This week on the roundup: photos, pop-ups, inspirational speakers, collaborations, gateways, the human risk, students, representations, personalisation, perfectionist tendencies, discipline, insights, rare opportunities, regulatory showdowns, hidden efficiencies, pioneers, showcases, back-lit branding, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week

We shared the pictures of last week's MMM in Porto and Dublin. You can check them both here and here.

We introduced our new member, Croissant, represented by Founders Liam Maguire and Fabio Bagulho! Croissant is a modern employee engagement platform that helps you truly understand your organization. It uses a simple, intelligent pop-up to facilitate continuous conversations with your team. Croissant is currently focusing on strengthening its foundation, so it's offering the software for free. Check out their member profile here and click here to check out their website, where you can download and install the app for FREE!

We reminded everyone of our next Master Class next week, Oct 31 – Check all the details here, where you can still register.

We shared our new Podcast. A conversation at our recent networking event in Vila Nova de Gaia between John Paul Prior, Chair of the IPBN Porto and IPBN member Sílvia Correia from award-winning re.store®. These two inspirational speakers shared their business partnership success story—an inspiring example of bilateral trade between Portugal and Ireland.

And now...

IPBN member Quinta Dourada shared a collaboration between the visionary and award-winning architect Vasco Vieira and a renowned builder, Teifil, combining expertise and quality in every detail.

IPBN member Glandore was delighted to host Northern Ireland’s Gateway to Growth event at Glandore, Arthur Place in Belfast last week. "This strategic session focused on positioning Northern Ireland as a gateway for trade, innovation, and investment. Glandore are always proud to support Northern Ireland's unique strengths to accelerate growth and competitiveness."

IPBN member Andy O’Donoghue joined Anton Savage on Newstalk to chat about the messier side of AI. "We discussed two big threats: The technical risk: Why AI "slop" and "hallucinations" are challenging. And The human risk: The worrying trend of teenagers forming emotional attachments to AI chatbots, potentially replacing vital human interaction. This raises a crucial question: how do we safeguard the mental and social well-being of the next generation in a world where algorithms are offering artificial intimacy?" Listen back here.

IPBN Academic partner Joao Pinto, Dean at Catolica Porto Business School posted, "This week was truly a day to remember at Católica Porto Business School! I had the privilege of presenting diplomas to our undergraduate students in Management, Economics, and the Dual Degree in Law and Management. More than 300 graduates celebrated this important milestone surrounded by their families and friends — a full house filled with pride, emotion, and hope. Moments like these remind us why we do what we do."

IPBN member GEOPLAM Engineering Consulting posted, "The future of construction and rehabilitation is about detail. With Laser Scanning, we capture millions of points per second and transform complex building structures into accurate digital models. The result? Faithful representations of reality, ready to integrate into BIM projects and support technical decisions with confidence. At GEOPALM we use state-of-the-art technology so that every façade, every construction element, and every detail is accurately recorded."

IPBN member Witfy Socially Smart shared 5 Personalisation Hacks to Elevate Your Brand Presence. "Personalisation can truly set your brand apart. Are you ready to implement these hacks and see the difference?"

IPBN member Sharon O’Neill Ryan invites you to meet Peter, a marketing professional who faced the challenge of cultural adaptation in Portugal. "Through walk-and-talk therapy, he embraced his perfectionist tendencies and developed strategies to build strong relationships. Discover how nature and movement helped him thrive in his new environment. Have you ever felt the need to adjust to a new culture? How did you cope? Share your thoughts below. To learn more about how nature-inspired therapy can support your journey, visit our page."

IPBN member Christopher Garner shared The Architecture of Growth. "After two decades in leadership, I’ve come to believe that growth — real, sustainable growth — isn’t simply a matter of sales, marketing, or luck. It’s a living system. My experience has taught me that growth isn’t an event — it’s a discipline. If you’re leading a company that’s ready to evolve — to move from ambition to design — I’d love to connect. Because every great organization deserves a strategy worthy of its potential."

IPBN member ArcAirTech is delighted to be the platinum sponsor for East Midlands Housing Conference. "Our company directors Andrew Fitzpatrick and Christopher Thomas will be exhibiting and taking to the stage to share insights about our technology and the vital role it can play in creating Mould Free Homes across the UK and Ireland’s housing industry."

IPBN member Marian Purcell is delighted to announce that The Agency Portugal has been chosen to represent and sell The Springs at The Els Club Vilamoura — the only Els Club in Europe. "Springs at The Els Club offers a rare opportunity to own a property within a world-class golf destination — blending luxury and exclusive living, smart investment, and the relaxed sophistication that defines this region. For more information, contact marian.purcell@theagencyre.com, +351 912 340 605."

IPBN member Padraig Nolan is happy to share his latest article for the Centre for European Policy Analysis, “Euro-Dollar Crossroads: The Rise of Stablecoins,” which dives into how the US is sprinting ahead with stablecoin infrastructure while Europe treads cautiously. From regulatory showdowns over MiCA to debates over a digital euro, the stakes are high: will the euro be a player in the new payments order, or merely a bystander?

IPBN member Lawler Sustainability shared "Total annual savings of 12.5 million Euros and over 18,000 tonnes of CO2 identified. All uncovered through just 9 energy audits. At Lawler Sustainability, our work with the EU-supported Audit Plus Project is proving what’s possible when data meets action. Each audit we deliver helps organisations uncover hidden efficiencies, cut operational costs, and make measurable progress toward their sustainability goals. The results so far are remarkable, but the real success lies in what comes next."

IPBN member HPA Health Group shared, "The Hospital da Misericórdia de Évora has started robotic knee surgery, having invited Dr. João Paulo Ribeiro de Sousa, Director of the Orthopedics Department of the HPA Health Group, to this launch. It was with great pleasure that Dr. João Paulo Sousa accompanied his colleagues and shared his experience and knowledge in this area. In fact, the HPA Gambelas was a pioneer in this type of surgery, which has shown excellent results at the clinical, functionality, and satisfaction level and whose casuistry amounts to more than 150 cases."

IPBN member TIRECHECK was honoured to welcome Minister Niamh Smyth from Ireland to their TireCheck production site. "The visit was a great opportunity to showcase our latest TPMS and fleet management innovations, including the upcoming Flexi Gauge tool, and to share how TireCheck combines Irish entrepreneurship with German engineering excellence."

IPBN member Total Expo shared, "Cloudsmith at USENIX SREcon 2025. One of many standout setups this year — our 3m x 3m stand featured bold back-lit branding, a sleek custom counter, and clean, functional design. Proud to partner with the organisers to help bring this amazing event to life!"