Not just the two of us

Matthew Sammut and James Abela have managed to build two successful businesses in just 48 months. Their secret is hard work, innovation and surrounding themselves with talented individuals.

We meet Matthew Sammut and James Abela, founders and directors of NIU Limited and the Institute of Computer Education, thinking that this would be a straightforward interview. And yet, these two are no normal interviewees – their positive attitude, love for life and passion for business is truly addictive. Here’s how this duo’s business adventure has taken off.

This local business story takes us back to James and Matthew’s University days, when they used to dream of one day building their very own business.

“I spent my childhood watching and admiring my father who also has his own business – from him, I learnt the core business values and ethics which gain respect and admiration from the people around you,” James says. “Having a mentor helps you accelerate your career and probably this is what made me want to have my own business at a relatively young age,” he explains.

“All over the world there are entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are enjoying great success,” Matthew adds. “Malta is no different – we believe our island deserves to be the ICT hub of excellence. We’re creative, innovative and have what it takes.”

With a natural chemistry between them which is apparent, these two promising entrepreneurs – both not yet 30 years old – have different talents and skills. And yet, they have one common passion which makes the two such an unbeatable team – their reason to be in business.

“We want to achieve and build something to be proud of and create something that makes a difference and inspires,” they both agree.

The dynamic duo started their business in a small office in Mosta and worked their way up to a two floor corporate space in the heart of the island, home of their web design and development company NIU Limited and one of Malta’s leading ICT educational institutes ICE Malta. “Building two businesses in less than 48 months has been an incredible feat which we are proud of and which inspires us to continue to position our brands as leaders,” James says. “Knowing that what we create is making a difference to other people’s career aspirations is what pushes us to work even harder.

“While we both excel in different areas, from the start we both believed in the importance of evaluating the viability and potential profitability of a project, to work on projects we are passionate about, and to identify where we want to take our businesses in the coming years. We’re sticking to our plan and making sure that each step is calculated and that we’re moving at the pace we want.”

“We trust each other’s judgment and both believe that keeping it simple is the best way to succeed,” Matthew adds. “Therefore, although we have different strengths, we have the same business principles and values. We’re proud of the fact that NIU Limited works with some of the island’s biggest brands and we get inspiration from seeing our clients’ projects develop into successful ones while at the same time our ICE Malta brand continues to blossom into a leading educational institute, recognised not only locally but with strong affiliations with worldwide recognised brands such as Microsoft, CISCO, Adobe, Autodesk and other prestigious names.

“The skills of developing long-term relationships, being innovators, and surrounding ourselves with talented individuals is what defines our business module – it’s the secret to our present success.”

Keep up-to-date with all that’s happening at NIU Limited and ICE Malta on all social media channels. Add ICE to your summer and enroll at ICE Malta to achieve worldwide recognised certification and be in with a chance to win. For more information call on 2146 7787, e-mail at info@icemalta.com and visit www.icemalta.com.

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