Anyone who owns a company knows how important it is to be able to rely on reliable and competent business partners, as is the case with REDUNIQ and its many payment solutionsbe online payments or physical payments.
REDUNIQ is not, however, the only partner that companies in commerce, industry, tourism or services can count on.
Spread across the country, dozens of trade and industry associations do a commendable job of boosting Portugal's business fabric by creating programmes and initiatives that defend the interests of these sectors before government bodies.
That's the case with ACISTDS. Come and meet them and find out what they can do for you.
What is ACISTDS?
Although her current name was only registered in 2012, the story of ACISTDS (Association of Commerce, Industry, Services and Tourism of the District of Setúbal) dates back to 1897, the year in which the Commercial League of Food Retailers of Setúbal was founded.
After three decades of seeing Portugal become a republic and then a dictatorship, in 1929 the association changed its name again and was renamed the Setúbal Commercial Association.
With Salazar in power, on the brink of the Second World War, there was another change of name, this time to Grémio do Comércio do Concelho de Setúbal, and integration into the National Corporate Organisation.
The freedom brought by the 25 April revolution opened the door to the creation of the Organising Committee of the Setúbal Traders' Association, which seven years later became the Setúbal District Traders' Association, a name that lasted until 1982.
With European integration on the horizon, the organisation takes on the name of Associação do Comércio e Serviços do Distrito de Setúbal. As a result of its work in defending the interests of its members, in 2009 the association was recognised as a Public Utility Institution.
Made up of natural or legal persons from the Setúbal district who are engaged in commercial, industrial, tourist or service activities, ACISTDS not only defends the interests of its members before private and public entities, but also guarantees them the use of a wide range of services and support, including, for example, professional training services, support for entrepreneurship and help with internationalisation.
What is ACISTDS for?
Defending the interests of commercial, industrial, tourist and service companies in the district of Setúbal is, as we have already emphasised, ACISTDS' main mission, but how does it materialise?
As well as promoting the activities of its members and contributing to their economic development, the association acts as a link between them and public and private organisations.
In this way, ACISTDS ensures that its members are represented in the discussion and negotiation of measures that meet their needs.
As well as all this, the association helps to boost business associations and organisational cooperation through a series of supports and services made available to its members, as we'll see in a moment.
ACISTDS Services
As we mentioned earlier, ACISTDS members are entitled to a wide range of support and services, including support for entrepreneurship and internationalisation, professional training and access to legal services, but there's more.
Member support
Through this support, ACISTDS members can access all the information they need for their professional activity, such as compulsory licences or the sale of a Complaints Book.
Legal support
In order to help member companies overcome legal problems or legally prepare for litigation, the association offers them legal consultations at special rates.
Support for entrepreneurship
Members, whatever sector they belong to, will find in ACISTDS a multidisciplinary team that will help them create or expand their businesses.
Among other things, this support includes a partnership with two business associations in the centre of the country and training consultancy in order to provide support for entrepreneurship.
Protocol Associate
ACISTDS offers its members the possibility of proposing and creating protocols with other members.
Certified Vocational Training
More competitive companies depend, among other things, on qualified professionals. Knowing this, ACISTDS offers its members a wide range of courses and training, both compulsory and complementary, co-funded by the POISE and POCH programmes and in close liaison with the IEFP.
- Hygiene, Food Safety (HSA/HACCP) and Occupational Health (HST)
- National and international partnerships
- Protocols with third parties that offer ACISTDS members services with discounts or special conditions.
- Provision of preventive, curative and rehabilitation medicine to beneficiaries of the ACISTDS Private Social Solidarity Association (APSS)
In addition to the various services and support offered by ACISTDS, it is crucial to consider the importance of payment methods in the modern business context.
In partnership with REDUNIQ, members have access to payment solutions safe and efficient, adapted to the specific needs of each business.
These payment options are key to ensuring smooth and satisfactory commercial transactions, contributing to the growth and success of member companies.
