Is your company ready for the new European Directive on Pay Transparency? Join the Ireland Portugal Business Network on May 30th, at 10h, for an essential online Masterclass on how to prepare your business for the new European legislation that comes into force in 2026. During this session, we will address the legal, practical, and strategic impacts of the Directive, ensuring that your organization is prepared to comply with the requirements and avoid penalties."

IPBN member Ronan Holohan shared, "our fantastic Aoife Cheevers showcasing our reimagined and refurbished Georgian suites at The Trinity City Hotel Dublin. A wonderful mix of botanical and classical with a rich vibrancy."

IPBN member Reserva da Luz said, "Last month, Abode2—the UK’s leading international luxury property and lifestyle magazine—caught up with Gerry Fagan to discuss our latest projects and the exciting evolution of the West Algarve."

IPBN member Glandore sent out thank yous for joining them on the third episode of The Space That Shape Us series. "Eoin shares insights from his 22 years in the Defence Forces, his transition into the Horizon Quantum, and the personal and professional environments that have shaped his journey. Read more here."

Executive Partners