Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/699546
44 Events maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 JULY 2016 EY tops Universum's professional services employer rankings EY has been named the world's most attractive professional ser- vices employer – and third most attractive employer overall – in Universum's annual World's Most Attractive Employer rank- ing. The ranking is based on a sur- vey of 267,084 business and engi- neering/IT students from the top academic institutions across 12 of the world's largest economies. In addition to its global ranking, EY was ranked the number one professional services employer in five countries: US, Canada, France, China and Australia. Petter Nylander, Universum Group Global CEO, said EY had been very successful in position- ing themselves globally around its inspiring purpose and provid- ing a clear path for advancement combined with professional training and development." Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, said his firm was honoured to be recog- nized in Universum's survey as the world's most attractive pro- fessional services organization and third most attractive busi- ness employer overall. "Being viewed as a top global employer by students reaffirms our commitment to attracting top talent, helping them to reach their potential both profession- ally and personally, and devel- oping them into future leaders either at EY, or elsewhere serving government and society. This is a large part of our ambition to build a better working world." Nancy Altobello, EY Global Vice Chair – Talent, said as a leading global employer, EY made it a top priority to develop our people into leaders from the first day they join us. "We do this by instilling our purpose of building a better working world into every aspect of the EY experience, from our approach to delivering excep- tional client service to our cul- ture and values based on team- ing, inclusiveness and f lexibility." Ronald Attard, EY Malta Coun- try Managing Partner said peo- ple were the firm'stop priority. "We have invested heavily in cre- ating the right environment for all our employees. It is great to see this ref lected in the survey." EY has more than 230,000 peo- ple in 152 countries around the world. In fiscal year 2016 EY hired 80,000 people comprising 63,000 full-time employees – of which 40,000 are campus hires and 23,000 experienced hires. EY also hired 17,000 interns. Over- all, this is a 5% increase from 2015. Farsons reports solid performance as Group pursues innovation and exports Farsons Group reported another set of satisfactory results for the fi- nancial year ending 31 January 2016 following consistent improvements both in the group's operational as- sets and its brands' marketing strate- gies, as well as the large investments the group has undertaken which led to more efficient, productive and creative packaging choices. This was stated by Mr Louis A. Farrugia, during his chairman's address at the 69th annual general meeting of Si- monds Farsons Cisk plc held at Spi- nola Suite, Hilton Malta. He said: "The newly built €27 mil- lion state-of-the art Beer Packaging Facility is now complete, on time and on budget. This facility will enable Farsons to produce and pack beer and soft drinks in exportable pack- ages, at competitive prices making it possible for the group to embark on its vision of establishing itself as a regional player within the beverage sector. This major investment closely follows the €12.5 million investment in the new brewhouse, completed in 2012. We have replaced most of our critical operational assets, and are well placed to benefit from these in- vestments for years to come." Further important investments include the extension to Farsons Lo- gistics Centre and the enlargement of the administration block – both projects due for completion over the summer of 2017. While the Logis- tics Centre project will facilitate the important storage and distribution functions, the office extension will enable the co-location of all execu- tive, marketing, finance and admin- istration staff, enabling the company to vacate the main brewery building, and paving the way for the planned Farsons Business Park project. "It is the board's intention to put forward to shareholders the proposal of the intended spin-off of our non- operational property assets into a newly listed public limited company (plc) in 2017. "Much work is underway in prepa- ration for this important and com- plex transaction. We believe that the proposed plan of rehabilitating and converting the old brewery building into an office business park with an accompanying car park, visitors cen- tre which will exhibit the Farsons Story, as well as food and beverage outlets to service the employees in the Mrieħel area, is a feasible invest- ment which can benefit and enhance shareholder value," he said. In reviewing the performance of the group's business and brands, Far- sons Group Chief Executive Mr Nor- man Aquilina said: "Focussing on innovation and ex- ports in response to the competitive pressures, our twin strategy has de- livered a very encouraging perfor- mance with improved year-on-year results. The group registered €10.1 million in profit before tax, exceed- ing last year's record performance by almost 23%. EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) increased by €1.5 mil- lion over the previous year to reach €18.7 million," he said. "In both areas of innovation and exports, we have made significant strides forward. Focal points for us were the upgrade of the brand im- agery and packaging of our beer portfolio, and the launching of new products, such as Cisk Pilsner, which are being well received by both con- sumers and the trade. "For the first time, new export mar- kets in West Africa and South East Asia were successfully penetrated, serving as a basis for future growth. Positive sales momentum for Far- sons beers was also experienced in Italy, while exports to other estab- lished markets in Europe, Asia and Australia continue to hold their own. In line with our long-term strategy, further growth is envisaged now that the new Farsons Beer Packaging Fa- cility is fully operational," noted Mr Aquilina. During the AGM proceedings, Dr Max Ganado and Mr Roderick Chal- mers were uncontested and re-elect- ed as directors. All resolutions proposed at the an- nual general meeting were approved. The annual general meeting ap- proved the Board's recommendation of a final net dividend of €2.2 million, bringing the total declared dividend for the year to €3.2 million. Farsons Group CEO Norman Aquilina addressing the AGM 42 new recruits successfully complete Grant Thornton's onboarding programme A group of over 40 new recruits have just completed an intensive onboarding programme organized by Grant Thornton, with the aim of facilitating their integration within the organization. Carried out over three days, the programme provided an overview of the various service lines and industries that Grant Thornton operates in both locally and inter- nationally. More importantly the new team members could experi- ence first-hand the vibrant work- ing culture that Grant Thornton is synonymous with. "We understand that joining a new company can be a daunting challenge for newcomers, particu- larly for those who are still starting out on in their career. When join- ing a new workplace, it can take months to begin to see the return on your career decision and the ad- justment is not always easy," com- mented Stefano Mallia, People and Culture Partner at Grant Thorn- ton. "Through this programme, we try to help our new team members by providing them with an intensive first-hand experience of what life at Grant Thornton is all about, the opportunities presented to them, and more importantly what Grant Thornton's vision is all about." In addition to several seasoned and junior members who have re- cently joined Grant Thornton, the team of recruits attending the on- boarding programme also included a sizable number of interns, with whom the organisation has entered into a long term study and training commitment. "Starting a new career is an amazing period in your life," Mi- chael Mifsud said, People and Culture Senior Manager, at the start of the induction programme. "Getting the right internship is the first step in building a successful and rewarding career and Grant Thornton has the necessary tools and culture to help you do so." The organisation not only offers one of the most attractive packages for student interns, but it also ac- tively invests in training whilst cre- ating the right scenario and guid- ance to empower its work force for them to unleash their potential for growth. The onboarding programme saw active participation by all the company partners and senior man- agement, which also reflects the pro-active attitude and direct in- volvement of the company partners in all the organisation's operations. In the final address to those present, Managing Partner Mark Bugeja highlighted that a career with Grant Thornton is one based on growth. "We promise that you will closely interact with colleagues and partners who will provide the necessary coaching whilst working on a variety of projects where you will put in to practice what you've learnt. At Grant Thornton you will work on challenging assignments and help solving real client issues within teams of highly skilled pro- fessionals. The Grant Thornton philosophy promotes self-growth, and offers the right working envi- ronment for enthusiastic and am- bitious minds who want to make a career for themselves while con- tributing to the growth of their cli- ents and the community at large."