Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/523863
Events 46 maltatoday, Sunday, 7 June 2015 Mapfre Middlesea wins Best Buy Award BNI (Business Network Interna- tional) is the largest referral net- working organization in the world. As in 58 other countries where BNI is present, Malta BNI provides a positive, supportive, and struc- tured environment to exchange quality business referrals. Members get the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, business referrals. In each of the six Malta chapters, last year, members passed thou- sands of referrals, which generated thousands of euros worth of busi- ness. But how does BNI operate? National Director David Bullock explains. "BNI is the largest and most suc- cessful business referral organi- zation in the world. Part of this success is built on the fact that only one person from each serv- ice, trade or profession is allowed to join a chapter. So if you are a computer software person and we already have one, we can refer you to another chapter, or help you to open another chapter. Of course, if you are a computer hardware per- son, you could be eligible to join this chapter," he said. Embracing BNI's philosophy of "givers' gain", each chapter oper- ates like a community with each member keeping eyes and ears open also for any business op- portunities that may assist their colleagues in the chapter. "How many business opportunities are lost every day simply because they are not in our line of business so we just let them go. At BNI, mem- bers maximize such opportuni- ties by sharing them with their colleagues. Nothing is lost, all is gained, as business generates busi- ness." This brings members closer to each other. Persons who up to a few months before did not know each other, today they socialize to- gether and even go on short holi- days abroad together. "Mention- ing holidays abroad, BNI members can visit any other of the 6,000 plus chapters across the world. Mem- bers from Malta have visited, and even got business, from chapters in Europe, the Gulf, the US, Asia and Australia," said Bullock. Asked which occupations benefit the most from networking, the re- ply was, "It is not the occupation, it is the individual. The occupation or the business can be anything, but you need to be focused, have a business objective or even dream and if you're willing to make a sacrifice and commit yourself, you are the person we want in the chapter." In the short span of four years, Malta BNI established six chapters in Sliema, Attard, Valletta, Qormi and St Julians. A BNI Networking Event is now planned for Wednes- day 10 June at the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana, starting at 6.45am and concluding around 10am. "We are aiming to introduce this concept to other businesses, this event is open to first time visitors only as we want to give an opportunity to get them to know how BNI works, and meet other BNI members," said Bullock. Interested persons are invited to contact in advance Gordon Pace at gordon@y.com.mt or Car- mel Bonello at carmel.bonello@ bpc.com.mt. More information about BNI is available from the local website www.maltabni. com and the international site www.bni.com Express delivery company TNT this week launches a new air route between its main European air hub in Liege and Malta, mak- ing it easier to trade with and in- vest in this dynamic economy. Benefits to customers include shorter transit times for Econ- omy consignments, later depar- ture times for exports, earlier ar- rival times for imports, and the ability to send larger and heavier consignments. The f light will run five times a week on a Boeing 737-400 air- craft, with a stopover in Mar- seilles on both outbound and inbound journeys. The f light arrives at Malta International Airport in the morning and de- parts in the evening, allowing for afternoon pickup in Malta and next day delivery to all of Europe. "The addition of Malta to our European air network increases the choice and f lexibility of de- livery options for businesses that send parcels and freight to and from the country. It also gives us the capacity to further grow our business in and out of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean," said Diana Cassar, Managing Di- rector TNT Associate, Malta. Malta is home to several indus- tries, including electronic, medi- cal and pharmaceutical pro- duction. According to the IMF, Malta's GDP growth has been one of the highest in the euro area in recent years, supported by relatively diversified exports, a recent recovery in domestic demand, and a stable banking sector. Growth is expected to re- main robust in 2015 at 3.1%. TNT continues to improve its delivery service to customers, a priority under its Outlook strat- egy, by strengthening its air and road networks. The new route to Malta follows the recent start of f lights to Venice and Tel Aviv and additional road connections to Turkey and the Balkans. Changing the way Malta does business, through networking TNT opens new air route to Malta Mapfre Middlesea has won the Best Buy Award for the best price to quality ratio in the insurance industry in Malta. The Best Buy award is an exclusive medal, which can only be awarded to one com- pany, product or service that con- sumers themselves assess as the best in terms of the relationship between price and quality. Alfred Munoz, CEO of Mapfre Middlesea said that it is an honour to receive such an award and he thanked all the management, staff and distribution network for being part of this achievement. "We, at Mapfre Middlesea, do not consider our business to be the selling of insurance. We sell peace of mind, which is something on which you cannot put a price on. We work around the clock to pro- vide the best levels of protection at the best prices, to allow our clients to get more out of their money, and we're glad that our clients are ac- knowledging our efforts through this award," he added. The Best Buy Award certificates and medals are awarded based on independent market research per- formed by the Swiss organization ICERTIAS - International Certi- fication Association. It measures exclusively the consumers' expe- rience, satisfaction and their per- ception about who is offering best value for money in the markets of different products and services. Best Buy Award 2015/2016 mar- ket research in Malta covered al- most 60 different market categories including: retail, food, fast moving goods, telecommunication, cloth- ing and footwear and the financial sector. Mapfre Middlesea p.l.c. (C-5553) is authorised by the Malta Finan- cial Services Authority to carry on both Long Term and General Busi- ness under the Insurance Business Act, 1998. COM01062015 923 Dhalia has offered its mobile of- fice to be used as a cultural mobile hotspot unit, which will serve as a centre for communication and in- formation for the public regarding initiatives being taken for the Euro- pean Capital of Culture 2018. It will be taken around different towns and villages providing infor- mation regarding cultural endeav- ours and will be stationed at any events organised by local councils and other entities. The mobile unit was launched in time for the Green Festival in Val- letta which took place last weekend. This event will continue to take place annually, aiming to increase environmental awareness and cre- ate an appreciation for greenery. During the launch, Dhalia's Chair- man Chris Grech showed his full support towards the betterment of the Capital. "Dhalia has always believed in the potential of Valletta with its rich his- tory and culture, which has in turn contributed to an evident increase in demand for residential and com- mercial investments. The European Capital of culture is an ideal op- portunity to revitalise the cultural scene within the City and all over the island," Grech explained. In order to fully exploit the Capi- tal's potential, Dhalia has also opened an office in the City Gate Arcade in late 2014 and is now an official sponsor of the Valletta 2018 Foundation. For more information regarding property in Valletta, call our office on 21 490684 or visit us at the City Gate Arcade, Valletta. Dhalia supports Valletta 2018 in outreach efforts From left Chris Grech, Albert Marshall and Jason Micallef