Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/437144
Events 31 maltatoday, Sunday, 21 december 2014 Farsons appoints new Chief Business Development Officer Michael Farrugia has taken on the role of Chief Business Development Officer with a focus to develop a longer-term export strategy in line with the Farsons Board's vision. Mr Farrugia will be reporting to Far- sons Group CEO Mr Norman Aqui- lina and will join the Group Execu- tive Board. "In his new appointment, Michael will be giving appropriate focus and attention to our international business development division. He will lead and support the current dedicated team through this next phase of internationalisation in an- ticipation of our new beer packaging line which is expected to come on stream in April 2016," said Farsons CEO Norman Aquilina. "Michael's experience across the business, places him in a good po- sition to take on this leading role as we continue to formulate and strengthen our international vision and strategy." Farsons growth strategy is en- trenched on two pillars of innova- tion and exports. The strategy for international business growth has been based not only on the prospect of genuine opportunities overseas and domestic market size limita- tions but also on the realisation that, international growth will allow the company to achieve economies of scale and improved operational ef- ficiencies and overall competitive- ness. The aim to develop an interna- tional strategy is supported by both investment in a Euro 27 million beer packing facility and ongoing en- hancement of the company's beer packaging and portfolio. As head of business support, Michael Farrugia who is a gradu- ate of Edinburgh University, was responsible for field marketing, technical support services as well as other areas of responsibility includ- ing the Farsons Beer Festival. Since he joined the company in 2006, he has had an active role in business/ product innovation and growth op- portunities both locally and abroad. In remarking on his new appoint- ment, Farrugia said, "I am looking forward to this opportunity to be working with a committed team as we lead the company to this next stage of growth." Farsons Chief Business Development Officer Michael Farrugia (left) with Farsons Group CEO Norman Aquilina Citroën C4 Cactus wins a design star The Citroën C4 Cactus won an "Etoile du Design", or "Design Star", prize at the "Observeur du Design" awards on Tuesday evening at the Paris Science and Industry Mu- seum. The competition focuses on the major industrial develop- ments of the year, all sectors in- cluded, attributing a label to them and awarding a "star" to the most interesting innovations. As part of the awards, the Citroën C4 Cactus will be exhibited for a full year at the Paris Science and Industry Mu- seum alongside the other innova- tive design objects having earned the label. Organised by the APCI associa- tion for the promotion of industrial creation since 1999, the "Observeur du Design" competition is open to companies, designers, schools and local authorities across all activity sectors. It focuses on developments with innovative designs and awards them the "Observeur du Design" la- bel. Every year, the most innovative new products are awarded a special prize, the "Design Star". This year the jury, chaired by Isabelle Pontifilly, CEO of Vitra France, awarded a Design Star to the Citroën C4 Cactus. The Citroën C4 Cactus will be exhibited for a year as part of the "Equation Design" show at the Par- is Science and Industry Museum. The exhibition showcases the work of designers at each step in the de- sign of a new product, the aim be- ing to make the object coherent, attractive, functional, innovative, ergonomic, pleasant to use, and respectful of lifestyles and the en- vironment. All these qualities are very much in evidence with the Citroën C4 Cactus. The design of the new model was informed by the aim to strike an ideal balance between practicality and aesthetics. The innovative new Airbumps contribute to the pure and smooth body styling of the C4 Cactus, underscoring its bold per- sonality while ensuring optimal protection against everyday bumps and scrapes. The interior was designed to bring motorists optimal comfort, with an uncluttered cabin free of all things superf luous. Through its innovative design, the Citroën C4 Cactus offers a real alternative to conventional compact hatchbacks. HSBC Malta Foundation is doing its part to lift the festive spirit of individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds by supporting a host of charities this December. The donations from the Founda- tion will directly serve the organi- sations in setting up Christmas parties, activities, and gifts for their respective constituent fami- lies and individuals. John Role, Foster Care Team Leader at Aġenzija Appoġġ said: "During the month of December the Foster Care Team organises Christmas parties for children in our care and the families that look after them. This year, as in previ- ous years, we are giving away a book as a token to every child at- tending the party. This has been made possible thanks to the gener- ous support of HSBC Malta Foun- dation." Child Guidance Clinic Psychiat- ric Nurse In-charge Claire Cachia Attard commented, "We are an out-patient facility where we as- sess and follow up children and ad- olescents up to 16 years of age who suffer from behavioural, emotion- al and mental health problems. We presently have about 1,400 clients. HSBC's support helps us bring a smile to each of these patients." More people benefitted at the Young People Unit, where Charge Nurse Marion Saliba said: "The financial assistance we receive from HSBC enables us to keep on providing the best care possible for the youngsters who come to the Unit for help with their mental health problems." HSBC donations this year went to: Aġenzija Appoġġ, Child Guid- ance Clinic, Kummissjoni Djakon- ija - Żurrieq, Paediatric Day Care Ward Mater Dei, and Young Peo- ple's Unit Mount Carmel Hospital. HSBC Malta Foundation putting smiles on faces for Christmas The generosity of HSBC Malta Foundation has brought smiles to countless disadvantaged individuals in Malta this December. Banking services over the festive season The Malta Bankers' Association would like to inform the public that on Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24 De- cember 2014 ) and New Year's Eve (Wednesday, 31 De- cember 2014) the banks will be open as follows: • APS Bank 08.15 to 13.30 • Banif Bank 08.30 to 14.30 • Bank of Valletta 08.30 to 14.00 • HSBC Bank 08.30 to 13.30 • Lombard Bank 08.30 to 13.00 • Mediterranean Corporate Bank 08.30 to 12.00 Banks will be closed on Boxing Day this being a Bank Holiday.