Addressing the first BoV discussion forum since his appointment as CEO, Tonio Depasquale said BoV was a dynamic organisation which pursued a strategy of business growth. This strategy was possible thanks to the strong business fundamentals that underpinned BoV's operations. The forum was held at St James Cavalier in Valletta.

Mr Depasquale said the effective synergies between BoV's branches and business centres were essential in the successful implementation of the bank's strategy. Business growth was generated through the support the bank gave its entrepreneurs, particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises, to generate more business and become even more successful. He added that BoV was regularly introducing innovative services to meet particular needs of SMEs, supporting them in their business operations.

There was also a discussion on how to continue improving the service the bank gives to its customers. Also present were the bank's chairman, Joseph F.X. Zahra, chief officers, executives, heads of department and branch and business centre managers.

At the beginning of the forum, five BoV employees staged a short drama sketch focusing on synergies and communication both on a bank wide basis and also at branch level. The sketch set the scene for the issues in discussion.