Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1530615
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 DECEMBER 2024 7 COMMERCIAL international presence with Europe-Africa trade ties SME Bank for Women Entre- preneurs in Africa"; 2023 The Industry Award "Best Compa- ny in Gender Equality"; 2022 Finance Derivative Award "Best Sustainable Bank Africa". About The Access Bank UK Limited The Access Bank UK Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Bank Plc, a publicly listed company on the Nigeri- an Stock Exchange. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and regulat- ed by both the Financial Con- duct Authority (FCA) and the PRA, the Bank is strategically positioned to support oppor- tunities in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) markets for Access Bank Group and its customers. Serving as the Group's OECD operational hub, The Access Bank UK Limited facilitates the flow of investments into Nigeria and broader African markets. The Bank is also au- thorised by the Dubai Finan- cial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate within the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC). This enables the provi- sion of tailored financial solu- tions to meet trade and invest- ment requirements between Africa and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Additionally, the Bank's Hong Kong Branch, situated in the Central District of Hong Kong Island and regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authori- ty (HKMA), delivers a compre- hensive range of products and services to support trade and corporate needs in Africa and Asia. The Access Bank UK Limit- ed is committed to fostering long-term relationships by col- laborating with its customers to understand their goals and provide tailored strategies. The Bank's focus on staff develop- ment is evidenced by its Plati- num Status accreditation from Investors in People (IIP), re- flecting its dedication to excel- lence in people management. Led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in African, MENA, European, and global markets, the Bank delivers superior fi- nancial solutions to businesses and individuals. Its moderate risk appetite, emphasis on cus- tomer service, and commit- ment to sustainability under- pin its strategic approach. Aligned with the Group's vi- sion of becoming "the world's most respected African bank," The Access Bank UK Limited prioritises sustainable growth by strengthening customer relationships rather than pur- suing unsustainable yields. It continues to play a pivot- al role in advancing Access Bank Group's mission and val- ues while fostering a business model that supports the envi- ronment in which it operates. About The Access Bank Malta Limited The Access Bank Malta Lim- ited offers a broad range of products and services to assist with trade and corporate needs in Africa and Europe. The Branch is situated in Sliema and is licensed and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). The Access Bank Malta Lim- ited offers bespoke services tailored to meet customers' business requirements and the Relationship Managers are dedicated to delivering ex- cellent customer service and working closely with custom- ers to fully understand their business requirements. As the UK Parent, the Malta team believe in building long term relationships with customers so that they receive the best possible service and tailor their products to specific require- ments and work with custom- ers to meet varied and evolving needs as their businesses grow. The Access Bank Malta Lim- ited seeks to differentiate itself from other banks currently op- erating in Malta through excel- lence in customer service, with a focus on establishing strong relationships with all our cus- tomers. The strong links that the Bank has with Africa and Europe ensure that it has an in- depth knowledge of the mar- ketplace and is able to assist customers with their transac- tions. For more information: https:// w w w . t h e a c c e s s b a n k u k l t d . c o . u k / t h e - a c c e s s - b a n k - m a l - ta-limited/ Royale Sainte Hélène Boutique Hotel: Elevating corporate travel with boutique sophistication in Malta NESTLED in the heart of Birkirkara, the Royale Sainte Hélène Boutique Hotel blends Maltese craftsmanship with Parisian-inspired sophistica- tion, redefining boutique hos- pitality. With an investment of nearly €4 million, this f lag- ship project embodies the Ar- chimed Group's bold vision for growth, laying the foundation for a chain of high-profile hos- pitality ventures. The hotel's name, Royale Sainte Hélène, pays tribute to Saint Helen, the patron saint of Birkirkara, honouring the city's cultural and spiritual heritage while preserving its historical charm. Dating back to the 19th cen- tury, the building once served as a private residence for a fam- ily of seven and later became a bustling bicycle shop known as Pawlu Tar-Roti. Today, af- ter a meticulous restoration by skilled local artisans, the property retains its authentic façade, showcasing original timber balconies, apertures, a grand entrance, and stone staircases. These elements re- flect the timeless richness of a traditional Maltese palazzo, combining familiar warmth with contemporary sophistica- tion. Prime Minister Robert Abela praised the project for preserv- ing its authentic charm while embracing modernity. "This project prioritised quality over quantity, aligning with the gov- ernment's vision for sustain- able tourism," he remarked. "Such investments enhance tourism, strengthen our econo- my, and drive national progress by creating wealth and oppor- tunity." "Our vision was to create more than just a hotel; we wanted to redefine the busi- ness travel experience," say Romualda Vella and Jason Paul Vella, Directors of Royale Bou- tique Hotels. Central to this vision is the Royal Executive Lounge, offer- ing high-speed internet, free photocopying, and a confer- ence table for up to 20 guests. The Rooftop Terrace provides heated jacuzzis, a pool, and stunning views of Saint Hel- en Parish Church—perfect for networking or relaxation. Modern Sophistication Meets Comfort The Royale Sainte Hélène fea- tures 30 rooms, from Superior Balcony Rooms to the luxuri- ous Penthouse Suite with an outdoor jacuzzi. Each room offers orthopaedic beds, mini- bars, 43-inch satellite TVs, uni- versal sockets, and private bal- conies with panoramic views, complemented by elegantly finished bathrooms with gen- erously sized showers. Blending opulence with min- imalism, the hotel's design showcases Birkirkara's history through curated furnishings and distinctive touches like a Sicilian-crafted chandelier and locally made glass-blown tu- lips. This transformation reflects the vision of the hotel's direc- tors, owners of i-Decor Home, a Spanish home décor brand, whose signature style embodies sophistication and modernity. At the launch event, the hotel proudly hosted Mr. Alfred Ce- lada, Commercial and Export Director of i-Decor Home, whose leadership has been in- strumental to the brand's suc- cess. Commitment to Sustainability The Royale Sainte Hélène em- braces eco-conscious practic- es, including energy-efficient climate control, insulation, soundproofing, and a water treatment system to minimize environmental impact. Sup- porting local artisans and pro- moting sustainable tourism, the hotel aligns with its vision of responsible hospitality. "Sustainability is integral to our philosophy," say the Vel- las. "We've invested in ad- vanced systems to create an eco-friendly guest experience while preserving our heritage building's charm." The hotel sets a new standard in corporate hospitality, bal- ancing business functionality, modern luxury, and cultural elegance. For more information, visit h t t p s : / / r o y a l e s t e h e l e n e b o u - tiquehotel.com or email info@ royaleboutiquehotels.com.