Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1516790
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MARCH 2024 7 COMMERCIAL BOV employees team up for their communities TEAMWORK takes a new meaning when there is a social dimension to it. Collaboration, care and ultruism are the com- mon characteristics running through a number of philant- ropic initiatives that were under- taken by different teams across Bank of Valletta over the past months. Team members of the Bank's Payment Operations Unit sup- ported the Soup Kitchen in Val- letta during the festive season. They designed a reverse calen- dar where participants set aside a daily contribution, and shared progess with other team mem- bers, resulting in a snowballing effect with other units chipping in along the way. Before long, all employees deployed at BOV Wignacourt Centre in Santa Venera were involved, resulting in a much needed donation. The end result was beyond anything that the original group had en- visaged. When Father Marcellino from the Soup Kitchen visited BOV Wignacourt Centre, he was met with several boxes of food items, and a monetary donation on top of that. Another initiatve with a differ- ence was undertaken by employ- ees deployed within the Bank's Treasury and Stockbroking & Capital Advisory Unit. This group swapped their office at- tire for used clothes, and their keyboard for paintbrushes, to redecorate rooms at Fondazzjo- ni Sebħ's Villa Ambrosa Home in Ħamrun. This Home pro- vides shelter and offers a safe and loving home environment to 23 children, aged between 8 months and 18 years, who need an out-of-home care placement and an environment that will assist them in reaching their full potential. The team whitewashed the reception area, therapy and counselling room, transforming them completely with the use of vibrant wall colours. Everyone handled different jobs, including taking care of lunches and coffee breaks, but the end result was a feeling of great satisfaction for all involved. Other initiatives with a phil- anthropic goal were undertaken across the Bank, for instance, by the team at CSC, BOV Asset Managment and more recently by all the teams within BOV Pre- mier Centre in Santa Venera. Speaking about these initiatives, Kenneth Farrugia, the Bank's Chief Executive Officer, com- mended the teams who took such initiatives. "We are a service or- ganisation where our people are instrinsicly linked to the delivery of service excellence, and are also responsible for making a positive contribution to society. With our fifty year legacy of operations in Malta and Gozo, we have roots running deep in the communi- ties that we service. So it fills me with great pride to see our people teaming up from across the or- ganisation to lend a hand where it matters most. These are just two instances where our people took the initiative and truly made a difference and is characteris- tic of the values that have always been imprinted in our DNA and are an integral part of our cul- ture, serving as an example for other organisations to follow." IZI Finance PLC announces half yearly results IZI Finance plc, the financing and holding company of IZI Group an- nounced yesterday its half-yearly re- sults for the period July – December 2023. The Group announced a 26% year-on-year revenue growth. The Group has seen an increase in reve- nue across all its business operations, most notably the National Lottery. The results which are in line with the Group's expectations generated EBIT- DAR of €12.6 million for the 6-month period, an increase of 61% when com- pared to the same period last year. The achievements obtained in the first half of FY2024, reflect a signif- icant increase in revenue, brought about by the effectiveness of the stra- tegic initiatives adopted, the robust- ness of the business model and the team's unwavering commitment and dedication. This improved perfor- mance underlines the Group's com- mitment to deliver value to its share- holders through its focus to grow revenues across all its business units. The Group is now entering into a new phase within which it will amplify its efforts to attain operational efficiency and cost management, with the aim to improve further the margins across its business units. Commenting on the results ob- tained, the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Group, Mr. Chris Fenech, said that the financial results are very encouraging and au- gur well for the remainder of the fiscal year. Mr. Chris Fenech – newly appointed CFO of IZI Group plc Transport Malta launches new financial incentive to promote sustainable transport solutions IN a bid to further promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation op- tions, Transport Malta, in collaboration with the Ministry for Transport, Infra- structure and Public Works, is pleased to announce the launch of a new financial incentive program. THIS initiative aims to encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles and reduce emissions from the road trans- port sector in Malta. Following the decision announced on October 19, 2023, regarding the discon- tinuation of e-kick scooters available for rental, Transport Malta remains com- mitted to supporting environmentally friendly modes of transport. While rental e-kick scooters are no longer permitted on the road, the use of private e-kick scooters will continue to be allowed under existing regulations and is encouraged as an alternative mode of transportation. As of today, individuals who purchase a new e-kick scooter for personal use and register it with Transport Malta will be eligible to apply for a financial incentive of €150. This incentive is aimed at pro- moting the adoption of zero-emission, environmentally friendly transportation options among the public. Applications for the grant are availa- ble and can be obtained from Transport Malta offices or accessed online via the Transport Malta website at www.trans- port.gov.mt. Completed applications must be submitted either by hand or by post to any of our Transport Malta offic- es located in Lija, Paola, or Gozo. The overarching goal of this investment is to encourage a broader transition to- wards electric mobility and reduce emis- sions from the transportation sector. By incentivizing the purchase of zero-emis- sion vehicles, we aim to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environ- ment for all residents of Malta. This new grant, along with other initi- atives already implemented, underscores the commitment of the Maltese gov- ernment to promoting environmental- ly friendly policies and making a tangi- ble difference in the field of alternative transportation. For more information on the grant pro- gram and how to apply, please visit the Transport Malta website or contact our offices directly.