By Business & Finance 
Irfan Hameed is the President of Pakistan Ireland Business Council (PIBC), whose mission is to support the growth and development of member companies and businesses by creating an environment for sustainable Pakistani business development in Ireland.
By Héloïse Chaudot
What was your first job?
I came to Ireland in 2001 as a student at Dublin Business School. My first job was in the security sector, and within 18 months, I had secured a trainee role in an accounting firm.
Since then, I have worked continuously in accounting, finance, tax, and corporate services.
What are your main priorities and goals in your current role?
As President of the Pakistan-Ireland Business Council (PIBC), my key priority is to strengthen bilateral trade between Ireland and Pakistan.
Over the last four years, trade has grown from approximately €200 million to over €500 million. My goals include leading business delegations to Pakistan and encouraging Pakistani companies to establish operations in Ireland, using Ireland as a gateway to Europe.
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
My background in accounting and finance, combined with my experience as an immigrant and entrepreneur, led me to establish my firm, Intax.
I wanted to help expats and international businesses successfully set up and grow in Ireland. My work with PIBC further motivated me to support inward investment and cross-border trade.
There are many foreign doctors, especially from Pakistan, based in Ireland, which pushed me to set up Beacon Locum, a specialist accounting business to support healthcare providers like these across Ireland.
How do you motivate yourself and your team?
I believe passion for work is essential. I genuinely enjoy networking and building long-term relationships with clients, which naturally drives motivation. For my team, I focus on training, professional development, and clear career paths, ensuring they feel supported and valued.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
Success is determination — continuing to show up, believing in yourself, and never giving up, no matter how many times you have to try.
How do you relax?
I am a keen golfer. Being on the golf course allows me to disconnect completely from work, recharge mentally, and return with renewed energy.
What is your favourite (non-business) book?
I enjoy reading about human psychology, and As a Man Thinketh by James Allen was one of the first books that truly resonated with me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
To commit to continuous self-development and business coaching. I still invest in coaching every year and work on personal development daily.
How do you handle adversity?
I accept that there is no day without challenges. Being mentally prepared for difficulties helps me face adversity calmly and proactively.
What are the aspirations for the future of the business?
I am currently working on a digital banking project called Banqzen, designed to help expats open bank accounts before relocating and to support foreign companies, cross-border payments, and remittances. This project represents my long-term vision and future business focus.
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