Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/501315
Events 28 maltatoday, Sunday, 26 april 2015 Family Fun Weekends return to Laguna Walk Research suggests only 20% of household security systems in EU are monitored The popular Family Fun Weekends will be returning back to SmartCity Malta's Laguna Walk on Saturday, 25 and Sunday, 26 April. Similar to previous weekends, both days will be packed with entertaining activi- ties for kids and adults alike. On Saturday, the events kick off at 15.00 hrs with a full animation programme which will come to an end at 20.00 hrs. There will also be bouncy castles, face painting, bicy- cle rides with tigger, penalty shoot- out, pirate treasure hunt and an all- round lively atmosphere. A crafts centre will also be set-up where kids can make their own fan, sun vi- sor and rockcrafts. Once again, the Family Fun Weekend at the Laguna Walk promises to be a unique and exciting family experience. Speaking about the events being held at Laguna Walk, Anthony P. Tabone, CEO of SmartCity Malta said, "following on the success of previous weekends, we have had huge demand to re-introduce these activties which have always drawn large crowds to Malta's latest enter- tainment hub. We are glad to be in a position to once again welcome the general public to our events which we know are extremely popular." Tabone added "Since the opening of Laguna Walk last year, we have been delighted to welcome so many inidividuals and families to our premises for various celebrations and occasions. We look forward to the many more exciting and unique events such as the American Car Show, International Feline compe- tition, Dog Show and the Magico Luna Park, all aimed at continuing to draw visitors from all over the is- lands." The first of its kind on the islands, the Laguna Walk at SmartCity Malta offers a dynamic venue for various events with its spectacularly choreographed fountains, beautiful promenade and grand steps over- looking the lagoon. In addition, the open-air amphitheatre, which will host a number of upcoming attrac- tions, and the terraced seating all enjoy breathtaking views of the in- finity lagoon and the azure Mediter- ranean Sea. The Laguna Walk also offers a se- lection of indoor and outdoor dining experiences with food and beverages outlets including business partners, such as Wejla by Tartarun, Chocafé, Bistro Ten-O-One, Laguna Restau- rant, The Londoner Pub and Da Vinci who offer a variety of cuisines to tempt every palate. If you wish to stay updated about all future Laguna Walk events, please visit www.lagunawalk.com. mt What happens if an alarm goes off at night or when you are away on va- cation and there is no one who can follow up and take necessary action especially if there has been a break- in? What happens if you are out on your boat or at a party and there is no one to notify you that someone could be possibly inside your home? "Many people tend to invest in elaborate security alarm systems for their homes but that would lack a very important component: moni- toring. And when any alarm system should be providing peace of mind to its owners, an alarm system that is not monitored ends up raising more questions and doubts," explains Ray Xuereb, Security Consultant and Security Operations Manager at G4S Malta. Recent EU research suggests that only 20% households in the EU have a remotely monitored security sys- tem and in Malta, the figures are much less. "Theft from one's home is not only a violation of private property but also of your personal life and envi- ronment. A home should be the saf- est place. When this is broken into, the emotional impact is very hard. We see this every time we meet a customer who would have expe- rienced a break-in and this is why securing one's home should not be taken lightly," says Ray Xuereb. Ray Xuereb explains how crimi- nals many times act in a very calcu- lated and planned manner. "Many people think that as long as they acquire the latest technology systems, they will be safe. In fact they will be not. Today, burglars have become very sophisticated and they have learnt how to by-pass even some of the more intricate techno- logical systems and are capable of opening up locks without leaving any signs of forced entry. A good sturdy lock on its own is no longer enough to protect one's home." "The bottom line remains one: besides the financial burden with damage and theft, one is left with the emotional devastation that any break-in or burglary into one's home brings," added Mr Xuereb. "This is why we encourage home owners to consider professional ad- vice from certified engineers and security consultants who can guide them in achieving an integrated security solution designed round their property and their lifestyle. We also advise them to complete the recommended security solution by having the system monitored by professionals who can assist them in case of intrusion by speeding up the response and deploy personnel on site." With the recent surge in home burglaries, G4S recommends up- dates to existing security systems to make sure they are properly maintained and that they are in fact working properly. "Many people unfortunately do not switch on their security system, because most of the time they have chosen a system which is not com- patible with their lifestyles or would have opted for a solution that can- not be updated to today's standards. It is very important to update and enhance currently installed systems over time and to rely on a provider whose people are vetted, highly dis- creet and trained to follow up any eventuality. Only this can help you safeguard and protect your home," concluded Ray Xuereb. For more information email us at enquiries@mt.g4s.com MAPFRE profit after tax rises by 6.9 percent to €845 million in 2014 MAPFRE's profit after tax and mi- nority interests increased by 6.9% in 2014, to €845 million, thanks to business growth in most countries, the improvement in underwriting results and the significant increase in net financial income. Revenues amounted to €26.37 billion, a rise of 1.8% on 2013, with premiums growing 2.6%, to nearly €22.40 billion. On a constant cur- rency basis, premiums and attribut- able results would have grown 7.7% percent and 11.8% respectively. "These results reflect the suc- cess of MAPFRE's global business model. We have grown in all stra- tegic markets and have reinforced our leadership position in Spain, outperforming the sector by two points", stated Antonio Huertas, MAPFRE's Chairman and CEO. In 2014, equity grew by €1.57 bil- lion to €11.47 billion, mainly driven by the results for the year, the in- crease in value of the investment portfolio, in particular of Spain's sovereign debt, and the apprecia- tion of the company's key trading currencies, especially the US dollar. Shareholders' equity totalled €9.15 billion, up 16.8%, and total man- aged assets were up 18.3% over the last twelve months, to €67.23 bil- lion. At the end of 2014, the combined ratio stood at 95.7%, which rep- resents a 40-basispoint decrease, thanks to a significant improve- ment in the expense ratio in Brazil and in the reinsurance business, in line with the Group's target for 2016. The expense ratio decreased by 1.4 percentage points, to 27.7%, meeting the three-year target that had been set two years ahead of schedule. At present, MAPFRE enjoys an "A" financial strength rating and "BBB+" issuer rating from Standard & Poor's, the highest such ratings accorded to any Spanish business group. On the 20th February the Annual Team Member Party, celebrat- ing 15 years of service was held at the Hilton Malta's Grandmaster's suite. All Hilton full-time and part- time team members and their guests were treated to a memorable evening that included corsets and sparkles that fitted in perfectly with the 'Burlesque Circus' theme. Main entertainment was provided by YADA Dance company, whereas DJ Toni Toni spun his regular beats and kept the crowd dancing right till the very end of the event. All catering was provided by Executive Chef Joe Vella and his gastronomic team.