If we're talking about the furniture industry then we must talk about Paços de Ferreira, a city and municipality in the district of Porto, where the largest number of companies in this sector can be found (around 4,000 companies and 35 thousand workers) — that is why it is known as the "Furniture Capital".

Furniture exports, which currently stand at around 80%, have been increasing each year. The companies in this sector, including those from Paços de Ferreira, export not only to Europe (Spain, France, Italy), but also to countries as far as South Korea, China, Brazil, Russia and the United States of America. The investment that has been made in winning new markets has been successful, the idea also being to attract tourists to Paços de Ferreira, as it is cheaper to buy furniture in this municipality than in any other point of export.

Major furniture companies, such as AM Classic, are based in this municipality. This company was founded in 1962 and is highly renowned in over 40 countries throughout the world for its high quality products, where only the best wood is used to produce English and French-style furniture, which can be tailor-made to the taste of each customer. Manufactured by workers with extensive experience and knowledge, the products are unique and of even greater value as they are finished by hand. This company participates in the most important international fairs to show its latest collections, satisfying the wishes of even the most discerning customers. Rafael Nadal, the world-renowned tennis player, chose Portuguese furniture from AM Classic for his home in Marbella. Furniture from this Portuguese company is also in the favourites list of the US Army.

The Paços de Ferreira Business Association (Associação Empresarial de Paços de Ferreira) holds a major exhibition of the companies in this sector, which is called the 'Furniture Capital'. At this event, companies showcase their collections, make important contacts and do business deals. It really is the biggest furniture fair in the country.

Paredes, a neighbouring municipality of Paços de Ferreira that also belongs to the district of Porto, is its major competitor in this sector. This is where WoodOne is located, the second biggest furniture factory in Portugal (after the multinational IKEA) and national leader in school furniture. This company has been in existence for 60 years and exports to countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Mozambique, Angola, Kuwait and Qatar, among others.

FEPSA – Feltros Portugueses, which is situated in São João da Madeira, is the only company that has survived in the hat manufacturing business, more specifically felts, since this sector's golden era. This company is a shining example of global success, exporting 98% of its annual production to the biggest, top international brands, such as Hermès, Georgio Armani, Prada, Borsalino, Kenzo, Scala and Chanel, and is responsible for 1/3 of the worldwide production of felt for hats.

FEPSA was founded in 1969 following the union of six millinery industrialists who intended to create top quality felts, the hats produced in FEPSA are practically done and exported, the finish is then carried out by the companies importing them. The fact of working solely with the production of felts it was strategic though and is something that, in reality, has been advantageous from the outset, as it means that the company is not competing with milliners, who are in fact its customers. This company employs around 200 people, all set on achieving a high quality product.

The raw material that FEPSA uses to make felt has always been sourced from Cortadoria Nacional de Pêlo (Portuguese Fur Company) although other materials are also used besides fur, such as wool and cashmere. Cortadoria is also a global leader.

Since its formation, FEPSA has endeavoured to adjust to the times, seeking to constantly innovate and be a step ahead of its competitors, in terms of technology, products and production processes, along with all its inherent knowledge, thereby positioning itself on a par with other worldwide manufacturers. It is estimated that in total, more than half a million items are sold throughout the world.

FEPSA's felts are of such high quality and are so famous that they can even be found in Hollywood, as they are the choice of celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage and Robert De Niro. For example, this company made around 80 hats that were used in the film 'Public Enemies', starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. However, cinema is not FEPSA's main market, as a large portion of this company's global exports are to countries where hats are worn for cultural reasons (by cowboys and Jews, for example), or for work purposes (such as the uniforms of the London Underground employees or the British policewomen).

This company is part of the Industrial Tourism project running in São João da Madeira and is one of the companies that you can visit.

A 100% Portuguese, luxury shoe brand, which is a global benchmark. That's how we can describe Carlos Santos, a success in terms of the footwear sector in Portugal and a company that is present in such distinctive and demanding markets as Japan, France and the USA.

These shoes, which are produced in the Zarco Footwear Factory, in São João da Madeira, are noted for their elegance and sophistication. The Carlos Santos collection has two main lines. Apart from the more formal and luxury Santos by Carlos Santos line of shoes (a pair of these shoes can cost up to 3750 euros), there is another line, the Green Label, for a younger, trendier, more casual look.

Carlos Santos began working in this factory when he was 14, and from being a simple employee he worked his way up through the company until he became the sole shareholder. The Santos by Carlos Santos line was created as a way of marking his 40 years of passion for this business. The cheapest pairs cost 700 euros and the most expensive, in baby crocodile skin, 3750 euros. However, the production method is quite rare, as 80% of the work is done manually, without using any machinery. The machines are only used as a complement. The footwear production is 100% Portuguese and the choice of materials complies with strict criteria.

Recently, the company also began paying attention to the female public, investing in products for women. There is also a line of accessories, with products related to shoes (such as shoe-horns, creams and leather-restoring products) and belts. In the meantime, the company is preparing a new line of accessories.

With over 70 years' of history, Carlos Santos is one of the top international footwear brands and is a favourite among the most discerning men. It is sold in countries such as France, Japan, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Spain and the USA, thanks to the quality of the shoes and their design. It is estimated that 450 shoes per day are produced, which all undergo a lengthy and strict handling process. Nearly 99% of what is produced is for export. This brand is one of the few Portuguese companies using the Goodyear Welted system in its production, a type of manual manufacturing whereby machines are only used as a complement.

Do you need a doctor, a good surgeon or book an appointment at an Aesthetic or Beauty clinic? Or do you want  to buy a house in Porto and also in need of a good security and surveillance service for your home or business? With its thriving economy, lively commerce and qualified labour, in Porto, the second largest city in the country, you will find all manner of services to help you whatever your requirements are, providing top infrastructures, an excellent price/quality ratio and dedicated and flexible professionals, such as doctors, surgeons, dentists architects, property, security and surveillance services, amongst others.

Being the second largest city of the country, also with head offices in Porto are the best Aesthetic or Beauty clinics, retailing businesses, construction firms, communications companies and pharmaceutical companies. If you require to get something fixed, here too there are plenty of carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

Porto is, indeed, one of the country councils where the commerce and service sectors have more impact. Therefore, at your disposal here are all the services that you need and for any purpose.