timesofmalta.com

HSBC Malta recruits additional bank cashiers

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:20:00 +0200

HSBC Malta has recruited over 20 new bank cashiers to further enhance the customer service at its branches in Malta and Gozo. This intake of bank cashiers will facilitate the increasing need for face-to-face interaction with customers who require a personalised approach to banking and financial services. HSBC also installed a new cashier point in its Buġibba branch and are planning two new cashier points for its Swieqi branch. “HSBC Malta’s recruitment of new cashiers is part of the bank’s continued investment in its Malta business. This is being done together with the modernisation of branches, the installation of next-generation ATMs in all of its branches, and an extensive upgrade of the bank’s computer systems,” said HSBC Malta’s head of retail banking and wealth management, Paul Steel. “As front line employees with considerable responsibility, HSBC’s tellers undergo extensive training and preparation to ensure that HSBC’s customers benefit from the highest levels of service,” he said. The staff in HSBC’s branches are also trained to assist customers using the bank’s automated services such as ATMs, internet banking and phone banking. Over the past years, the bank has invested...

Building on existent tourism and sustainable development policies

Mark Camilleri — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:25:00 +0200

Tourism is an economic activity capable of generating growth and employment while contributing to economic development and social integration. The EU tourism industry generates more than four per cent of the bloc’s GDP, varying from two per cent (in some EU states) to 12 per cent in Malta. When related sectors are taken into account, the estimated contribution of tourism to GDP creation is much higher. In recent years, employment growth within this sector has been significantly higher than others in the economy. The tourism and hospitality industries are particularly important when it comes to offering career opportunities to young people, who represent twice as much of the labour force than in other areas of the economy. Malta drew up a strategy for sustainable development in the aftermath of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, which was held in 1992. The governments of almost all nations committed themselves to adopt a sustainable strategy so as to build upon and harmonise the various sectors’ economic, social and environmental policies. The basic goal of such a strategy was to ensure socially responsible economic development while protecting the resource base and...

Vodafone Malta Foundation donates €3,600 to Puttinu Cares

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:24:00 +0200

Several Vodafone Malta employees participated actively in the Puttinu Cares Football Marathon, an annual fundraising event held at the Marsa Sports Grounds. The Vodafone Malta Foundation presented a €3,600 donation, which is part of a total sum collected through the Vodafone Employee Contribution for Charity Scheme, where employees make a monthly contribution taken directly from their salary towards different charities. “Through this donation, the Vodafone Malta Foundation together with Vodafone employees would like to show their appreciation at the dedication shown by this association in its altruistic mission,” said Roberta Pace, administrator at the Vodafone Malta Foundation. “We believe that we should all work together to help those in need and we hope that our donation will encourage others to follow this example.” The 12th edition of the marathon raised a total of over €1.3 million that will pay for and maintain apartments in Sutton to help patients needing treatment for cancer in the UK. The marathon included a weekend of fun and solidarity dedicated to children and adults. “We would like to thank the Vodafone Malta Foundation for their continuos support,” said Rennie...

Mapfre International HR director visits Middlesea Insurance

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:23:00 +0200

Elvira Vega, international HR director at Mapfre, recently visited the Middlesea offices in Malta. Mapfre is the majority shareholder in Middlesea Insurance. During her visit, Ms Vega launched the revamped Mapfre performance appraisal. The objective of this programme is to make employees evaluate their current skills, job performance and fulfilment of annual targets. This system also enables the company to identify training gaps and to establish courses of actions to enhance employees’ career development with a specific focus on three main strategic competencies, mainly commitment, customer focus and innovation. It also fosters an environment where two-way communication between employees and their supervisors is encouraged. Chris Meli, chief officer human resources at Middlesea Insurance, which forms part of the Mapfre Group said: “At Middlesea, we acknowledge the importance of career development through learning. Providing job specific training needed to ensure individual career development is one of the principles of action within the Middlesea Insurance corporate social responsibility initiatives.” Ms Vega was recently promoted to a new role as HR international director, which...

Business Flex from Go

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:22:00 +0200

Go is offering the business community a €15 monthly Go Business Flex plan which gives limitless calls to one’s Closed User Group and a recurring monthly mobile internet bundle of 300MB. Customers also benefit from €8, which are credited monthly onto the prepaid credit. With Business Flex, employees can choose to top up their credit as they wish, using any Go top-up mechanism. Customers can easily check their remaining balance simply by sending a blank SMS to 16415. Credit given on a monthly basis can be used for any mobile usage. If unused, credit is carried forward from one month to the next. Business Flex is available in a two-year agreement or a minimum term of three months. Customers opting for the three-month agreement receive a €50 discount on a mobile phone from Go’s extensive range of smartphones, while customers signing up for a two-year agreement receive an Alcatel 918 smartphone for free or a discount against the purchase of a mobile phone from one of Go’s retail outlets or authorised dealers. For more information on Business Flex, one may contact a Go Business specialist by e-mail on sales@gobusiness.com.mt, call Go Business on 2124 6200 or visit www.go.com.mt.

Improving access to finance for SMEs

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:21:00 +0200

The Malta Business Bureau and Bank of Valletta are organising a business seminar on Tuesday at 8.30am at the Hotel Phoenicia. During this seminar, Ernst & Young will highlight the findings of a study commissioned by the MBB in collaboration with BOV, entitled ‘Market gaps in access to finance and the feasibility of new financing instruments in the EU addressing the credit needs of Maltese business’. The report also gives recommendations on new grant schemes, risk capital and financial engineering instruments, as well as alternative solutions to finance, which can further strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs. A presentation will be given by the Planning and Priorities Coordination Department on the role of access to finance in the new EU Funding programming period for 2014-2020. A panel debate will follow with the participation of George Vella, MBB president; Albert Frendo, BOV chief officer credit; and entrepreneurs Ivan Bartolo, 6PM, and Sandra Zammit, Smoochies. The debate will be moderated by Vanessa MacDonald. The seminar will be brought to a close with an address by Parliamentary Secretary for EU Funds Ian Borg. Facilitating ‘Access to Finance’ for SMEs through EU Grants...

Developing for growth

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:19:00 +0200

Alberta has invested in a full scale management and leadership development programme for its senior management and directors. The programme has been designed and implemented together with Mdina Partnership, the people development company. This development forms part of Alberta’s restructuring plan which has seen the appointment of a new board of directors and new additions to senior management to join the already established and experienced team. A focus on customer service was also included in the development programme, which will result in an improvement on an already customer-focused culture in the company, a statement by Alberta said.

Momentum growing for better public accounting

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:18:00 +0200

Governments around the world are increasingly taking steps to improve their accounting and achieve greater transparency – amidst growing recognition that the accounting framework traditionally used by the public sector isn’t fit for the 21st century. A PricewaterhouseCoppers survey covering 100 countries reveals that while only 24 per cent of governments currently use ‘accrual accounting’, 37 per cent plan to move to this form of accounting in the next five years, bringing the total adoption rate to 63 per cent of governments surveyed and representing an increase of 142 per cent. The survey data was collected over a 12-month period ending last March, via interviews conducted in-person and by telephone, or via an online survey questionnaire. Malta is one of the countries included in the survey. The majority of governments today still rely on ‘cash accounting’, which has been the primary method used by the public sector for many years. This form of accounting – which is based on cash payments and receipts being recorded as they occur – fails to capture information on public sector assets and liabilities and therefore presents a very short-term view of public finances. Jan Sturesson,...

Markets head higher as outlook improves

Jesmond Mizzi — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:17:00 +0200

Foreign equity markets closed the week on a high as US leading indicators and consumer sentiment figures improved. In fact, consumer confidence increased to the highest level in almost six years as higher stock market and cheaper gas prices instilled a positive outlook on the economy. The positive data, together with another set of positive figures announced on Thursday, spurred demand for the US dollar, while the euro declined. The disappointing growth figures released mid-week did not help the single currency much as the eurozone has seen growth slowing for the sixth month in succession. In the UK, the economic picture looks less gloomy as the Bank of England reported that the economic outlook had improved for the first time since the crisis. Moreover, unemployment in the UK fell slightly to 7.8 per cent. The news sent the FTSE 100 index higher notwithstanding the fact that during the same day its European peers headed lower. On the week, the FTSE 100 gained 1.5 per cent, the DAX in Germany was up 1.4 per cent while the S and P 500 in the US hit a record high, having gained 2.1 per cent. Most local equities fell last week as the Malta Stock Exchange index (MSE) registered losses...

US dollar soars and stocks set new highs on Fed QE exit talk

Reuters — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:16:00 +0200

The US dollar soared against major currencies on Friday on growing speculation that the Federal Reserve could soon begin to rein in its bond-buying programme and after data showed US consumer sentiment hit an almost six-year high in early May. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and benchmark Standard and Poor’s 500 stock index surged to new closing highs in a rally that has pushed both indices this year up 17 per cent. Major European equity indexes climbed to highs last seen five years ago or more, helped by a rally in automakers’ shares, which rose on signs of a revival in domestic sales. Stocks on both sides of the Atlantic were boosted after a survey of US consumer sentiment in early May rose more than economists expected, with more Americans giving favourable views about their financial prospects. In a separate report by an industry group, a gauge of future economic activity also suggested the expected U.S. slowdown will be temporary, with the index rising in April to a near five-year high. The two reports were encouraging after a raft of data on Thursday had suggested US economic growth is cooling. The dollar’s strength was largely attributed to the euro, which fell to a...

Rising rents are squeezing tenants in England, Wales

PA — Sun, 19 May 2013 00:15:00 +0200

Tenants are facing further pressure on their finances as rents have increased in every region across England and Wales for the first time in 18 months, a lettings network has reported. Private rents rose by 0.2 per cent month-on-month in April to reach £736 on average – and for first time since November 2011 rents were up year-on-year across the whole country – according to LSL Property Services, which owns chains Your Move and Reeds Rains. Rents started edging back up again month-on-month in March, following a period of falls amid the seasonal winter slowdown. The further push up in April means average rents have returned to levels not seen since November last year and they are 3.9 per cent higher typically than a year ago. London saw the biggest annual increase in rents, with a 7.6 per cent rise pushing average rents to £1,110 a month. Wales recorded the second highest spike, with a five per cent rise taking rents to £566 typically. The South West, which was the only region to see rents fall year-on-year in March, recorded a 0.5 per cent annual increase in April, putting average rents at £634. On a monthly basis, rents rose in eight out of 10 regions, with the East Midlands...

Belair Property is one year old

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:14:00 +0200

Belair Property in St Julian’s is celebrating its first anniversary. An accountant and an auditor by profession, David Aquilina, the man behind Belair Property, previously worked as an auditor with a leading audit and accountancy firm before joining the family business. His involvement in the property sector was a natural progression and he invested in his first project at the age of 23 with a small conversion of an old character house. Eventually, the interest and passion in property took over and he left accounting and auditing to take over the family’s property developing company. Over the years, he became involved in a number of property construction projects, including villas and apartment blocks, and even speculated in property trading for a short while. However, his main goal has always been to own and manage a real estate agency. Together with Sixth Form and University friend Ian Casolani, he rebranded Belair Property and the two went on to implement new structures as well as invest in the overall set-up of the business. Mr Casolani had already been working in his family’s business, having practically reinvented the company’s property sales and letting business. The two...

Forum focuses on family business

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:13:00 +0200

Bank of Valletta and PricewaterhouseCoopers are teaming up to organise the first Family Business Forum on May 31 at Corinthia San Ġorġ, St George’s Bay. This year’s event will be entitled Planning for Continuity, and the two organisations will be drawing on their joint expertise to shed light on the complex issues arising from succession and growth for family businesses of all sizes. Economy, Investment and Small Business Minister Chris Cardona, who will be closing the event, will throw light onto what the Government intends to include in the Family Business Act, which is soon to be proposed. The seminar will include presentations on the legal, financial and fiscal aspects of succession planning and will also use case studies to highlight the experiences of this important sector of the Maltese economy. Limited seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis. For bookings, call Ray Bezzina on 2275 7564 or Lorna Toshney on 2564 7193.

University research trust publishes first annual report

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:12:00 +0200

The University is intensifying its efforts to raise funds for a sustainable research activity. This is featured in the first Annual Report of the Research, Innovation and Development Trust (RIDT), which can be viewed online at www.ridt.eu. During its first year of operation, RIDT engaged with the community to attract support for research. Operating with the objective of developing a legacy of innovation, the trust made good progress and managed to attract an encouraging number of donors and benefactors from different sectors of society – private companies, public institutions, individuals, students, alumni, foundations and organisations. University rector Juanito Camilleri said: “In view of the historical and current context, the University must rapidly build a corporate research portfolio in tandem with the outreach mechanisms to contribute directly to sustainable socio-economic development.” “The setting up of the University’s RIDT and the updating of legislation to allow tax incentives for donors have been two crucial steps forward. Investment in the University is an investment in the future of our country,” said Prof. Camilleri. Research at university spans an impressive array...

Qantas and Emirates welcome New Zealand decision on partnership

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:11:00 +0200

Qantas and Emirates have welcomed the New Zealand Minister for Transport’s decision to approve their partnership. The partnership will provide New Zealand customers with stronger links to Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the UK, as well as frequent flyer benefits and world-class travel experiences. Qantas and Emirates applied for authorisation of the partnership in September 2012 under the Civil Aviation Act. In welcoming this announcement, Emirates president Tim Clark said: “This is a game-changing partnership that brings together two of the world’s best airlines and offers some of the highest quality travel experiences. “Dubai is a leading global hub and through it, our two airlines will connect New Zealand to Europe, the UK and Northern Africa more smoothly than ever before,” added Mr Clark. Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the decision was great news for global travellers and local tourism. “This decision means that New Zealand consumers can tap into the lounges, frequent flyer benefits and destinations available under the joint Qantas and Emirates network,” said Mr Joyce. “The partnership also opens the door to increased tourism opportunities for New...

Fino offer

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:10:00 +0200

C. Fino + Sons Ltd recently launched a new offer in collaboration with Veneta Cucine and Electrolux – a quartz top for the same price of a laminate top. To benefit from this offer, clients have to purchase a Veneta Cucine kitchen together with three Electrolux appliances and a laminate top. Instead of a laminate top, the client will get a quartz one at no extra cost. For more information about this offer, visit Fino’s Showplace, call 2549 3000 or e-mail info@fino.com.mt.

Frank Salt recruitment drive

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:09:00 +0200

As part of its drive to promote professional working ethics in the local real estate industry and to engage new property consultants to work with the company, Frank Salt Real Estate will be organising career guidance seminars for those who would like to learn more about working in property. The seminars, one of which is taking place tomorrow at 5.30pm, are being held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard. It will be opened by Frank Salt, who will share the success recipe of the company he founded more than 40 years ago and will feature personal success stories by property consultants, followed by team-building activities. Registration for the seminars is necessary as places are limited. This can be done online at www.franksalt.com.mt/careers or by calling 2277 0000.

Emirates Sky Cargo wins Cargo Airline of the Year

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:08:00 +0200

Emirates Sky Cargo, the freight division of Emirates, has won Cargo Airline of the Year 2013 at Air Cargo News’ awards evening. The airline was also named Best Middle East Cargo Airline for the 25th consecutive year. Emirates Sky Cargo received the accolade at the 30th Cargo Airline of the Year awards, which took place at the Lancaster London Hotel. The event recognises excellence in the cargo, freight and logistics business and is known as the ‘Oscars’ of the industry. “It is a great honour to win these prestigious awards and to be recognised by our customers in this way. These awards are voted for by our industry and this success would not be possible without their support. We will continue to focus on delivering the highest levels of service to our best ability,” said Ram Menen, Emirates divisional senior vice-president, Cargo. The Cargo Airline of the Year 2013 awards are organised by trade magazine Air Cargo News and attract votes from freight forwarders around the world. The awards are the only event where the British International Freight Association audits and approves the votes cast. The awards come at a time of continuous growth for Sky Cargo. Earlier this year, the...

BOV Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:07:00 +0200

Ivan Bartolo of 6PM Holdings was recently awarded the Top Male Entrepreneur Award 2013, an event sponsored by Bank of Valletta and organised by Circle Events. The event brought together some 18 of Malta’s top business people, all competing for the Economic Update award. The judging panel consisted of David Curmi, CEO, MSV Life; Doris Sammut, president of the Malta Association of Women in Business; Tonio Zarb, KPMG senior partner; Rachel Vella, director of ROCS Group; and Michael Bonello,franchise owner of Re/Max Alliance Group. The final votes were the result of 60 per cent awarded by the panel as well as 40 per cent of votes received online via the magazine’s website. James Abela and Matthew Sammut (NIU) were awarded the Best Innovation Award. The Entrepreneurial Spirit title was won by Mark Galea (Quad Consultancy), while Top Female Entrepreneur was won by Sandra Zammit (Totally Fresh Ltd) The event started off with a gala event held on May 10 at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian’s.

Customer care in the health services sector

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:06:00 +0200

People who would like to work or are working in a customer care setting, such as customer care officials and receptionists, care workers, child carers, nurses, medical general practitioners and other professionals, are being offered the opportunity to attend this course. This has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the health service sector, where the customer and the immediate family are in dire need of physical and psychological support for their pain and suffering. The course will be carried out over four half-day morning sessions at The Palace hotel, Sliema, on June 11,18, 25 and July 5. It will be led by experienced lecturer Jesmond Friggieri, who obtained his Master’s in Administration, philosophy, psychology and sociology from the University of Malta and is also a Cana Movement counsellor. For more information, call Michelle on 2144 0424, 2744-0424 or 7942 6773 or e-mail info@maltabusinessacademy.com.