Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543144
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 8 FEBRUARY 2026 COMMERCIAL Bolt Plus: A membership to boost your business IN today's fast-paced digital economy, visibility and cus- tomer engagement are key to business success. Bolt's new monthly membership, Bolt Plus, allows Bolt's partner res- taurants and stores to thrive by tapping into a frequent and new customer base, enjoying an increased number of orders, and receiving prime exposure on the platform. Bolt Plus is designed for local users and long-stay residents (eligible via Maltese phone numbers), enabling partners to reach loyal, repeat customers and build sustainable demand rather than relying on short- term, tourist-driven traffic. Access to frequent customers Customers who order most frequently and spend the most on Bolt Food choose Bolt Plus partners in the app. These cus- tomers prioritise convenience, quality, and loyalty, making them invaluable for restaurants and stores looking to maxim- ise revenue. By becoming Bolt Plus partners, they gain direct access to this customer group, increasing the likelihood of high-value transactions and re- peat business. Access to new customers As Bolt Plus is a bundle of de- livery and ride-hailing benefits, Bolt Food partners get access to frequent ride-hailing cus- tomers, expanding their reach beyond their current customer base. As the only membership programme on the island of- fering perks across both deliv- ery and ride-hailing services, this bundle allows restaurants and stores to attract a diverse audience actively looking for transport, dining, or shopping solutions. More frequent orders Bolt Plus members order over more more frequently than the average customer. By joining Bolt Plus, restaurant and store partners can experience a sig- nificant boost in transactions, ensuring consistent revenue flow and higher customer re- tention. With more orders, these businesses can better plan resources, optimise operations, and drive sustainable growth. Additional exposure in the app Bolt Plus partner restaurants and stores gain additional visi- bility. Partners get a dedicated home screen category and a banner on the main screen, al- lowing them to stand out and capture customers' attention. Bolt Plus branding in the app additionally drives more orders and builds credibility with cus- tomers. Bolt Food has been available in Malta since 2020, providing both food and grocery deliv- ery services across the island, from Marsaskala to Marsalforn, available everywhere in Malta and Gozo. Through these ser- vices, Bolt continues to support a thriving local food ecosystem while giving courier partners full transparency and control over their earnings. Delivery services support Bolt's mission even further, with the food and beverage ecosystem being the foundation of cities people love to live in. LIDL Malta renews commitment to medical research with €2,000 donation to RIDT FOR the second consecutive year, Lidl Malta, the islands' leading supermarket chain, has reaffirmed its dedication to local scientific advancement through its festive collaboration with the Research Innovation & Development Trust (RIDT). Following the success of the 2024 initiative, the campaign returned this past December, inviting customers to support medical research by purchasing the Deluxe Panettone Classic. For every unit sold, Lidl Malta committed to donating €1 to the RIDT. This year, the communi- ty's response was even stronger, with 1,880 panettone sold. To further amplify this contribu- tion, Lidl Malta has rounded up the total donation to €2,000. This collaboration transcends a simple seasonal promotion; it represents a shared vision for a healthier future in Malta. By integrating a charitable element into the holiday shopping expe- rience, Lidl Malta and the RIDT have created a platform where small, individual actions culmi- nate in significant support for the medical community. Wilfred Kenely, Chief Exec- utive Officer of the RIDT ex- pressed his gratitude to Lidl Malta for this ongoing collab- oration. "We are delighted to see the community responding to our appeal for more support to research at the University of Malta. Through this initiative Lidl Malta are not only contrib- uting financially, but they are also helping us raise the profile of the world-class research that is happening at our university," said Mr Kenely. The RIDT of the University of Malta has been set up in 2011 to bolster research activities across all areas of study within the uni- versity. It raises funds from various sectors of the Maltese commu- nity, which are then utilized to finance research projects. As Lidl Malta looks toward the future, it remains committed to its role as a socially responsible corporate citizen, seeking out impactful ways to give back and foster a spirit of solidarity with- in the Maltese islands. MAPFRE and Bank Of Valletta unite distribution network to launch a bold, customer-first 2026 strategy MAPFRE Middlesea, Mapfre MSV Life, and Bank of Vallet- ta (BOV) have brought together their joint distribution network for a strategic session designed to set a unified, customer-cen- tric direction for 2026. This rein- forced their shared commitment to help customers plan, protect, and build financial resilience. The event, held at Trident Park in Mriehel, convened regional and branch leadership, Invest- ment Centre teams, and private banking professionals to align priorities, sharpen execution, and strengthen conversations around customers and their needs. Opening the session, BOV Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Farru- gia underscored the importance of seamless collaboration across all channels. "Our customers ex- pect clarity, consistency, and con- fidence. That starts with a united commercial front. 2026 will be a year of stronger alignment, deeper capability, and sharper execution, all aimed at delivering financial guidance people can genuinely trust." Mapfre Middlesea CEO Etienne Sciberras and Mapfre MSV Life CEO Elvira Lopez de La Merida presented Mapfre's rebranding strategy, which reflects both com- panies' commitment to innova- tion, clarity, and customer trust. "Our refreshed brand identity is more than a visual transforma- tion; it is a renewed promise to place customers at the centre of every interaction." Etienne Sci- berras noted. Elvira Lopez de La Merida added, "As we move into 2026, our focus is on deepening relationships, simplifying our of- ferings, and ensuring our clients feel supported at each stage of their financial journey." BOV Chief Personal & Wealth Officer Simon Azzopardi high- lighted the next phase of this partnership and the momentum required to elevate advisory stand- ards. "Our goal for 2026 is simple. We aim to deliver advice that is consistent, human, and genuine- ly meaningful. When we show up with insight, empathy, and clarity, we empower customers to take decisions that shape their long term well-being." In an economic outlook seg- ment, BOV economist Kurt Davi- son spoke about the demographic and financial forces reshaping retirement planning in Malta, un- derlining the growing importance of early preparation and long- term savings behaviour. Alex Bezzina, Head Insurance and Pensions introduced the teams to new tools and growth en- ablers, including AI-driven coach- ing tools to enhance needs-based conversations and continuous de- velopment for frontliners. Roberta Bellizzi, Head of BOV's Prestige Client Network, outlined ways in which front-liners may support customers facing important life events, like home buying, career transitions, and retirement prepa- ration. "Our people will help cus- tomers turn customer intent into relevant financial solutions." Mapfre presented the strategic outlook for the year, focusing on Customer centricity and Innova- tion, followed by presentations from both companies covering the Economic and financial outlook for 2026, Commercial and opera- tional implications for the distri- bution network, Introduction of AI-driven customer engagement tools, Lead generation enhance- ments aligned with customer ex- pectations and the Importance of long-term relationship building and needs-based financial solu- tions. Speakers emphasised how data, technology, and advisory excellence will play a central role in delivering a more personalised experience across all customer segments. The event concluded with re- marks from BOV Chairman Dr Gordon Cordina, who reflected on the evolving financing reali- ties facing Maltese households. "Today's families face increas- ingly complex financial choices. Through this partnership, we are in a strong position to guide households from short-term deci- sions to long-term financial secu- rity," said Dr Cordina.