Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534095
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 6 APRIL 2025 6 COMMERCIAL Discover unique handmade and self designed creations at the third edition of The Selfmade Market THE anticipated third edition of the Selfmade Market is set to take place on 5 April 2025, at Pjazza Jean de la Valette. From 11 AM to 8 PM, the vi- brant square will transform into a lively hub of creativity, bringing together a diverse community of artisans and in- dependent creators. Building on the success of previous editions, this event, organised by nofacemt in col- laboration with Lincole Hand- made and Carina Print and Designs, promises another ex- ceptional showcase of hand- crafted and locally designed products. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a varie- ty of unique pieces, including artwork, home décor, jewel- lery, ceramics, crochet crafts, and much more—all crafted with passion and skill by tal- ented local makers. "We are thrilled to be back with another edition of the Selfmade Market," said Johann Agius from nofacemt. "This event provides a fantastic plat- form for artisans to share their work, engage with the public, and celebrate handmade artist- ry in the heart of Valletta." Nicole and Elenia Borg from Lincole Handmade and Jessica Magro from Carina Print and Designs added, "This is the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local talent. We particularly enjoy providing space for newcomers, and in fact there are a few new crea- tors that have joined this third edition. Whether you're shop- ping for yourself or looking for a special gift, you'll find some- thing truly unique here." The Selfmade Market is a must-visit for anyone who ap- preciates craftsmanship and independent design. Whether you're a collector, an art lover, or simply looking for an enjoy- able day out, this event offers something for everyone. Event Details: Date: 5 April 2025 Time: 11 AM - 8 PM Location: Pjazza Jean de la Valette, Valletta For more information, con- tact: selfmademarketmalta@ gmail.com. Bank of Valletta unveils BOV SmartPay BANK of Valletta has launched BOV SmartPay, a new brand identity that brings together its merchant payment solutions under one unified name. While merchant services have been a core offering at the Bank for dec- ades, the introduction of BOV SMARTPAY marks a renewed focus on supporting businesses with cutting-edge, flexible, and secure payment solutions tai- lored to today's evolving market. BOV SmartPay streamlines the Bank's merchant services into three key solutions. The ePOS system provides businesses with secure and reliable in-store card payment terminals, ensuring effi- cient and seamless transactions. The e-commerce gateway ena- bles businesses to accept digital payments online, supporting the growing demand for online shop- ping. The BOV MobilePOS solu- tion, launched last year, offers a portable and flexible payment system, allowing businesses to process transactions anywhere using their mobile phone. Chris Degabriele, Head of eBanking at Bank of Valletta, de- scribed BOV SmartPay as a trans- formation in how the Bank sup- ports businesses in the payments space. "Businesses today don't just need payment terminals— they need seamless, integrated solutions that work across multi- ple channels. BOV SmartPay is a clear commitment to simplifying and strengthening our merchant services, ensuring businesses of all sizes have access to efficient, secure, and future-ready pay- ment solutions." As part of this renewed focus, the Bank has introduced a ded- icated BOV SmartPay page on BOV.com, where businesses can easily find detailed information on the different merchant ser- vices. This page also provides online forms to apply for new ap- plications and ancillary services. A dedicated merchant support team is now in place to provide faster response times and tailored assistance, further improving customer service. Roderick Armeni, Lead – Business Generation & Sales at eBanking, highlighted the advan- tages for businesses. "Payment trends are evolving, and custom- ers now expect smooth, cashless transactions. With BOV Smart- Pay, businesses can offer a seam- less experience across multiple payment channels, whether in- store, online, or on the go. This is about giving our merchants the right tools to grow and thrive in a digital-first economy." The launch of BOV SmartPay demonstrates Bank of Valletta's commitment to doubling down on its support for businesses by offering a more streamlined, customer-focused, and techno- logically advanced payment eco- system. For more information about BOV SmartPay, one may visit www.bov.com or contact the Bank's merchant services team for assistance at smartpaysales@ bov.com XJENZA Malta, a pioneering agency in innovative scientific re- search and sustainable develop- ment, becomes the first govern- ment-backed agency to provide its employees with electric bikes to run office errands, in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and car- bon emissions, in line with the government's vision to promote eco-friendly alternatives. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Xjenza Malta will be offering these electric bikes for daily use by employees, encourag- ing them to choose clean, efficient transportation over traditional ve- hicles in order to commute to the the office and run their office er- rands. Further strengthening its com- mitment to sustainable mobility, Xjenza Malta has also installed electric car charging stations at its premises during office hours. This facility will be available to employ- ees who have made the transition to electric vehicles, providing them with a reliable and convenient means of charging while at work. This initiative aligns with Mal- ta's broader environmental goals, including the government's recent push to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of electric vehicles. Xjenza Malta's com- mitment is in line with govern- ment-backed strategies, including providing opportunities for young people to embrace greener trans- portation options such as mopeds and electric bikes. By adopting these sustainable practices, Xjenza Malta is setting an example for other government agencies and organisations to fol- low, reinforcing its role as a lead- er in promoting environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility. Xjenza Malta champions sustainable commuting with electric bikes and charging stations