Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/463339
Events 29 maltatoday, Sunday, 15 February 2015 HSBC Bugibba branch operations Malta Gaming Authority participates at ICE Gaming Expo 2015, London The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) participated in the annual ICE Gaming Expo 2015, which was held between 3 and 5 February, 2015, at the London Excel Expo Centre. The MGA was represented by a team of staff members who manned the stand and provided information about Malta's regulatory framework to all those visiting the stand. The MGA's Executive Chairman al- so received The Gaming Intelligence Award after being listed as one of the Hot 50 2015 Backstage Heroes, just 15 months into his role as the Regu- lator of Malta's gaming industry. Gaming Intelligence described Mr Cuschieri as follows, "He has had a huge impact since being appointed as Executive Chairman in 2013. He has impressed both employees and licensees in equal measure. "Some of his key achievements in- cluded cutting licensing time and player support time by 50%. He has instituted the Responsible Gaming Foundation and is set to follow that with a new Gaming Academy. He is hell bent on making the regulator the very best it can be on every single level." The MGA's stand, which was prominently set on two-levels, fea- tured the Authority's new logo and brand. Around 550 companies from 60 countries displayed their products and future innovations at ICE 2015, in an event which attracts thousands of people from all over the world. The Ford Fiesta was the No. 1 selling small car in Europe again last year. Customers purchased 308,999 Fiestas in Europe in 2014, making it the top- selling small car in Europe for the third year running. Among the most popular models is the Fiesta 1.0- litre EcoBoost equipped with Ford's groundbreak- ing petrol engine, which also in 2014 was named In- ternational Engine of the Year for an unprecedented third year running. "Cutting-edge styling and advanced technology are the keys to Fiesta's contin- ued popularity and models like the distinctive, two- tone Red and Black Edi- tions with the new 140 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine continue to keep Fiesta ahead of the pack," accord- ing to Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales & Service, Ford of Europe. "In fact, to meet growing demand from Ford cus- tomers we are increasing production of the Fiesta at our assembly plant in Co- logne, Germany." As a result of construction works that will commence in the com- ing weeks on the airspace of the HSBC Malta branch in Bugibba, operations in this branch will be impacted and, with effect from 9th March 2015, all day-to-day operations currently handled at the Bank's Bugibba branch will be transferred to the St Paul's Bay branch where full customer and teller service is available. The aforementioned construc- tion works consist of a block of apartments that will be built by the owners of the airspace above HSBC's branch in Bugibba. During the construction period, HSBC will be taking the neces- sary action to ensure that custom- ers will still be able to utilise our state-of-the-art ATMs, deposit machine and foreign exchange machine currently situated in the Bugibba branch lobby. As a result of this move, all ac- counts currently held at Bugibba Branch will be transferred to the St Paul's Bay branch. All account numbers will remain unchanged. At St Paul's Bay branch, HSBC will continue to handle all of its cus- tomers' financial requirements. Customers may also access or carry out any transactions at any HSBC branch that will also offer the same quality service. Following the completion of the construction works, a smaller branch will remain and during of- fice hours, HSBC staff members will assist customers as necessary and take appointments for our Fi- nancial Planning and Mortgage Specialists who will also visit the new branch. Customers are encouraged to use the Internet Banking service for the majority of banking require- ments. This method of banking is secure, convenient and can be car- ried out from the comfort of one's home 24 hours a day. Last year, HSBC Malta has also launched its free Mobile Banking App for iPad, iPhone or Android smartphones. The app allows users – once logged in – to view their account balances, details and history. They can also transfer between their own accounts, including their credit card, as well as pay bills, send and receive secure messages, and view currency and deposit rates, among other features. Users can also transfer funds to any other third-party HSBC ac- count holders, including those who don't use mobile banking. This feature is unique to our HS- BC Mobile Banking. Meanwhile the €13 million pro- gramme for the renovation of branches and installation of next generation ATMs continues. In 2014, HSBC completed the reno- vation and upgrading of two of its f lagship branches – Victoria Gozo and Valletta Merchants street. Over the past three years, 13 HSBC Branches have been refurbished: Valletta, Victoria, Buġibba, Ħamrun, Swieqi, Pao- la, Zejtun, Mosta, Zurrieq, San Ġwann, B'Kara, Sliema and Zab- bar. All Bank ATMs have been upgraded to new machines with enhanced security and anti-skim- ming devices as well as enhanced functionality such as instant de- posits. HSBC Malta apologises for any inconvenience that might be caused during this period as con- struction works take place on top of the HSBC branch. Experience has taught that when selecting a real estate agent, most customers want the most informed, committed and responsive real es- tate practitioners in the business They also want the agents to be bold in their approach and to use their expertise in the sector to find them the right property without wasting too much of their precious time. At Century 21 Malta, they are groom- ing their agents to embody these traits and develop into seasoned professionals, becoming Smarter, Bolder and Faster in the process. Being smarter is much more pro- found than simply dressing up in sharp suits. It is about thinking intelligently, getting organised in a highly disor- ganised market, keeping optimistic and being cautiously perseverant in very tough market conditions. Similarly, being bolder is more pro- found than being smug. Bold leaders have strong self- awareness. They know when they should take bold action and when they are out of their element. They are usually confident, courageous, and self-directed persons who stand out from the rest. Being justifiably bold can lead to success. For instance, most clients often start off searching for the wrong type of property. They do it out of pique or because they fail to recognise that a direct correla- tion exists between wanting certain type of commodities and actually paying for them. Customers need to go through a learning process be- fore settling on the right property. Agents need to be bold enough to educate and lead their customers through this stage without impos- ing. Getting the balance right is a rec- ipe for success, as long as it is done ahead of the competition. In this respect, being faster refers to effi- ciency and prompt action. So, in es- sence, it is all about putting oneself in the buyers' shoes, understanding well their needs and servicing such needs in an effective and timely manner. At Century 21 Malta they pride themselves at having at their dis- posal all the necessary tools and resources to enable their agents to grow and become experts in the re- al estate field. If you think you have what it takes to join an expanding team of real estate professionals, then send your CV on info@cen- tury21.com.mt. All applications will be acknowledged and treated in strict confidence. What are Century 21 Malta agents made of? Ford Fiesta top selling small car in Europe for three years running