Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1272935
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 26 JULY 2020 COMMERCIAL eCabs acquires Elegance Chauffeur Drive THE leading mobility company eCabs has embarked on its next stage of growth through its first acquisition in the local market, through which it is strengthen- ing its executive and luxury ser- vice offer with the acquisition of Elegance Chauffeur Drive, one of Malta's leading chauffeur companies. The deal includes the integra- tion of Elegance's core team, as well as its extensive fleet of premium vehicles, thus bol- stering eCabs' existing execu- tive and luxury offering both in terms of numbers and service execution, making eCabs the largest luxury transport service provider on the island. Elegance was established in 2017 to focus on the premium segment having built itself into one of Malta's leading chauf- feur providers, servicing lead- ing personalities such as roy- alty, celebrities and VIPs alike, with a steadfast and consistent detail-oriented approach. "This move is in line with our long-term growth strate- gy, which includes a planned string of mobility acquisitions. We have a clear and unflinch- ing vision of transformation, from a multi-channel ride-hail- ing platform, to an end-to-end technology logistics and mul- timodality company. Through our acquisitions programme we now aim to consolidate the local market and integrate our offering to provide the highest level of services with the most competitive rates on the island. Our ambitions for interna- tionalisation remain firmly in our sights and the local acqui- sitions will enable us to go to the international market with a uniquely strong offering," says Matthew Bezzina, CEO of eCabs. Simon Debono, eCabs' Chief Officer Marketing & Business Development added "this ac- quisition is a clear reflection of our commitment to keep investing and strengthening our position in the market, in this case with dedicated atten- tion to the premium segment. We are delighted to on-board the exceptional Elegance team within the eCabs team, where together, we shall be taking our luxury and premium service to new levels, matching the high- est international standards." eCabs has ramped up its cap- ital investments in 2020 with a clear long-term strategy, in- cluding investment in an ex- tension of its head office in St Julian's and a significant in- vestment in the growth of its technology team which houses its team in Malta, Turkey and Belarus. "Despite the hit delivered by COVID-19, we have kept our focus on growth, expansion in- to new verticals and the opti- misation of our operations. We are now at a stage wherein we shall take the company to the next level with confidence and a passion to enhance mobility on our islands and beyond," Matthew Bezzina added. Self-care workshops for CareMalta staff CAREMALTA is providing a series of workshops for its staff aimed at taking care of their mental well-being after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by the Richmond Foundation, the first two in a series of nine sessions took place at the Mellieħa Home and Casa San Paolo in Buġib- ba. More sessions will follow at the Zejtun Home, Zammit Clapp Hospital Residential Home, Bormla Home, Casa Marija, Villa Messina, Rose- ville and Casa Arkati. The idea behind these sessions is to help participants adopt a num- ber of positive self-care prac- tices that will help them with the process of re-adaptation after long, voluntary isolation at work due to the pandemic. A two-way approach will be used to achieve optimal re- sults. In the first part of each session, training material will be presented, whereby partic- ipants will be given techniques on how to improve their self- care and prevent burnout. The second part of the ses- sion will focus on the facilita- tor inviting those taking part to share any experiences dur- ing their lockdown period, so as to guide them in finding the most relevant help and sup- port. At the end of the sessions, the facilitators will prepare a re- port with common trends and issues across all care homes. This will support CareMal- ta to take action and mitigate any potential problems in the future. Life-saving blood donors from Bank of Valletta THIRTY-FOUR employees from BOV, nine of which were first time blood donors, volun- teered to donate blood during a Blood Donation Drive organised by Bank of Valletta in collabo- ration with the National Blood Transfusion Services. Every year, a good number of patients are thankful for the kind and generous act from blood donors. Donated blood is integral to the support of treat- ment of young children, wom- en who need blood after giving birth and patients who under- go major operations. Accord- ing to a study conducted by the World Health Organisation in 2020, an increase of 7.8 million blood donations from volun- tary unpaid donors was report- ed between 2013 and 2018. The Bank organises three Blood Drives per year where employees are encouraged to donate blood to help save as many lives as possible. The BOV Blood Donation Drive has also become a core segment of a Corporate Social Respon- sibility programme outlined by the Bank. Jes Sciberras, or- ganiser of the BOV Blood Do- nation Drive explained how organising such initiatives was even more challenging after the COVID-19 outbreak, as regular donors are now think- ing twice whether they should go ahead with their donation. To become a blood donor. Simply visit the National Blood Transfusion Services in Pietà between 08:00 and 18:00. For further information, check out www.facebook.com/bloodmal- ta or call on 8007 4313 or 7930 7307. You can also follow Bank of Valletta's example and or- ganise a Blood Donation Drive at your place of work. Every year, a good number of patients are thankful for the kind and generous act from blood donors