Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/882846
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 4 OCTOBER 2017 11 Business Today www.creditinfo.com.mt info@creditinfo.com.mt Tel: 2131 2344 Your Local Partner for Credit Risk Management Solutions Supporting you all the way HSBC Malta introduces new service for small businesses HSBC Bank Malta has launched a new service designed for small businesses, providing commu- nity banking services via the bank's network of branches in Malta's towns and villages, in addition to the latest digital solu- tions. The service, called HSBC Fusion, brings together business banking and personal banking in one simple solution, making it easier for business owners to manage all their financial needs. In Malta, 97 per cent of companies are small businesses, which provide employment to 34 per cent of the workforce and contribute 25 per cent of the country's gross domestic product. Research shows that the majority of these customers prefer a banking solution that is straightforward to access and enables them to manage personal and business requirements together. HSBC Fusion has been designed for business owners with an annual turnover of up to €1 million and borrowing needs up to €100,000. Malta is the first country to launch HSBC Fusion, a new service provided by HSBC Group. This service supports the bank's strategy in Malta, by increasing the range of services offered to business customers in the local community. Customers who are eligible for HSBC Fusion will have access to a new internet banking solution and mobile app that allows business and personal accounts to be managed through a single set of log-on credentials. HSBC has also introduced over 100 trained business banking professionals in branches across Malta and Gozo. HSBC Fusion was officially launched during a customer event held at the HSBC Żabbar Branch, officiated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat alongside HSBC Malta's CEO Andrew Beane and HSBC Global Head of Retail Business Banking Manuel Baldasano. Attendees were welcomed by Żabbar Branch manager Joe Cardona and his colleagues. HSBC Malta CEO Andrew Beane said that HSBC was putting business services back in the heart of the community under the leadership of its branch managers. "Our new service includes an innovative range of digital solutions that make it simpler, faster and more convenient for our customers to manage their finances," he said. "In the coming weeks our branch managers will be inviting local community leaders and business owners to experience the benefits of HSBC Fusion for themselves." HSBC Global Head of Retail Business Banking Manuel Baldasano added: "Over half of the world's economy is now driven by small companies, but they are often treated like smaller versions of big businesses. HSBC Fusion helps small business owners see a full view of their finances, business and personal, and puts information and insights at their fingertips so they can manage on-the-go. We're excited about the opportunity we have through HSBC Fusion to support some extraordinary business owners and the communities in which they operate." More information about HSBC Fusion can be found by visiting any HSBC branch and speaking to our trained specialists, via the dedicated number 2380 2389, or by visiting hsbc.com.mt/fusion Together. Explore the world Following the commencement of their partnership, Emirates and fl ydubai this week an- nounced that Emirates will ex- pand its network to 29 fl ydubai destinations across three conti- nents. The new partner network, through its codeshare, will offer greater frequency and easier access to more global destinations with the advan- tage of connecting baggage to the fi nal destination. Passen- gers can book from 03 October on Emirates.com, through the Emirates Contact Centres or the travel agents network with travel commencing from 29 October 2017. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of fl y- dubai, said, "This is an excit- ing fi rst step in unlocking the benefi ts of the partnership for passengers who will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique advantages each airline offers as well as greater choice and fl exibility when connecting via Dubai. This is just the start and as we expand the partner net- work in the coming months we will open up more opportuni- ties for our passengers to ex- plore the world." Throughout the customer jour- ney Emirates and fl ydubai will deliver a product experience refl ective of their unique brand characteristics. When booked together, as part of the code- share, Emirates passengers will receive complimentary meals and the Emirates checked bag- gage allowance on fl ights oper- ated by fl ydubai in both Busi- ness and Economy Classes. Connecting in Dubai's aviation hub offers a smooth transfer experience and under the new partnership passengers will benefi t from a reduced mini- mum connection time (MCT) between Emirates' home in Terminal 3 and fl ydubai's in Terminal 2 of 120 minutes. Today's announcement is an initial phase of the extensive agreement that will, in future phases, see the creation of ad- ditional city pair connections as the codeshare agreement is expanded and both airlines' networks are optimised. More benefi ts for frequent fl y- ers In this fi rst phase of the part- nership, Emirates Skywards members can earn Skywards miles and Skywards Tier Miles on codeshare fl ights as per the existing Skywards mileage programme. In addition to the Emirates free checked baggage allowance, Skywards Premium mem- bers can also enjoy their extra checked baggage allowances of 20kg (Platinum members), 16kg (Gold members) and 12kg (Silver members) on codeshare fl ights operated by fl ydubai. Skywards Silver, Gold and Platinum members travelling on codeshare fl ights can access fl ydubai's Business Check-in counters and receive priority tags. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat addressing attendees at the launch of Fusion as HSBC Malta CEO Andrew Beane and Zabbar branch manager Joe Cardona look on Following the commencement of their partnership, Emirates and fl ydubai announced that Emirates will ex- pand its network to 29 fl ydubai destinations across three continents.