This week on the roundup: economic conditions, organisations, opening statements, freelancing, Web Summit, photos, modernization, responsibilities, commitment, sustainability ratings, energy, ambition, appointments, professionalism, admin, innovation, understatements, ideas, cooperation, technology, celebrations, and more!

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

IPBN member Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Community Enterprise Association Ireland wrote, "Special message to our IPBN members based in Ireland – Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Community Enterprise Association Ireland have joined forces on a North–South initiative to capture the voice of small businesses and community enterprises across the island of Ireland. This is the first survey of its kind, assessing economic conditions and outlook for the micro and SME sector across both jurisdictions. The findings will inform two complementary reports—North and South—serving as a foundation for engagement with government departments in 2026 and strengthening cross-border cooperation. Take part and share today - plus, complete the survey for a chance to win a €250 All-4-One voucher! Together, let’s build a stronger, connected enterprise ecosystem across the island."

We shared a new Spotlight interview: At the heart of any successful innovation is a deep understanding of human needs. For Liam M., Co-founder of the HR Tech company Croissant, an IPBN member company, the mission is simple yet ambitious: to create software that makes the world a better place. Croissant operates under the umbrella project, Innova, which is dedicated to taking ideas from vision to reality, aiming to change the world one organisation at a time.

We announced, "In collaboration with Católica Porto Business School, the IPBN invites you to join us in Porto on Friday, November 21, from 09h30 to 12h30 for a special conference exploring Investment and Partnership Opportunities in the North of Portugal at the Católica Porto Business School's Porsche Auditorium. After the opening statement from João Pinto Dean of the Católica Porto Business School, Panel 1 will take the stage to discuss "Talking Tech & Innovation - Exploring AI, Biotechnology, and Software Development." Register here where you can also check the program and see the speakers!

We shared the pictures of the IPBN event 'Building Bridges Between Ireland and Portugal,' at the Algarve Tech Hub Summit last week — check out the photos here!

We introduced our new member, Niall Healy, a Lisbon-based Freelance Marketing Consultant who enjoys +10 years of experience in the food industry with hospitality brands, early-stage startups, high-growth scale-ups, and blue-chip multinational companies.

We also shared pictures of IPBN members at the Web Summit. More to come next week.

And now...

IPBN Executive Partner PwC Portugal posted, "Actuarial modernization is redefining the insurance sector. Actuarial modernization allows insurers to simplify reporting processes, improve the quality of analyses, and respond quickly to constantly evolving regulatory requirements. This transformation not only drives efficiency and accuracy in the short term, but also strengthens resilience, innovation, and competitive advantage in the long term. In the third edition of PwC's Global Actuarial Modernization Survey 2025, with contributions from over 200 insurers worldwide, we reveal a comprehensive view of the current state of actuarial modernization."

IPBN Partner UC Business and Vice Rector Nuno Mendonça announced, "Great News! It is official! Universidade de Coimbra is the Portuguese representative in the EIT Water winning consortium, Allwaters! It will be our responsibility to push forward innovation and entrepreneurship on water in our country, an unique responsibility for an unique seven centuries experienced ecosystem, that we will lead, focused on economic and sustainable development! More news briefly!"

IPBN member Kamilla Escovar wrote, "Dear Dentists, it is with great joy that I share a special news! Today I am part of Faculdade Egas Moniz, a reference institution in higher education in Portugal and one of the most prestigious in the area of Health. Faculdade Egas Moniz has a history marked by excellence in teaching, scientific innovation and commitment to the training of highly qualified professionals. Over the years, Faculdade Egas Moniz has established itself as one of the best Faculties of Health Sciences in Europe, internationally recognized for its academic quality, cutting-edge structure and integrated vision of patient care. Read the original post."

IPBN member TIRECHECK posted, "We’re proud to be awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal for our progress and commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. EcoVadis, the most recognized global sustainability ratings platform. Along with our certificates for ISO 14001 and 45001, the Silver Medal rating reaffirms our commitment to CSR and encourages us to continue working towards our Sustainability objectives."

IPBN Partner Algarve STP said, "For the fourth year in a row, the Algarve Tech Hub Summit brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, investors and institutions from across Portugal and beyond, this time in the beautiful city of Lagos. Organised by Algarve STP (Systems and Technology Partnership), Universidade do Algarve and Algarve Evolution, and with the invaluable support of the Municipality of Lagos and its President, Hugo Pereira, this year’s Summit filled the halls of Vila Galé Lagos with energy, knowledge and ambition, proving once again that the Algarve is ready to lead through technology and collaboration."

IPBN member Flow Productions reflected, "So proud to be part of this journey. Since the very first editions, we’ve been following the Algarve Tech Hub Summit, this year in Lagos, and seeing this event grow in energy, impact, and ambition has been deeply inspiring. However, this year felt different. A room filled with talent and vision —from experienced leaders to bright young minds aged 10 to 13, already shaping the future with confidence. The movement is gaining strength and shaping the Algarve into a vibrant hub of innovation."

IPBN member Clear Strategy announced, "The growth story continues at Clear Strategy. As we gear up for an exciting 2026, we’re strengthening our Executive Team. We’re delighted to announce the appointments of Killian O'Neill as Chief Data & AI Officer and Tom Durkan as Chief Operating Officer - two fantastic leaders who will help us drive our next phase of growth and innovation. Join us in congratulating Killian and Tom on their appointments!"

IPBN member re.store shared, "re.store® is in Copenhagen, Denmark, representing Portugal at the SME Assembly 2025, the largest European event dedicated to small and medium-sized enterprises! As the national winner of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2025 in the category of Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship, re.store®, together with projects from all over Europe, is debating the future of entrepreneurship so that it becomes simpler, more innovative and integrative and, of course, more sustainable, social inclusive and with a real impact on People and the Planet. Read more about our presence."

IPBN member SEE Countries posted, "Negative reviews aren't the end; they’re an opportunity to show what your brand is really made of. In this post, we share 5 simple but powerful strategies to respond with empathy, clarity, and professionalism. Because the way you handle criticism says as much about your experience as the 5-star ones."

IPBN member Figs on the Funcho announced, "Running a small business often means endless admin — enquiries, quotes, and social media that eat up your time. This hands-on half-day workshop shows you how to turn those everyday tasks into automations using AI — no tech skills needed! Perfect for solo business owners, coaches, consultants, and anyone drowning in admin. Hosted by Figs on the Funcho, winners of multiple awards including the Ireland Portugal Business Network Business Success Award 2025 and EU Business Awards – Ambitious Business Owner Award 2025. Find out more about the workshop."

IPBN Board member Sharon Dehmel shared, "Big screens, big stages, and big ideas — from Paddy Cosgrave kicking things off to James Flynn coso.ai pitching with passion. The buzz is all about AI, but the real magic lies in the people — the conversations, the connections, and the shared curiosity that fuel it all. Great company, great energy — thanks Claire Mason and Rachael Milne PMP®, DipPM, PSMI for making the first day unforgettable. See the Web Summit post."

IPBN Board member Rachael Milne wrote, "Some great insights here from another satisfied customer, helpful for anyone doing their PMP exam. Congratulations Maya Dadez, CAPM, LSSGB - Well done you!"

IPBN Partner NEST Innovation Centre said, "Lisbon was the stage for the international meeting on Afrotourism, which brought together experts from Portugal, Brazil, Europe, Latin America and Africa! The executive director of NEST, Roberto Antunes, was pleased to open the event, highlighting the importance of innovation and cooperation in cultural tourism. Check out the post."

IPBN member Carlos Justino posted, "We had such a fantastic day at the WebSummit LLC event in Lisbon. Delivered well over 50 demos of Witfy - Socially Smart and talked to almost 100 people. Special thanks to ANJE for making this possible. Read the full update."

IPBN member Claire Mason reflected, "It took 10,931 steps today to remind me that digital relationships are just as real. After a day of crisscrossing the pavilions of Web Summit, I finally met two people I’ve only ever known through a screen. Talk about being in the right place at the right time! Bumping into Nausheen I. Chen and Jonathan Cohen (shoutout to The Lekker Network) was akin to winning the lottery because Web Summit is a busy place. (Understatement.) Read more about the unexpected connection."

IPBN member Nessa Maguire said, "Tech Industry Alliance. Great to see the finalists announced. We’re delighted to be included with companies and initiatives doing such meaningful work. Looking forward to the awards and meeting everyone there."

IPBN member Lee Bristow posted, "Great day out yesterday at the ExCel RISK EUROPE, hosted in London. Great to see the launch of the DRA (Digital Risk Alliance). I hope to see more advisory firms attending and exhibiting next year as it was very tech centric. London was showing off with an incredible vibe and great weather for this time of year! Check out the event pictures."

IPBN member Techies Go Green encouraged, "At Techies Go Green, community and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Every day, our members across Ireland and the UK are taking real steps toward making tech more sustainable – from cutting carbon emissions to driving innovation that supports a greener future. If your company has recent sustainability news, initiatives, or milestones, send them our way. We’ll help spread the word through our network and celebrate your progress with the wider community. Let’s keep inspiring each other because when one of us moves toward a greener future, we all do."