Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1508764
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 1 OCTOBER 2023 8 CULTURE Farsons Group reports steady interim results THE Board of Directors of Si- monds Farsons Cisk plc an- nounced the interim results for the six months ending 31 July 2023. During this period, the Farsons Group registered a growth in turno¬ver across all its business sectors and a mod- erate increase in profitability, as it proactively responded to the prevailing economic scenario af- fecting its operations including inflationary pressures and a tight labour market. The Group registered an in- crease in its turnover of 13.8% reaching a level of €65.2 million for the six-month period. Pre-tax profit for the period under review amounted to €8.1 million com- pared to €7.8 million in the corre- sponding period in 2022. Farsons Group's trading performance was characterised by a notably strong demand for its products, in part reflecting the recovery trajectory of the tourism sector. However, the Group has sustained mar- gin compression resulting from a combination of the impact of higher input costs, a continuing tightness in the labour market with an accompanying wage in- flation, as well as cost of living pressures on household budgets. Earnings per share attributable to share¬holders improved by 7% from €0.195c in the first half of financial year 2023 to €0.209c for the current six-month pe- riod. On the investment front, Farsons Group celebrated a sig- nificant milestone in June 2023 with the inauguration of the re- stored former Farsons Old Bre- whouse, where all the food and beverage outlets are now open to business and generating in- creasing patronage. The Group is now shifting its attention to other growth avenues such as en- hancing its logistical capacities to meet the growing demands of its beverages sector. Furthermore, the Group also embarked on the planning process for a significant investment in the Foods sector to develop warehousing facili- ties, offices, and a state-of-the-art logistics centre at a site in Qormi that already forms part of the Group's portfolio. The all-new BYD ATTO 3 arrives in Malta BYD (Build Your Dreams), the world's leading manufacturer of new energy ve- hicles and power batteries, introduces a new brand and new technology to the Maltese automotive marketplace. The all-new, all-electric BYD ATTO 3 is now available to order from Malta, thanks to the international automotive subsidiary sole representative in Malta, GasanZam- mit Motors Ltd, with customer deliveries starting from 1st October 2023. With more than 28 years' experience in battery research and development, BYD is globally renowned for its pioneer- ing technology and world-leading inno- vations in e-Mobility solutions. BYD is the only New Energy Vehicle (NEV) pro- ducer to have developed its own power- train systems, power batteries, automo- tive semiconductors, drive-motors and motor controller systems. BYD is proud to unveil in the Maltese automotive marketplace the new BYD ATTO 3 bringing pinnacle technology and revolutionary battery expertise. The new BYD ATTO 3 is a spacious C-Segment SUV, combining modern aesthetics with exceptional intelligence and efficiency derived from pioneering electric vehicle technology and smart connectivity. The elegant BYD ATTO 3, with its distinctive sloping silhouette, is expressive from every angle. It has been designed by Wolfgang Egger with the European customer in mind, providing a stylish fun-inspired choice, complete with very high levels of standard equip- ment. Attention to detail extends to the unique interior which gives the BYD AT- TO 3 an added dimension of youthful flair and personality. Two model variants will feature in the range; 'Comfort' and 'Design' trim levels. Both Comfort and Design models will be available for sale immediately in the Mal- tese market. BOV celebrating customer experience CUSTOMER Experience (CX) Day is an international event dedicated to recog- nising and celebrating the significance of customers, organisations, employees, and all those involved in making cus- tomer experiences memorable. For the second consecutive year, Bank of Val- letta is proud to be joining hundreds of other institutions across the world to mark Customer Experience Day, with a series of initiatives planned from the 2nd to the 6th of October. During the BOV CX Week, customers will be invited to share their valuable feedback with staff as well as members of the Bank's executive management team who will be visiting branches and other customer touchpoints to personally con- nect with clients. This hands-on interac- tion allows customers to be heard, offer- ing crucial insights into the areas where service improvements are most needed. As part of this experience, employees will also be providing guidance to cus- tomers on harnessing the full potential of digital channels including ATMs and internet or mobile banking services. Throughout the week, several initia- tives including the airing of informative video clips, interactive webinars and educational quizzes, will also be held for all BOV employees. These engaging activities are designed to reinforce the bank's commitment to nurture a cus- tomer-centric mindset across the organ- isation and to serve as a reminder that customers are at the very heart of the bank's operations.