Publishing company enamoured with Malta

As the head of an international publishing company that has just relocated to the island, I would like to say a big 'thank-you' to the people of Malta.

Recently my board of directors and I took a decision to locate part of our organisation to the island and set up an office dedicated to international publishing sales. Following a period of settling in and familiarisation with the wonderful climate, local customs and the tasty helpings served at your many superb restaurants and bars, it was further decided that we would increase our sales team and an advertisement was placed in The Sunday Times. The response was overwhelming.

It was at this juncture that we began to see a different Malta, not just a holiday island but also an island made up of wonderful people. People who were willing to work hard and make sacrifices in their quest to do well, people of a courteous nature with many skills and talents looking for an opportunity to further improve their lives and that of their families.

We held an open day-style interview and invited everyone to introduce themselves and express their individual expertise to the others present. We were most impressed with their dress code, educational standard and willingness to learn as the day progressed.

At this stage of our company growth we are not in a position to employ everyone who attended. However, at this time I pledge to all those people to whom we were unable to offer employment that every single CV, e-mail and letter that was sent to us, will be held on file for future reference. I know as an employer that I am now in possession of data to which I can refer to in the future and I consider myself very fortunate.

Over the past few weeks you, the good people of Malta, have certainly put me in a position where I have had to make some difficult decisions relating to whom I should make an offer of employment. Because you all have talents that would be hard to find even in places like the UK.

May I offer you my best wishes for the future and look forward to meeting you again as I am sure that with our new members of staff we will grow rapidly. It has been a pleasure to have met you on this occasion.