The Ireland Portugal Business Network: A Catalyst for Business Success

The Ireland Portugal Business Network (IPBN) has proven itself to be an invaluable resource for its members, driving growth and fostering collaboration across borders. Three of the network’s most notable success stories in 2023 come from Elisa Tarzia, Vice President for Growth at BRIDGE IN, Denise O'Connor, Director at Enerview Solutions, and Sílvia Correia, Founder and CEO of re.store. All three of these winners of last year's prestigious IPBN Business Success Award shared how being part of the IPBN has significantly impacted their businesses and gave practical examples of how the network, in particular, has led to business success.

Enerview Solutions: Energizing Success

Denise O’Connor joined the IPBN at an early stage of establishing Enerview Solutions and quickly saw the benefits. Membership provided immediate access to a variety of service providers and valuable opportunities to build partnerships through IPBN events. “We’ve formed two or three really strong collaborations within the network,” Denise explained. These partnerships enabled Enerview Solutions to bring new skill sets in sustainability and energy into their service offerings, enhancing the value they deliver to clients.

According to Denise, through the IPBN, Enerview Solutions also benefited from cross-border collaboration, acting as the missing link for other companies within the network. This mutual support has led to exciting opportunities and further innovation in their offerings. Denise also highlighted the personal and professional exposure gained by accepting the Business Success Award and being invited to speak to the audience there.

BRIDGE IN: Building Bridges to Growth

For Elisa Tarzia and the BRIDGE IN team, the IPBN has been equally transformative. She told the IPBN, "Founder and CEO Pedro Henriques, for example, made crucial connections on the IPBN business trip to Cork in 2023. An introduction facilitated by the network was solidified in person during the trip, leading to a long-term partnership. This Irish company sought a small, specialized IT team in Portugal—a niche that Bridge In was well-positioned to fill. BRIDGE IN managed recruitment and Employer of Record (EOR) services, employing the team on behalf of the client, who did not have a subsidiary in Portugal."

This partnership has been particularly fruitful: the company has since been acquired, and BRIDGE IN In continues to work with the acquiring firm. Elisa noted that networks like the IPBN not only bring foreign clients to businesses like BRIDGE IN but also create jobs in Portugal, showcasing the network’s far-reaching impact.

On a personal and business level, BRIDGE IN has benefited from ongoing connections with the IPBN team. Eliza said, "Board member Rachael Milne has provided assistance with podcasts and referrals, while General Manager Arnold Delville has facilitated introductions throughout the year. The company is currently in talks with another potential client referred by the IPBN, further solidifying its role as a key player in cross-border business relations."

re.store:

Winning one of the Business Success Awards in 2024 with the IPBN has marked a milestone for re.store, according to Silvia Correia, founder and CEO of the company. "This recognition didn’t just celebrate our commitment to sustainability and social inclusion, it opened doors to valuable connections, resources, and collaborations that fueled our growth in 2024 and opened valuable perspectives for 2025. Also, it resulted in the first IPBN conference in Braga: Braga – The Gateway to Global Connections... This was an opportunity for me, as an IPBN member and Braga [native], to display my city's ecosystem and its position as a gateway for global connections and we learned about why it makes sense to do business and invest in Braga with the participation of all the key business players in the City."

Through the IPBN network, re.store has gained insights, forged new partnerships, and expanded the company's reach, bridging Irish and Portuguese communities with our mission of upcycling and social impact. Silvia told the IPBN, "The introductions and support we have received have been key to amplifying our message and impact. A special recognition to John Paul Prior for believing in re.store's potential and for fostering such a meaningful business partnership (and great things are yet to come in 2025). And special recognition is also owed to Arnold Delville for his commitment to the network's members and for making it all happen when a challenge is on sight. Thank you, IPBN, for being a catalyst for meaningful change and for helping re.store thrive!"

The IPBN Effect

The stories of Enerview Solutions, BRIDGE IN, and re.store illustrate the transformative impact of the IPBN. For companies like these, the network does more than provide opportunities; it actively facilitates meaningful connections that drive innovation and growth. By bridging gaps and fostering collaboration, the IPBN continues to strengthen the Ireland-Portugal business relationship, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.