Paulo Abrantes

Ending the year with a masterstroke is characteristic of Paulo Abrantes, who ends 2023 with 540 shops already by GRUPO DS. Being a giant was always in his plans, as was making a daily contribution to improving people’s living conditions. And this is what he has been achieving through eight brands that specialise in different areas and provide personalised services. In addition to what he contributes to the market, the businessman gears his leadership towards a social aspect, making it possible for different causes and associations to be supported by his organisation. «Creating positive working environments» and «offering opportunities for growth» appear to him to be essential factors in the day-to-day running of a happy company, advice that should be taken into account, as it comes from a man who leads an empire that will soon be heading abroad. 

More than 530 shops, 4,500 employees and 500,000 customers spread across the country and islands. Did you ever think you would have got this far?
GRUPO DS has been in existence for 20 years and the goals it has achieved, year after year, are the result of having set targets. When it all began in 2003, the goal was 100 shops nationwide. Then that ambition grew to 300 shops and later to 500. In the next two years, we have the ambition and goal of reaching 800 shops and 12,000 employees in the various brands of the GRUPO DS: DECISÕES E SOLUÇÕES, DS SEGUROS, DS INTERMEDIÁRIOS DE CRÉDITO, DS PRIVATE, DS INVESTIMENTO, DS IMOBILIÁRIA, DS AUTO and DS TRAVEL. 

In such a competitive market, how do you achieve customer loyalty?
In our company, loyalty has been achieved through a personalised service that covers several areas and addresses the real needs and goals of each customer and their family, as much in terms of buying the house and car they need, as in terms of arranging their loans, insurance and travel.  

With the global economy in a vulnerable position, how would you describe the year 2023 in terms of results for GRUPO DECISÕES E SOLUÇÕES?
GRUPO DS had its best results ever in 2023, achieving a turnover of more than 2 billion Euros. The group ended the year with 530 shops, nearly 5,000 employees and, in the space of 12 months, more than 100,000 customers.  

«Turnover of over 2 billion Euros»

As it finalises its expansion in Portugal, the DS network is preparing to enter the Portuguese-speaking African countries. Can you tell us about your future plans?
For now, our goal is to continue growing in Portugal, in the different brands and areas of the GRUPO DS. From here, we are planning to begin the process of internationalisation, whether to the Portuguese-speaking African countries, Europe or other countries around the world. We are active in areas of great importance to the population and, as such, the service we provide in Portugal may also be provided in other countries, with the necessary adaptations.  

Who is investing in the luxury segment in Portugal?
The luxury sector in Portugal has attracted some national investors, but above all foreign investors. American investors are heavily investing in our country, either to enjoy a peaceful retirement or for a change of life in a country that excels in security, good food and a great climate.  

What role do Portuguese leaders play in attracting and retaining talent?
Portuguese leaders play a crucial role in retaining talent in companies, and I’m not just talking about salaries. It is essential to create positive working environments, offer opportunities for personal growth and development, and recognise and reward the talent of the employees who stand out the most. Investing in ongoing training programmes and promoting an inclusive culture are some of the initiatives undertaken by GRUPO DECISÕES E SOLUÇÕES to retain talent, but not only that. We have always endeavoured, on a monthly and annual basis, to recognise the merit of all those who have stood out by awarding prizes, incentives, trips, etc. In addition, we want to maintain an extremely close relationship and a spirit of mutual support with everyone, always looking to help and support those with less experience. Many of GRUPO DS’s national coordinators started out as consultants; later they became shop managers; then regional coordinators and, eventually, national coordinators. There are also those who started out running one shop and are now responsible for 10, 15 or 20 of the group’s shops.  

What advice would you give yourself in 2023, when you launched GRUPO DS?
The advice I would have given myself in 2003 would have had to do with the fact that dreams rule your life, and through hard work and determination all goals become possible. At that time, I had a great desire to be useful and help others to have a slightly better life, both customers and employees. Today, 20 years later, nothing has changed, not least because the goals are the same and the advice is the same.