This week on the roundup: brand building programs, flagship stores, exhibitions, challenges, portfolio financing, perfect suggestions, new positions, colleagues, partners, slow fashion, mortgage services, netzero programs, obligations, respectful environments, innovation, inclusion, unprecedented increases, asset management, pride, and more!

But first, here are the IPBN Highlights of the week

We announced the 6^th edition of our annual Business Success Awards in the presence of the Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal to take place at the Irish Embassy in Lisbon on Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 10h - 12h30 to celebrate the three companies who have been selected to receive these annual Awards...but they have to apply first! Join us and apply here!

A huge thank you to IPBN member José Nunes at RXLSTUDIO and Pedro Teixeira for their incredible work in producing this amazing video of the IPBN Tourism Conference in Porto!

Welcome to our new member. As an attorney based in Algarve, Portugal, Sofia Gago Gonçalves specializes in civil law and provides comprehensive legal services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and businesses.

Last week, the IPBN dived into the essentials of getting started with AI, understanding what tools and strategies work best, and how to approach adoption in a way that fits your unique needs. We asked our registered members to bring their questions and ideas and get ready to engage with fellow IPBN members and explore how AI can work for you, and here's what we uncovered (thanks to AI!)

And now...

IPBN member Andrea Viegas is happy to share that she is starting a new position as Honorary Consul of Ireland in the Algarve at Honorary Consul General of Ireland!

IPBN member Barbara Monahan is thrilled to share the incredible success of our inaugural UnBox™ 9-week brand building programme, designed specifically for small business owners! "Yesterday, we kicked off our first session with a full house, bringing together passionate participants from two continents and three countries."

IPBN member Millimetre Design is celebrating three years to the day since Donnybrook Fair opened the doors of its new flagship store in Dundrum Town Centre! "We're so proud to have been part of creating this innovative retail space, including the stylish, yet relaxed Loft Bar and Restaurant."

IPBN Academic Partner Universidade Catolica do Porto inaugurated its most recent exhibition: Technology / Transformation at the Porto Campus. "The exhibition presents a selection of works from the Fundação de Serralves Collection and includes historical pieces by unavoidable figures in the national and international art scene."

IPBN member HPA Health Group posted, "The International Day of Chronic Allergy Sufferers aims to raise awareness of the challenges faced by those dealing with persistent allergic conditions."

IPBN member Amarenco announced a major step forward for renewable energy in Europe! "We are thrilled to announce that Amarenco has successfully secured a €500 million multi-country portfolio financing package to advance solar infrastructure projects across Europe."

IPBN member Lisbon Heritage Hotels said, "If you are still looking for a surprising gift for this Christmas, we have the perfect suggestion to please your employees and/or customers. Offer a unique experience in one of our Lisbon Heritage Hotels, through our vouchers."

IPBN member Luis da Silva is happy to share that he is starting a new position as Padel Ambassador at Notts LTA!

IPBN member Edmond Harty had a fantastic evening at EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland: "Delighted to meet so many people including colleagues Ciaran Hancock and Ian Curran from The Irish Times. They provide stellar coverage of all the 24 finalists and the awards program over many years."

IPBN member askblue was present at the annual PSTQB event, of which we have been a partner for several years. "This conference, which is the largest Software Testing Conference in Portugal, brought together various experts in the field and covered topics ranging from the quality of Software Testing to digital transformation and market trends."

IPBN member Career Training Internships shared big smiles all around at the Slow Fashion Show in the beautiful St. Peter's Cork venue.

IPBN member Nessa Sheehy shared exciting news for international clients! "We are proud to introduce our in-house mortgage service, seamlessly integrated with our real estate search service, specifically designed for international clients looking to invest in the stunning landscape of Portugal!"

IPBN member Brian Shanahan posted a December newsletter: Why isn’t Crypto more popular?​​

IPBN member Alan Kearny said, "Lawler Sustainability is proudly working with public and private organizations across Ireland to help them with their carbon reduction goals. Our 2030netzero program is an excellent initiative to help all businesses plan and achieve their targets. Have you started your journey yet? Do you need assistance developing your pathway? Reach out and let us help you, it costs nothing to talk."

IPBN member JGSA - Jardim Gonçalves & Associados said, "There are new changes to the legal framework for Central Securities Depositories (CSD). Decree-Law no. 59/2024 adapts national rules to Regulation (EU) 2023/2845 and introduces changes, in particular, to the obligation to report qualifying shares, which will become mandatory when the thresholds of 10%, 20%, and 30% are exceeded, instead of the current 50%. Find out more about the changes to this regime in Diego Angulo Morales' analysis."

IPBN member bp2w says, "Accountability does not mean blame. It means creating a respectful environment where everyone feels safe to take responsibility and address issues. Employers and employees alike should focus on respectful, constructive feedback that helps everyone grow!"

IPBN partner aicep Portugal Global posted that the "European Commission has recognized Braga as one of the European Capitals of Innovation for 2024/2025. This prestigious recognition, shared with Torino, highlights Braga's outstanding achievements in driving innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. As one of Portugal's most dynamic cities, Braga has excelled in creating impactful solutions that foster economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens." This is whey the IPBN organized a conference about Braga this year in May. You can find out all about it here.

IPBN member Michael O’Hara shared information about the rise of generative AI technology. They said, "[It] is causing an unprecedented increase in the production of electronic waste.....researchers warn that e-waste caused by AI technology could grow from 2,600 tons in 2023 to as much as 2.5 million tons in 2030 – a thousand-fold increase."

IPBN Media Partner The Portugal news and IPBN member Quinta do Lago group has announced the purchase of the five-star hotel unit Conrad Algarve, in Almancil, in the municipality of Loulé, from the fund managed by ECS, an asset management company owned by Davidson Kempner Capital Management.

IPBN member Hilton Foods was very proud of their colleagues and partnership in Australia. "Well done to a brilliant team of colleagues!"