IGaming Capital Summer 2018

THE NEXT LEVEL OF GROWTH

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BEAT THE PROPERTY TRENDS

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A LOVE AFFAIR WITH MALTA

€8 (WHERE SOLD)

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OFFICIAL PARTNERS

SUMMER 2018

SUMMER 2018 CONTENTS

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18 THE NEXT LEVEL OF GROWTH Malta has been at the forefront of the iGaming industry in Europe since the early 2000s, but what are the challenges and opportunities it faces going forward?

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KEEPING MALTA ATTRACTIVE TO THE GAMING INDUSTRY

CONNECTING THE DOTS OF THE IGAMING ECOSYSTEM

Parliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri explains how the new Gaming Act will help ensure that Malta remains the top pick for potential new investors.

With a number of industries reaching the point of maturity, Christian Sammut and Ivan Filletti of Gaming Malta discuss the dialogue happening within the tech industry.

47 FOUR TOP LOCATIONS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE PROPERTY TRENDS There’s more to Malta than Sliema and St Julian’s – property experts share their better-value, up-and-coming rental locations of choice.

56 THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH For the first time ever, Clarion Gaming is bringing together three of the biggest iGaming events in the world for iGB Live!, the most unmissable appointment in the iGaming calendar.

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68 NINE REASONS WHY YOU’RE ONTO A WINNING STREAK WORKING WITH TWIN Twin’s Chief Brand Officer Marcin Jablonski and Affiliate and Marketing Manager Line Peteri reveal what being a Twinner is all about.

40 GAUGING THE IGAMING GOLD RUSH 62 HEAR THE LIONS ROAR 74 SHIFTING THE GOALPOSTS 014

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80 A QUEST FOR GREATNESS THROUGH CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN The new XCaliber offices deliver more than your average workspace, with innovative, contemporary design that mirrors the work that is done within.

112 INVISIBLE TO THE EYE Here’s why Pierre Lindh, who’s been living in Malta for seven years, thinks there’s nothing quite like Malta’s social life.

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124 ASK THE COACH In her column, C-level executive coach Marion Gamel provides advice to business leaders to empower them on a variety of wide-ranging corporate issues.

140 A LOVE AFFAIR WITH MALTA The history behind Charles & Ron, Maltese fashion’s best-known and loved name(s).

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E 120 THE FINE ART OF INFORMALITY Casa Ellul’s lavish Risette in Valletta manages to strike the perfect balance between fine dining and a casually sophisticated setting.

T 150 IS MALTA EUROPE’S NEW FESTIVAL HUB? With a slew of events taking place over the next few months, it seems like this little rock in the middle of the Med is the next big thing on the circuit.

130 SIX STUNNING LOCATIONS IN MALTA FOR EXERCISING OUTDOORS 134 PAPARAZZI 015

SUMMER 2018 FOREWORD

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SUMMER 2018 FOREWORD

A PLATFORM FOR THE iGAMING INDUSTRY IN MALTA I’m thrilled to be presenting the first ever issue of iGaming Capital, our brandnew, ground-breaking publication, all about the iGaming industry in Malta.

In really quite a short span of time, iGaming has become one of the most important sectors for Malta – besides the significant chunk that it contributes to Malta’s coffers every year, its heavy presence on the island has affected the country’s economy, lifestyle, and culture in countless ways. Yet, up until now, there has never been a publication that caters to the specific interests and needs of this fascinating industry, which is constantly changing and evolving.

As a publishing house, we’ve been told way more than once that there needs to be a strong, high-profile media brand that serves as the voice of the growing iGaming industry in Malta. And as the industry stabilises and grows its roots, we thought the time was ripe for us to fulfil this goal.

With iGaming Capital, we’re hoping to provide the sector and the people who work within it with the platform that they deserve. This first edition features a really exciting mix of in-depth features and interviews about hot-button topics in the industry, such as changing iGaming regulations and what this could mean for Malta, as well as profiles of key industry players, movers and shakers. On the other hand, the iGaming industry is famous for playing as hard as it works, so we also wanted this publication to be something you genuinely enjoy flipping through – providing a glimpse into expat life on these islands, and a giving those who have made Malta their home a guide that they can relate to.

We’re young yet, but the iGaming Capital brand aims to become the number one source for all things gaming. We’re a bi-annual publication, so you’ll see us again in October. Until then, watch this space.

Marie-Claire PUBLISHER Content House Ltd

EDITOR Marie-Claire Grima HEAD OF ADVERTISING SALES Matthew Spiteri

Content House Group Mallia Building, 3, Level 2, Triq in-Negozju, Mriehel BKR3000 Tel: 2132 0713 info@contenthouse.com.mt www.contenthouse.com.mt

BRAND SALES EXECUTIVE Estelle Duca ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Lindsey Napier CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND DESIGN Nicholas Cutajar COVER ILLUSTRATION Cover illustration by Nadine Noko, created exclusively for iGaming Capital.

Content House Ltd would like to thank all the protagonists, contributors, advertisers and the project team that have made this publication a success.

Articles appearing in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Content House Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited. iGaming Capital is distributed to all iGaming companies operating in Malta as well as to relevant business and commercial stakeholders in Malta, including all law firms, financial services companies and business consultancy firms, as well as to all local auditors, accountants and accountancy firms. It is also distributed to all Government ministries and departments, as well as to the waiting areas of all private and public hospitals. Beyond the free distribution network, iGaming Capital is sold at all leading newsagents around Malta. iGaming Capital is also distributed in London to major business and financial consultancy firms as well as to UK-based investment and venture capital firms.

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THE NEXT

LEVEL OF

GROWTH FOR THE IGAMING INDUSTRY IN MALTA

Malta has been leading the iGaming industry in Europe since the early 2000s, and with the introduction of new gaming legislation, as well as huge strides being made in the fields of Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology, it is now focusing all its energy on remaining that way. Marie-Claire Grima looks at the state of the industry in Malta, and the challenges and opportunities going forward.

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n May, Malta’s Parliament approved the third and final reading of the new Gaming Act, which elevated Malta’s jurisdictional profile by strengthening the Malta Gaming Authority’s (MGA) supervisory role – specifically the compliance and enforcement functions – in line with current developments related to antimoney laundering and combating the funding of terrorism. The Gaming Act is expected to be almost as much of a game-changer in 2018 as the Remote Gaming Regulations which Malta issued in 2004, just before it joined the European Union. Since the early 2000s, Malta has emerged as a leading iGaming hub, with the sector directly accounting for 12 per cent of Malta’s gross value added (GVA), generating over €1 billion in terms of GVA in 2016.

“We have a world-class regulatory framework, with quality service and impeccable compliance,” comments Silvio Schembri, Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy, and Innovation.

“Our regulatory repositioning is aimed at providing a more focused approach to develop business-to-business activities, as well as enhancing the efficiency of regulatory processes across all areas of activity. We also have the flexibility needed to meet current and future dynamics with respect to technological developments and market demands.” (Read the full interview with Mr Schembri on p26)

Industry titans, such as Betsson, Paddy Power, Betfair, Unibet, and Tipico have long understood Malta’s unique advantages as a gaming jurisdiction, and grown roots here, but the list of new companies joining Malta’s iGaming sector grows exponentially every year. Among others, 2015 saw the MGA granting licenses to Pinnacle Sports and bet365; to MultiLotto in 2016; and to Unikrn and US fantasy sports giant DraftKings in 2017. Additionally, many of Malta’s first arrivals have grown organically over the past decade.

Nurtured by the ease of doing business and the friendly regulatory environment that’s so conducive to development, countless companies went from small start-ups to global giants, and are now acquiring the innovative brands of their smaller but swifter rivals, with the potential to disrupt the global gaming scene. Malta is the theatre where it is all happening. >

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“Malta is a fascinating story – more than 10 per cent of the island’s GDP comes from an industry that just 15 years ago did not even exist!” exclaims Caroline Palm, Chief Human Resources Officer at LeoVegas. “LeoVegas has been in Malta since October 2012 and one of the reasons we decided to base our operations here was because of Malta’s advanced regulatory framework. Malta has been a great environment for us to grow. We started off with just five employees and we are today over 350 at the Malta office alone.” (Read the full profile with Ms Palm on p62)

THE GAMING ACT IS EXPECTED TO BE ALMOST AS MUCH OF A GAME-CHANGER IN 2018 AS THE REMOTE GAMING REGULATIONS WHICH MALTA ISSUED IN 2004, JUST BEFORE IT JOINED THE EUROPEAN UNION.

Having had nearly 20 years to acclimatise to the demands of the industry, Malta now has a deep talent pool and strong business support services such as gaming law specialists, accountants, and corporate service providers. The presence of data centres, online payment processors, security auditors, gaming software developers, and platform providers, as well as technical expertise to support critical operations in areas such as search engine optimisation and affiliate management companies, has revolutionised the economy and created a highly favourable ecosystem for the industry.

Furthermore, such a close-knit cluster of talent and know-how in one place is relatively unique in Europe, and has certainly contributed to the island’s position as the leading EU jurisdiction for iGaming operators.

“Malta’s economy is booming and unemployment is at an all-time low, thanks to the island being a hub for the iGaming industry. Besides gaming operators, this has attracted a lot of service providers setting up business in Malta. The very essence of what makes recruitment difficult – a lot of companies hungry for talent, is also the same reason why so many people are attracted to move to and work in Malta,” Ms Palm adds.

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That’s not to say that the gaming tax regime doesn’t play a part in all this – Malta’s gaming tax rate can be as low as 0.5 per cent on the gross number of bets accepted for a sportsbook and tax is capped at €466,000 per year.

The cherry on top of the cake is the island’s corporate tax regime – while companies are taxed at 35 per cent, a refund system brings down the effective tax rate to around 5 per cent.

Interest has surged from EU multi-licensed operators and non-EU companies that are looking at Europe as the next frontier for growth, as well as operators finalising Brexit contingency plans. In the 2017 Malta Attractiveness Survey carried out by EY Malta, the iGaming sector was the most attractive sector for foreign direct investment in Malta. With an increasingly mature industry come higher expectations, including demands for smoother processes, as well as better regulation for new forms of gaming.

According to Ivan Filletti, Head of Operations and Business Development at Gaming Malta (a non-profit foundation set up by the Government and the MGA to promote Malta as a centre of excellence in the remote gaming sector globally) “businesses are reaching their maturity, so there’s much more dialogue going on with tech and innovation business. Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Blockchain will help gaming companies take their game to the next level, ultimately helping them be better at what they do so well already. We want to continue seeing organic growth in the iGaming sector, supporting innovative models and ensuring that our mission of fostering a ‘Home of Gaming Excellence’ is also extended to other verticals, particularly to digital gaming and e-sports.” (Read the full interview on p34)

Despite all the positives, Malta faces some challenges. Two-thirds of those employed in the sector are expats, but despite importing top talent, demand still outstrips supply, which inevitably creates wage inflation. In a bid to attract more employees, highly-qualified iGaming specialists enjoy a 15 per cent tax cap on their salaries, while highly-specialised thirdcountry nationals have the advantage of fasttracking their work permits, thanks to a measure introduced in 2016. In a bid to produce more home-grown talent, a newly-established gaming academy – the European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM) seeks to provide training and development opportunities for non-experienced personnel wanting to join the gaming industry.

Measures like this are a must to address the talent shortage.

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The sector’s fast expansion is putting pressure on Malta’s infrastructure. Most iGaming companies choose to locate to Sliema and St Julian’s, making them popular residential areas for iGaming executives. The exceptionally high demand has driven up rent for both offices and apartments in this already leafy part of Malta. If transport and road infrastructure were improved, investors would be encouraged to buy or rent high-quality office space in other localities, allowing the sector to grow out of its traditional hotspots and spread throughout the island.

Furthermore, capacity constraints also have to be tackled in terms of schooling facilities; numerous iGaming professionals have been put off from taking up the positions they were offered in Malta, simply because they could not find suitable schooling for their children. >

Photo by viewingmalta.com

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MALTA HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A GLOBAL CENTRE FOR THE IGAMING INDUSTRY, SIMILAR TO WHAT NEW YORK, HONG KONG AND LONDON ARE TO FINANCE.

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Parliamentary Secretary Schembri shares that Government is well aware of the issues and is seeking to address them. “We acknowledge that there are some infrastructural issues and concerns that have reached us from within the industry, and we are working as a Government to roll out a sustainable longterm strategy to ensure that Malta remains competitive in attracting companies to choose Malta as their primary establishment,” he asserts. “Open dialogue is key and I recognise the importance of faceto-face discussion between key stakeholders, who on their part have the ability to shape the future of gaming regulatory policy, whilst aligning on a proper understanding of our common aims.”

Photo by viewingmalta.com

The gaming industry in global terms is still in its youth, and significant growth is expected in the coming years. Malta has the opportunity to become a global centre for the iGaming industry, similar to what New York, Hong Kong and London are to finance. While Malta’s success so far has been based on its forward-thinking regulatory framework – which was far ahead of its time and established the sector’s base – the future will be secured through its ability to keep up with regulatory, financial and technological innovation whilst ensuring that it has all the right elements in place to accommodate the various facets of the industry.

NEXT… AN ANALYSIS OF MALTA’S IGAMING STRATEGY

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but may have momentarily achieved the aim of tarnishing Malta’s reputation. However, we need to continue to ensure that the sterling reputation that has been built over the years is maintained and strengthened. >

DEVELOPING MALTA’S IGAMING STRATEGY An analysis by Samuel Gauci, Senior Associate at WH Partners, a Malta-based law firm practising in gaming and gambling, ICT, and digital industries.

The gaming environment in Europe has evolved over the years to a situation where today operators require numerous licences to operate in jurisdictions within the European Union. Every jurisdiction legislates according to its policy on gaming and therefore different jurisdictions’ licensing conditions vary. These variations include situations where either all types of games may be licensed, to situations where only a select number of types of games may be licensed; where only monopolies or state-owned operators may offer online games – in which licensing is only possible upon the issuance of tenders – or where licensing is open at all times for operators to enter the market. The technical requirements, reporting requirements and gaming tax rates and calculations also vary depending on each jurisdiction.

This relies largely on what we do as a jurisdiction and how we address any shortcomings, adapt to the changes within the industry, and provide professional expertise. This needs to be done by all stakeholders who form part of the gaming ecosystem in Malta.

Furthermore, we need to continue to strive to attract serious operators whilst also remaining attractive for start-ups to establish themselves in Malta in order to build their innovative ideas and grow from Malta.

Continued consensus at a political level is also important to guarantee stability and continuity from a gaming policy perspective. Gaming legislation needs to ensure that it does not over-regulate but that it achieves what is required to protect the players, keep the operation free from crime, and ensure that the games are fair.

The last few years have proven that Malta is still seen as a hub for online gaming operators, even in light of the changed European environment. It is however important not to rely only on what has been achieved, and to continue to develop the services and expertise available in Malta, whilst offering other services which the industry requires as it continues to develop.

Innovation needs to be embraced and encouraged so that operators are in a position to introduce cuttingedge technology as it becomes available, such as the use of Blockchain technology.

Licensing and compliance have become fundamental areas of the business with the changing landscape of legislation within the EU member states. It is only normal that, as the industry grows, develops and becomes more professional in its operations, the regulatory and licensing requirements will also increase. Gaming operators are now also expanding their markets to outside of Europe and are targeting South America and Asia. This expansion brings with it an increased level of licensing and regulatory obligations which the operators need to address to ensure that they operate in a legal manner. This also gives a gaming licence from Malta more of an international scope for it to be used in jurisdictions outside of Europe which do not prohibit gaming but do not have a local licensing requirement.

Overall, operators need to continue ensuring that the business is continuously operated in a more professional manner. They should seek to have an open dialogue with regulators in order to address any misconceptions on the industry, to continue proving the seriousness of the gaming industry and the business, and striving to ensure that their gaming offering is fair, attractive to players, and free from crime.

This situation is unlikely to change in the absence of harmonised gaming laws in the EU, which are not likely to be achieved in the near future. This is further confirmed with jurisdictions such as Sweden and the Netherlands, which are in the final stages of issuing their own legislation, which will require operators to obtain licences in these jurisdictions as well if they intend to target such markets. It also needs to be seen how Brexit will affect operators’ strategies and licensing requirements, depending on the final outcome of the UK’s negotiations with the EU. We have seen a number of attempts at tainting or undermining Malta’s reputation in the gaming industry and the jurisdiction’s reputation needs to be continuously defended. A lot of sensational mudslinging has been directed towards Malta – ultimately this has not resulted in concrete findings,

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KEEPING

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ATTRACTIVE

TO THE GAMING INDUSTRY

Parliamentary Secretary for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, Silvio Schembri, discusses with Marie-Claire Grima the new Gaming Act aimed at keeping Malta at the forefront of the iGaming global industry, and ensuring it remains the top pick for potential new investors.

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arliamentary Secretary Silvio Schembri is one of the most active champions of the iGaming industry in Malta. With a remit that covers financial services, digital economy, and innovation, he acknowledges right off the bat the importance of the role that the gaming sector plays in Malta, in more ways than is immediately obvious.

“It’s not just the direct and indirect generation of economic activity and employment. The iGaming industry also helped diversify the pattern of economic activity into a new tertiarysector industry; attracted high valueadded human capital with potential spin-off effects on the rest of the labour market; and generated induced effects through the expenditure of the labour force, including the expatriate community,” Mr Schembri says.

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Keeping the importance of the industry to Malta’s economy in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Government is going out of its way to accommodate the industry, whilst ensuring it remains attractive to potential new investors, with the introduction of a new and improved gaming law. The new legislation, the third and final reading of which was approved by Parliament in May, will loosen the onerous bureaucratic procedures that operators are currently facing, and broaden the regulatory scope to increase the Malta Gaming Authority’s (MGA) sphere of activity. >

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The new legislation will allow the MGA to intervene where necessary, strengthening the player protection framework by formalising the role of the MGA’s Player Support Unit as a mediator between aggrieved players and operators.

It will also introduce more effective processes for criminal and administrative justice. Other important areas of focus include consumer protection standards, responsible gaming measures, reporting of suspicious sports betting transactions in the fight against the manipulation of sports competitions, and objective-orientated standards to encourage innovation and development.

“WE WANT TO ENHANCE EFFECTIVE REGULATORY PROCEDURES THAT ARE RISKBASED TO MAXIMISE EFFECTIVENESS AT THE LEAST POSSIBLE BURDEN TO OPERATORS, AND MAXIMISE EFFORTS TO KEEP GAMING FREE FROM CRIME.”

“The improved legislation will empower the regulator to adopt a new approach, by offering innovative regulatory frameworks to accommodate and pre-empt industry needs, including, for example, for games of skill and B2B activities. We also want to enhance effective regulatory procedures that are risk-based so as to maximise effectiveness at the least possible burden to operators, and to maximise efforts to keep gaming free from crime, whilst redoubling our focus on consumer protection. We also want to work with other agencies to ensure that Malta offers a friendly operating environment for gaming operators, including through the attraction and retention of human capital,” Mr Schembri comments.

The legislation is currently undergoing the Technical Regulation Information System process (TRIS), whereby the EU Commission and member states may issue their opinions on the proposed legislation.

The law is then scheduled to come into force on 1st July 2018 for remote gaming operators and, following a transitory period, on 1st January 2019 for land-based operators. >

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“The MGA will periodically review the regulatory performance of the sector and the framework itself, and will advise Government on the attainment of its objectives, especially when it comes to consumer protection and integrity,“ Mr Schembri comments.

The new law will also give the MGA more power to address other pressing issues within the industry – including the skills gap and labour shortage – more efficiently.

“We recently carried out an economic impact assessment of the proposed regulatory package, and the results look positive. The Gaming Act will play a major role in this regard, repositioning Malta at the forefront in gaming regulation,” Mr Schembri says.

“We are expecting an increase in jobs in iGaming, so we are doubling down on the education system to provide the necessary skills in the required numbers and quality.

We need to ensure that we are sufficiently dynamic in meeting the rapidly-changing technologies and skill set requirements.

Recently the European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM) was officially launched, following an agreement signed between the MGA and the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). This will lead to the development of talent in the gaming sector and the creation of more long-term careers for both local and foreign students, through educational programmes which will enhance the sustainability and growth of the workforce in today’s digital economy.”

He states that the measures which are being adopted now will ensure that the industry will continue on its healthy growth trajectory in Malta. “We will be watching and supervising more outsourcing for specialised processes, and to this end there are plans by the regulator to facilitate and supervise such relations depending on their criticality. Innovation is mission critical. Our thinking as a jurisdiction has always been more forward-looking than other European countries.

The fact that many companies based here are expanding their operations, while new ones are moving in, is very positive. This is no coincidence but the result of the trust and integrity enjoyed by our jurisdiction, as well as the strategic repositioning rollout which has taken place over the last few years under the MGA’s watch.” >

“Another issue that comes to mind is keeping up with technological advancements – the industry shouldn’t wait for change to hit them before they adapt. There’s the element of challenging the status quo – entities need to be ruthless in questioning the way things have always been done. This will help eradicate bureaucracy and red tape by fostering a culture of change which in turn brings with it agility and responsiveness.

“We acknowledge that there are some infrastructural issues and concerns that have reached us from within the industry, and we are working as a Government to roll out a sustainable long-term strategy to ensure that Malta remains competitive in attracting companies to choose Malta as their primary establishment. Above all, we want to ensure that the gaming industry continues to be run responsibly, fairly and free from criminal activity,” says Mr Schembri.

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THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL ALLOW THE MGA TO INTERVENE WHERE NECESSARY, STRENGTHENING THE PLAYER PROTECTION FRAMEWORK BY FORMALISING THE ROLE OF THE MGA’S PLAYER SUPPORT UNIT AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN AGGRIEVED PLAYERS AND OPERATORS.

Blockchain and distributed ledger technology (DLT) will also likely have a significant effect on the iGaming industry in Malta. Malta’s efforts to become ‘the Blockchain island’ appear to be reaping plenty of results, with various international companies, enticed by Malta’s innovative proposed DLT regulation, announcing their intentions to set up business here. The DLT policy document seeks to set up the Malta Digital Innovation Authority alongside other legislation to provide legal certainty in the sphere of Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. “This in itself is an opportunity for the gaming industry to innovate on the digital payments side of the value chain, by providing an alternative payment mechanism for players who want to make use of virtual currencies,” Mr Schembri comments. “Having said this, it is important that such a disruptive innovation operates within a properly regulated environment. The authority has embarked on a journey in identifying a potential way forward to develop the right balance of measures which will safeguard the gaming industry against such risks but without stifling innovation and suffocating the legitimate use of cryptocurrency.”

To this effect, the authority will be looking into adopting a sandboxed approach to the acceptance of cryptocurrency in the gaming industry, introducing cryptocurrency as a form of payment in a controlled framework to test the proposed controls and legislation with a view to further refining the regulatory approach. “This approach is ideal since it gives flexibility to be able to manage the various variable risks and allows for a track record of cryptocurrency usage in the industry to be built in a controlled manner.”

Mr Schembri winds down the interview by stating that the double-digit growth in European gaming has to be nurtured not through tough regulation but fair, logical, and evidence-based measures and processes that are applied knowingly, efficiently and consistently across all forms of gaming. “The gaming industry is constantly subject to development in terms of ongoing convergence, technology and its increasing attractiveness, and as a result requires frequent reconsideration from a regulatory perspective.

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With that in mind, entities charged with the regulation of this industry, like the MGA, often find themselves in difficulty trying to achieve the right balance between setting the right environment for regulated business to thrive and promoting responsible and legal behaviour. Open dialogue is key and I recognise the importance of face-to-face discussion between key stakeholders, who on their part have the ability to shape the future of gaming regulatory policy, whilst aligning on a proper understanding of our common aims. Indeed, there is always a trade-off to be made but I believe that we generally manage to strike a balanced approach.”

Essentially, Mr Schembri concludes, the success of Malta as an iGaming jurisdiction speaks for itself. “We need to remain humble and cultivate a sense of vigilance in the wake of disruption and the changes it brings with it.”

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“Engaging with all the key stakeholders and ensuring we connect with the different parts of the industry to promote, strengthen and accelerate growth across all gaming sectors is of perennial importance,” says Christian Sammut, Gaming Malta's Chairman. “Joining and connecting the dots within the ecosystem is a vital component of our work. Our networking events and international roadshows serve as a platform for this, and also help to attract investors to the industry.”

Mr Sammut asserts that, despite Malta’s continued success, it is not a time to rest on our laurels, and says that Gaming Malta is firmly focused on ensuring that Malta retains its excellent gaming position while responding to challenges with wellthought out, collaborative and sustainable solutions. “We work closely with the public sector, for example, Identity Malta, to facilitate the service given to remote gaming companies in light of their influx of talent. We also hold Identity Malta outreach programmes at our Smart City offices, and visit gaming companies to address their employees and hear their feedback about the jurisdiction. On the property front, we have initiated a collaboration with PropertyMalta to address challenges which the sector is facing in this regard.”

Gaming Malta Chairman Christian Sammut and Head of Operations and Business Development Ivan Filletti tell Martina Said about the organic growth of the iGaming sector, and the wealth of new opportunities the gaming industry has to offer.

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asked with promoting Malta globally as a centre of excellence in the digital and remote gaming sector, Gaming Malta is responsible for liaising with the relevant authorities to improve Malta's attractiveness as a jurisdiction and enhance the ecosystem surrounding the gaming industry.

Since the independent non-profit foundation’s inception three years ago, its remit has broadened to encompass all sectors of the gaming world, including digital gaming and e-sports.

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Beyond engaging with the public sector, Ivan Filletti, Gaming Malta's Head of Operations and Business Development, says that gaming companies are increasingly evolving into tech companies in their own right, and so, the foundation is intensifying its efforts to reach out to other non-gaming channels. “We believe that while there is awareness of the sector, there isn't enough awareness about the specific skills and know-how that the industry brings to the island,” he explains. “Our European Fantasy Sports Summit (EFSS) during SiGMA was our first foray into organising a largescale sectoral-specific conference, which brought international speakers to one Daily Fantasy Sports summit. EFSS is to become a staple in the global Daily Fantasy Sports international calendar, and we are looking into more sectoral events of this kind.” >

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Furthermore, Gaming Malta supports initiatives and promotes start-up events on international roadshows with the aim of giving start-up founders a platform to present their new business models. The foundation is also digging into equality and diversity in the gaming workplace by kick-starting relevant conversations with the sector. “Our support to organisations like 100 Women in Finance gives impetus to this important initiative,” says Mr Filletti.

“We have now been given the remit to draw up a national strategy for the digital gaming sector, which is a new ball game altogether with its distinct challenges and opportunities.”

Speaking of opportunities, Mr Filletti envisages a merging of factors within the industry which will give rise to plenty of new and exciting prospects in the coming months and years. “Businesses are reaching their maturity, so there’s much more dialogue going on with tech and innovation business. Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Blockchain will help gaming companies take their game to the next level, ultimately helping them be better at what they do so well already. We want to continue seeing organic growth of the iGaming sector, supporting innovative models and ensuring that our mission of fostering a ‘Home of Gaming Excellence’ is also extended to other verticals, particularly to digital gaming and e-sports.” Mr Filletti continues.

Christian Sammut, Gaming Malta Chairman. Photo by Alan Carville

On a global scale, the digital gaming market is estimated to have generated $109.5 billion (€92 billion) in 2017, and is predicted to grow to over $159.3 billion (€134 billion) by 2022 – a fiveyear compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent, with growth led primarily by Asia and the mobile gaming market. “In Malta, we have some excellent foreign and local game studios, and we have been tasked with setting up a country strategy for this sector, which we are currently working on,” he adds.

“SMART CONTRACTS OFFER THE ABILITY FOR A RANDOMNUMBER GENERATION (RNG) TO TAKE PLACE IN AN ENTIRELY DECENTRALISED AND VERIFIABLE WAY.” Christian Sammut, Chairman 036

With regards to e-sports, which have higher viewership than most traditional sports, Mr Filletti says it offers a wealth of opportunities to tap into.

“A recent European e-sports tournament we attended had 25,000 ‘bums on seats’, yet 46.6 million viewers watching online. So you have highlyengaged, affluent millennials watching, and Malta can serve as a base not just for tournaments but also as a base for team franchises. Just think of the marketing potential for Malta with all those online viewers, with an attractive demographic and visiting fans to the island.” >

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Turning to one of the most talkedabout technologies of the moment – Blockchain – will the positioning of Malta as a ‘Blockchain island’ benefit the gaming industry? “We are positioning Malta as a Distributed Ledger Technology frontrunner, and we believe that DLT is a paradigm shift which will transform industries around us, including bringing gaming companies to a new digital age,” says Mr Sammut.

“For example, when it comes to proving the fairness of a result or draw and ensuring transparency of pay-outs, Blockchain is a potential solution. Due to its decentralised nature, Blockchain is not controlled by a single user, making it almost impossible to change or tamper with the underlying data. This means that Blockchain offers the concept of ‘provable fairness’, since smart contracts offer the ability for a random-number generation (RNG) to take place in an entirely decentralised and verifiable way.”

“A RECENT EUROPEAN E-SPORTS TOURNAMENT WE ATTENDED HAD 25,000 ‘BUMS ON SEATS’, YET 46.6 MILLION VIEWERS WATCHING ONLINE.” Ivan Filletti, Head of Operations and Business Development

While opportunities within and for the industry abound, there are also challenges, and Mr Sammut is frank about the biggest task currently afflicting the gaming industry. “Talent. Talent. Talent. Success breeds success, and ultimately, it is all a talent game. Attracting the right talent to the sector is vital, and we need to work hand-in-hand with the industry to ensure there’s a steady stream of home-grown talent and foreign employees willing to relocate to Malta.”

Ivan Filletti, Head of Operations and Business Development.

Photo by Alan Carville

Gaming Malta is currently working with the Federico II University in Naples, which houses the only Apple iOS academy in Europe, with the aim of enabling Maltabased gaming companies to tap into emerging talent. Similar collaborations will also be extended to other European colleges and universities. “The recently-launched European Gaming Institute of Malta (EGIM) is a step in the right direction.

Local students seeking a career in iGaming will gain a solid academic foundation leading up to a Master’s programme, enhanced by visiting lecturers from the industry. This ensures the continued relevance of the syllabus in line with the needs of the sector.”

Looking ahead, Mr Filletti states that working in tandem with the relevant authorities is vital for the continued success of the industry. “Many operators see us as the bridge to the public sector, so we have set up strong collaborative relationships with the Parliamentary Secretariat for Financial Services, Digital Economy and Innovation, IdentityMalta, PropertyMalta and Malta Enterprise to name a few. We subscribe to the public sector having a pro-business approach, and ease of doing business should underline all these processes.”

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SUMMER 2018 FOCUS

GAUGING THE

iGAMING

GOLD RUSH Much has been made of Malta’s winning hand dealt with the rise of the iGaming industry.

But, with the sector now worth over 12 per cent of the local GDP, has it really created a knock-on effect on other businesses?

Rebecca Anastasi speaks to stakeholders across a range of commercial enterprises to find out more.

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alta’s online gaming industry has ballooned over the past few years, with official figures telling a story of prosperity, high employment and increasing revenue for the island. However, the direct investment injected into the economy by operators in the sector tells only part of the story. There is another to tell, that of the way in which this gold rush may have benefitted other industries. Have they seen an increase in revenue? And how have they adapted their operations to suit the demands of this healthy young industry?

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT The rise of iGaming has “coincided with the increase of affluent business professionals on the island”, according to Jon Grafton, Creative Marketing Manager for Azure and Azure Ultra – an outfit which organises yacht charters. Mr Grafton says that the industry sees chartering a yacht “as an ideal way to spend leisure time and de-stress.” He estimates that around 20 per cent of Azure Ultra’s business comes from those involved in iGaming, from professionals seeking to book a private charter, to businesses organising team-building exercises. “The increased demand has had a positive impact on our bottom line, which we plough back into the business by purchasing more yachts and employing more captains and crew,” Mr Grafton explains.

Indeed, as a result of the increased business, the agency has created tailor-made charter packages for the sector, since “iGamingoriented bookings tend to include a lot more special requests in terms of cuisine, water sports and themed itineraries, such as famous film locations around the Maltese archipelago,” he says. Moreover, the company has had to become more flexible to accommodate last-minute changes, and bookings, in order to keep up with the demands from the sector. The team also now includes a specialist charter executive “who is a wiz at creating bespoke charter packages”.

While Azure is experiencing an increased demand for specialised on-board catering and services, which come at an extra cost, it is careful to ensure that its prices are fair.

“Our prices are always right because we – quite uniquely among Malta yacht charter companies – own our own yachts and they’re all fully insured,” Mr Grafton says.

The company plans to keep building on this success, offering corporate conference packages at sea. “iGaming has a great need for variety and excitement, and that’s what we’ll offer,” Mr Grafton asserts.

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Back on dry land, catering establishments in the main entertainment areas of Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s seem to be constantly pounding with patrons, with tables often difficult to secure, unless you have a booking. Robert Bonnici, PR and Marketing Manager for the ubiquitous Hugo’s brand, underlines this “positive effect” on the industry.

Not only do professionals working in the iGaming sector “frequent our venues on a regular basis, but their spend is often much higher than average,” he explains. Moreover, there has been greater demand for corporate functions and private events catering to the local and international iGaming community.

Andrew Galea, Marketing Manager of the fivestar Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay and four-star Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort, adds that while the company picks up business for corporate and social events, as well as some hotel bookings for visiting delegates, the business accrued during industry conferences, such as SiGMA, is what really makes a difference to the company’s bottom line, with many delegates staying in the hotel. Indeed, the remote gaming sector is a market the Group is very interested in. “We are currently in the process of promoting the range of services Corinthia possesses, not only in terms of hotel rooms, but also ancillary entertainment services such as restaurants, bars and event venues,” Mr Galea says. >

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IT INFRASTRUCTURE As a sector which relies heavily on technology, iGaming requires high-level resources and services. Computime Software, a company which specialises in providing IT infrastructure, software and business solutions, is one stakeholder which supplies such products and capabilities to businesses operating in Malta’s online gaming industry.

John Wood, the company’s CEO, says that the company has seen a positive multiplier effect arising from the increased business with iGaming companies. “The sector attracts large multinational iGaming operations which create demand for the software and infrastructural solutions which we deliver,” he states, going on to assert that this accounts for “currently, approximately 15 per cent of our revenue.” The most common solutions on-demand are IT engineering and infrastructural solutions, IT security products and services, and software solutions focused on compliance monitoring and marketing optimisation, he explains.

“THE SECTOR ATTRACTS LARGE MULTINATIONAL IGAMING OPERATIONS WHICH CREATE DEMAND FOR THE SOFTWARE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS WHICH WE DELIVER.” John Wood, CEO, Computime

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He also notes that iGaming clients demand sophisticated solutions and, as a result, the market “provides us with an opportunity to develop our business, and to adapt our solutions by widening our product portfolio with a clear focus on servicing iGaming companies.” As a result, Computime is customising its software solutions to meet the specific demands of the iGaming sector, enabling them to deliver a quick return-on-investment to their clients. Other changes the company has instituted include adapting its client onboarding process to make sure “we only do business with reputable and established iGaming companies”, allowing the company to better manage its payment and credit terms, along with the other business risks inherent in such an enterprise. >

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“REMOTE GAMING HAS GIVEN US THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE OUR METTLE IN MANAGING THE VARIED AND SOMETIMES COMPLEX INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS THAT THE GAMING INDUSTRY NEEDS.” Malcolm Ellul, Associate Director, Mediterranean Insurance Brokers

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INSURANCE The meteoric rise of the iGaming industry has also resulted in a demand for ancillary corporate services in a variety of fields such as insurance. “Remote gaming has given us the opportunity to prove our mettle in managing the varied and sometimes complex insurance requirements that the Gaming industry needs,” says Malcolm Ellul, Associate Director of Mediterranean Insurance Brokers (MIB), specifying that it now manages a sizeable gaming portfolio, which is growing rapidly.

While Mr Ellul admits it is hard to establish the percentage of MIB’s business derived directly from the iGaming sector, he claims that the requirements are broad and range from “the direct insurances taken out by the business operators themselves” to “affinity and benefit schemes for employees.”

The company hopes to attract even more interest in future, and to this end, has started attending iGaming-related conferences locally and overseas, and “plans to remain a market leader in providing insurance arrangements for the gaming industry” since “gaming falls within the natural growth process of the group,” Mr Ellul asserts.

Indeed, this seems to be the trend across the board. As Malta continues to attract further investment in the field of iGaming, businesses in attendant sectors are gearing up to continue offering the specialised resources to the sector, thus enabling Malta to retain its competitivity and its winning streak.

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SUMMER 2018 PROPERTY

FOUR TOP LOCATIONS TO HELP YOU BEAT THE PROPERTY TRENDS

St Julian’s and Sliema may be two of the most desirable places to live in Malta, but they are also the most expensive. Here, Jo Caruana asks the experts to share their better-value, up-and-coming rental locations of choice.

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f you’re on the hunt for a place to live in Malta, then you may be particularly drawn to Sliema and St Julian’s – and for good reason. Both of these locations have been popular with expats for many years – they are right by the sea, have lovely promenades and places to walk, plenty of restaurants and cafés, and apartments with sea views. But they are also very expensive. Since Malta’s rental boom, apartments here have doubled in price and become very difficult to get hold of.

So, it makes sense to look for viable alternatives, and there are plenty to choose from. Although Malta is arguably small, each of its towns or villages has something unique to offer and there are several benefits to being slightly further afield. After all, it’s always interesting to explore what a country has to offer beyond its busiest parts. With that in mind, we spoke to some of the leading real estate companies on the island to determine their picks for the most upand-coming destinations for those after a top rental property, which is still close enough to Sliema and St Julian’s for comfort. >

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SUMMER 2018 PROPERTY

Photo by RE/MAX >

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SAN GWANN Located in the centre of the island, San Gwann is just a short bus ride, bike ride or drive from Sliema and St Julian’s but it is markedly cheaper on the property scale. Although the location doesn’t enjoy sea views, most of the properties here are within easy walking distance of a bank, pharmacy, shops, take-aways, cafés and other facilities. “There’s definitely more of a choice in San Gwann,” says Michaela Tabone, Assistant Regional Lettings Manager at RE/MAX Malta. “And you’re more likely to find somewhere with outdoor spaces within your budget, just like this farmhouse. Plus, lower prices mean you get better value, and can perhaps afford to live in a nicer place than you would in the most expensive areas.

For €4,000 per month, this farmhouse promises four bedrooms, a study, woodstove, kitchen/breakfast area, and a beautiful garden with a swimming pool.”

“LOWER PRICES MEAN YOU GET BETTER VALUE, AND CAN PERHAPS AFFORD TO LIVE IN A NICER PLACE.” Michaela Tabone, Assistant Regional Lettings Manager, RE/MAX

San Gwann is also one of the choices for Steven Pecorella, Belair’s Lettings Consultant. “It’s a great alternative option after you move away from the popular stretch between Gżira and St Julian’s,” he says. “It is constantly being redeveloped, and you can enjoy a better standard of living here when you consider that prices are lower, so life becomes more affordable. It is a very wellbalanced locality.”

Photo by Dhalia

“You can get a good value, centrally-located apartment for around €1,000, with an openplan kitchen, living and dining area, two double bedrooms and a large bathroom, as well as a dishwasher, washing machine and large flat screen TV in the living room.”

Photo by Dhalia

Also in San Gwann is a property selected by Dhalia’s Benji Psaila. “This apartment – priced at €4,500 – really brings something special to the market,” he says. “It is stylish, unique and quirky – while also being very chic. As a property it enjoys 270-degree views of the island and has a lovely terrace from which to enjoy them.

All the rooms lead directly onto the terrace – complete with an outdoor kitchen, a pizza oven, chill-out area and pool. It also has a twocar interconnecting garage.” >

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BIRKIRKARA HAS EXCELLENT AMENITIES, WITH LARGE SUPERMARKETS, CAFÉS, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS, AS WELL AS GREAT TRANSPORT LINKS.

Photo by RE/MAX

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BIRKIRKARA Known as Malta’s ‘second town’ after Valletta, Birkirkara is located in the centre of the island. It has excellent amenities, with large supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as great transport links. “It’s also very central, which makes it easy to get to and from the gaming hub,” explains RE/MAX's Michaela.

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For €1,200 a month in Birkirkara, you can get a welcoming, modern three-bedroom property. “This particular property is spacious and comfortable at 150sqm, with a hallway, a spacious kitchen/ dining and a living room, three double bedrooms including walk-in wardrobes, two large en suites, a main bathroom, a box room and its own full roof, which means you can enjoy the views,” Michaela says. >

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PIETÀ

“THE VIEWS IN PIETÀ ARE STUNNING – THERE’S A VARIETY TO CHOOSE FROM, INCLUDING VISTAS OF THE MARINA AND ALL THE WAY TO VALLETTA.”

Photo by Dhalia

Aside from San Gwann, Dhalia’s Benji selects Pietà as his next choice for well-priced rental property.

“Pietà is an excellent location because it is so wellconnected,” he says. “For instance, it’s just a 20-minute walk to Valletta. Much of it also enjoys sea views, like this apartment, which is on the market for €900 per month. It looks out over the Ta’ Xbiex marina and Valletta peninsula, and has two large bedrooms, a balcony, and a study.”

Photo by Dhalia

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Pietà is also the ideal choice for Mark Sant Cassia, Brand Manager - Sliema at Quicklets.

“Firstly, the views are stunning,” he says. “There’s a variety to choose from, including vistas of the marina and all the way to Valletta. It’s also so easy to get to the capital on the bus, and prices here are definitely lower.

This particular penthouse comes in at €2,500 and has really lovely views of the yachts and marina, as well as three bedrooms, three bathrooms, plenty of natural light and airconditioning throughout.” >

Photo by Quicklets

Mark Sant Cassia, Branch Manager - Sliema, Quicklets

Photo by Quicklets

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“ATTARD IS CENTRAL, BUT ALSO HAS NICE COUNTRYSIDE WALKS AND IS AN EASY DRIVE UP NORTH TO THE BEACHES OR DOWN SOUTH TO THE FISHING VILLAGES.” Steven Pecorella, Lettings Consultant, Belair

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ATTARD Going further inland, Attard is one of the popular ‘three villages’, along with Lija and Balzan. It is largely residential, with plenty of good facilities and first-rate transport links.

“Attard promises an excellent standard of living,” continues Belair’s Steven. “It’s central, but also has nice countryside walks and is an easy drive up north to the beaches or down south to the fishing villages You can find maisonettes in the heart of the village, close to all amenities and public transport, for a €1,300 monthly price tag. They are generally spacious, with large living and dining areas, kitchens, bedrooms, yards and garages.”

The three villages of Lija, Attard and Balzan have also been increasing in popularity due to their proximity to Mriehel, an industrial town on the outskirts of Birkirkara. Formerly known only for its cluster of factories and garages, Mriehel is embracing its changing identity as a hub for many of Malta’s companies, from financial services to software firms. “The central office district of Mriehel is undoubtedly an upand-coming area, with many new state of the art office buildings being built,” comments Robert Spiteri Paris, Perry’s Joint Managing Director and Head of Lettings .

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GREATEST

THE

SHOW

ON EARTH For the first time ever, Clarion Gaming is bringing together three of the biggest iGaming events in the world for the most unmissable appointment in the iGaming calendar. Shona ODonnell, Clarion Gaming’s Portfolio Director and Sadie Walters, Clarion Gaming’s Conference Manager, speak to Marie-Claire Grima all about this highlyanticipated triple-brand event.

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hree of the most popular and highly-respected iGaming events worldwide – Amsterdam’s iGaming Super Show, Berlin’s Excellence in Gaming (EiG), and the Amsterdam Affiliate Conference – will, for the first time ever, come together at a consolidated three-brand event called iGB Live!, which will be held from 17th to 20th July 2018 at the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Convention Centre, and organised by legendary iGaming event organisers, Clarion Gaming.

The consolidation of the three events into one, says Shona ODonnell, Clarion Gaming’s Portfolio Director, was in direct response to feedback from the industry.

“The events calendar is increasingly busy with new events being added all the time.

This puts a lot of pressure on resources, both time and financial, and we wanted to help clients manage this. By bringing these events together, it allows them to consolidate and focus their marketing campaigns across the year,” she says.

“The aim of iGB Live! is to take the best elements of all these shows and bring them together under one roof, so we’ll have the same busy show floor delegates have come to expect at iGaming Super Show, as well as free content on the show floor. There will be a big networking event every night and lots of smaller niche events – for example, Bingo drinks and a Sports Betting get-together – making it easier for visitors to meet the right partners.”

“EIG AND THE IGAMING SUPER SHOW HAVE BEEN HIGH-QUALITY EVENTS FOR MANY YEARS, AND BRINGING THEM TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF WILL ENABLE DELEGATES AND SPONSORS TO MEET EVEN MORE KEY PLAYERS IN THE AFFILIATE AND B2B SPACE.” Tom Light, Vice President of Business Development, SBTech

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Shona ODonnell, Clarion Gaming’s Portfolio Director

Attendees should come prepared for the biggest event for the online gaming industry worldwide. “We expect to see over 5,400 visitors from over 100 countries, and close to 180 exhibitors and sponsors, across four days of conference and networking,” Shona says. “This really is the place where the industry comes to do business.” Free-to-attend content includes two days of affiliate marketing content, an International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) masterclass, and Launchpad, where attendees can preview the brightest new start-ups in the industry before they hit the stratosphere.

Besides a wealth of high-quality, freeto-attend content, iGB Live!’s paidfor conference area, iGB Live! HQ, will certainly give the conference’s paying guests their money’s worth. “We are very excited about the introduction of iGB Live!

HQ,” Shona says. “The HQ includes the Hive, Boardroom, Counsel, and Elevator conference spaces, as well as a large networking area. This will be an amazing experiential space where delegates who attend our paid-for conferences can have meetings off the main expo floor, experience new ways of content delivery and take part in curated networking.” >

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“We carried out extensive research with our former EiG audiences to try and understand the experience and knowledge combination that our attendees were looking for,” comments Sadie Walters, Clarion Gaming’s Conference Manager. “Through this pursuit we discovered that some people just came for networking, while others came to learn. Either way, this helped us focus on delivery methods as well as content. The four spaces really represent different parts of the iGaming industry – Hive for international expansion, growth and partnerships; Counsel for debate, social responsibility and politics; Elevator for strategy, technology adoption, spark, and design; and Boardroom, for a glimpse into the future.”

iGaming Super Show 2017

“It is a really exciting time in iGaming, and this will definitely be reflected in the programme,” Sadie continues. “With industry-wide adoption of technology such as AI, machine-learning and advanced data science, iGB Live! HQ will seek out the latest innovation in these areas from experts in and outside the industry. We also know that regulatory, political and social issues are peaking in importance currently, so we will definitely be covering iGaming’s most challenging questions.”

The introduction of iGB TV will also add a unique digital element to iGB Live! In addition to the show and organiser content denoting the programme of daily events, the conference and seminar programme, breaking show news, and live segments from the show floor showing sights and sounds, there will be a limited opportunity for exhibitors and sponsors alike to take advantage of one of the bespoke airtime packages. “iGB TV delivered by Smart Digital now gives customers the opportunity to deliver content across our diverse range of strategically-placed screens in high traffic areas around the show floor,” says Shona.

“With the addition of iGB TV the screen network ensures all component parts of the exhibition are served by a digital solution, offering an unparalleled, dynamic and flexible broadcast medium for the iGB Live! team and exhibitors.” >

Sadie Walters, Clarion Gaming’s Conference Manager

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iGB Live! also offers a broad spectrum of exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities to different kinds of operators within the iGaming ecosystem. “We are delighted to have BetConstruct, EGO, EGT Interactive, Ecopayz, Mansion Affiliates, Digitain, Gamanza Group, 888.com and 1xbet on board as premium sponsors,” says Shona. “We still have a range of exciting sponsorships and spaces available, and anyone interested in finding out more should get in touch.”

“The fact that the industry is so excited about the event and fully supports it motivates us to never stop learning and try to make each event better than the last. With iGB Live!, there is no other show that combines all of these elements in one place,” Shona shares. “Like the iGaming Super Show before it, iGB Live! will be the place where

Excellence in Gaming 2017

“MICROGAMING IS FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THE PLANS TO INCORPORATE EIG INTO NEXT YEAR’S IGAMING SUPER SHOW. ITS JULY TIME SLOT WORKS WELL – LONG ENOUGH AFTER ICE, AND JUST BEFORE THE SUMMER BREAK. IT IS A BOLD STEP AND SHOULD BE WELLRECEIVED BY THE INDUSTRY.” Penny Campbell, Head of Events, Microgaming

deals are done and long-term partnerships forged. The level of networking on offer in the beautiful city of Amsterdam is second to none. I really believe that iGB Live! is going to be a game changer and one not to be missed. There is no other event that truly covers all sectors of the industry.

From suppliers to regulators, affiliates and payments, it’s all there.”

To find out more about sponsorships and spaces available at iGB Live! 2018, contact Jake Lemer on jake.lemer@clariongaming.com

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HEAR THE LIONS

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

LeoVegas knows that the secret behind the success of any great company lies in its employees. Chief Human Resources Officer Caroline Palm speaks to Lewis Pitcher all about the philosophy behind the company’s LeoCulture initiative.

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t’s safe to say that 2017 was an eventful year for LeoVegas. The company became a tech unicorn – a privately-held start-up company valued at over $1 billion, like Spotify, Skype and King – and switched its listing to Nasdaq Stockholm Main Market. It also made strategic choices, with the acquisition of Winga, Royal Panda, Rocket X, IPS and Casino Grounds, bringing added value and strength to LeoVegas Mobile Gaming Group and enabling the company to grow internationally in regulated markets, according to its strategy.

“From my perspective, I am amazed at how our company culture has matched our acquired companies’ cultures and how many passionate people we now have on our team that are involved in helping us lead

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the way in to the mobile future,” says Caroline Palm, LeoVegas’ Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our initial success relied heavily on a close-knit tech team working with the latest mobile technology, in combination with strategic marketing and of course, a lot of passion. Today we are over 750 employees within the Group and have offices all over Europe.”

early days was that our employees had the freedom to act on opportunities and were able to influence how we did things, thereby keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive. For us, this is exactly the culture that we want to keep on growing and nurturing as we continue to expand, without losing track of where we are going.”

LeoVegas has been in Malta since October 2012, and Caroline says that one of the reasons it decided to base its operations here was because of Malta’s advanced regulatory framework. “We started off with just five employees and we are today over 350 at the Malta office alone. Like many other successful companies, we have experienced rapid growth in employee numbers. One of the key factors to our success in our

“WE STARTED OFF WITH JUST FIVE EMPLOYEES AND WE ARE TODAY OVER 350 AT THE MALTA OFFICE ALONE.”

The company decided to launch LeoCulture – a company-wide culture project – last year and has been working hard on ensuring that all employees are aligned with what the company wants to achieve and how to go about doing it. “LeoCulture is all about creating self-driven employees, who have the freedom to take wise decisions supported by our passion, cornerstones and attitudes. With self-driven employees, we will be able to retain the speed of a start-up, but with much more clarity on what we are trying to achieve,” Caroline says.

LeoCulture is made up of the company’s Passion – leading the way to a mobile future – along with four Cornerstones and five Attitudes. “Our Passion guides us on where we are going. Our Cornerstones ensure we provide a great gaming experience and maintain rapid growth, while ensuring that it is all about the people, in keeping our employees happy and providing the right tools for our customers when it comes to responsible gaming,” Caroline explains.

The company’s five Attitudes act as slogans that sum up the company’s principles – We Make It Happen, Simplicity Rules, We Chase Betterness, Trust and Accountability Counts, and We are Team Leo. “These five Attitudes are built around having courage in what we do, finding solutions and challenging ourselves to achieve the wow factor, in a fun and friendly environment where we respect each other and our customers,” she elaborates. >

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Recruitment over the past years has transformed quite a bit, Caroline states, and hiring people solely based on their résumés is now passé. “Our dedicated team of recruiters looks for candidates with the right set of skills and the right type of attitude who are able to fit in within LeoVegas and match our culture.

It’s not an easy task but once we find the right fit, we can be sure that they will be able to integrate easily, be great team players and succeed within.”

RECRUITMENT OVER THE PAST YEARS HAS TRANSFORMED QUITE A BIT, AND HIRING PEOPLE SOLELY BASED ON THEIR RÉSUMÉS IS NOW PASSÉ.

ADDICTION WITH TACKLING GAMING LEOSAFEPLAY to promoting afePlay – a site fully dedicated In 2017, LeoVegas launched LeoS rs who are ome cust for helps create a risk profile responsible gaming. LeoSafePlay machine on d base is lay afeP ing behaviour. LeoS omers at risk of developing unhealthy gam cust for le profi risk a te crea y the compan selfa learning and algorithms that help s tain con ealthy gaming behaviour. It also and its who stand a risk at developing unh hab ing gam r thei of become more aware assessment tool so customers can launched also has y pan com The . late re they esca identify any problematic areas befo reness in all onsible gaming to increase awa resp in ing train e loye emp extensive areas of the business. pay for initial piloting a new project where we “As a part of LeoSafePlay, we are deem require we who for those customers therapy and counselling sessions we are giving that fact the is e . “Another initiativ professional help,” says Caroline accessing any web filter which blocks users from away free licences to GamBan, a lysing all the ana y rs in need. We are currentl online gambling sites, to custome can take it we how into ing LeoSafePlay and look successes we have achieved with to the next level.”

Additionally, recruiting for certain roles has become easier due to the international workforce that the industry has managed to attract. “The very essence of what makes recruitment difficult, namely a lot of companies hungry for talent, is also the same reason why so many people are attracted to move to and work in Malta. So while we do face some challenges with certain roles, we are very lucky to find a lot of talent that is already on the island. However, we do sometimes need to attract specialised talent from abroad to fill certain roles,” says Caroline. “Our employees enjoy various benefits such as gym subsidies, classes at a leading fitness club, a healthy snack bar each day and breakfast buffet every week. Moreover, we allow our employees to develop throughout their journey at LeoVegas and encourage them to take on further responsibilities over time. I am happy to say that quite a large proportion of our job vacancies are actually filled by internal talent. Recently, an independent survey showed that around 90 per cent of our employees would recommend a career at LeoVegas to their family and friends – a number we are extremely proud of and is an important KPI for us to track.”

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Moving forward, LeoVegas’ goal is to accelerate the growth trend with strong organic growth and several acquisitions. “We have various short and long-term plans which should see our operations in Malta and other countries expand further. LeoVegas is targeting at least €600 million in revenue by 2020 and at least €100 million in EBITDA by 2020 for the entire Group. Our main aim is to keep strengthening our products through innovation and to keep expanding into more regulated markets as a GameTech Group.”

LeoVegas won Best Employer in the latest Malta iGaming Awards. Check out current vacancies on www.LeoVegasCareers.com or on Facebook at LeoVegasCareers

SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

Marcin Jablonski, Chief Brand Officer.

Photos by Alan Carville

REASONS WHY Y OU’RE O NTO A WINNING STREAK W ORK ING WITH T WIN

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

Working in the iGaming sector has its perks, but working with Twin is a badge of honour. Rebecca Anastasi meets Chief Brand Officer Marcin Jablonski and Affiliate and Marketing Manager Line Peteri to find out what being a Twinner is all about.

1.You get to work in a laser-focused start-up Some of the world’s most successful and iconic businesses started life as an entrepreneurial glint in someone’s eye, driven by a passionate workforce, who eat, sleep and breathe the business. And so it is with Twin. The company has only been operating in its present form since January 2017 and it has already made great strides, having launched its online casino in August 2017 and employing 30 specialists in various fields. “Working in this dynamic industry has a lot of privileges and advantages but committing to a start-up is like life: things don’t always work as perfectly as you might have planned, and they might not work as they would in companies which employ more than 200 people,” Chief Brand Officer (CBO) Marcin Jablonski says. “But this is part of the excitement. We are lucky we are still a very small team and we get to help each other. We have some rules, of course, but we try to benefit from the fact that we are a start-up.”

The company’s entrepreneurial agility rises from its position as a vital, young business, with experience. “I’m fairly new here so I still have fresh eyes,” says Affiliate and Marketing Manager Line Peteri, “but Twin has the entrepreneurial spirit which encourages you to go the extra mile. It’s a very interesting journey to be a part of.”

2. You can be at the forefront of innovation If you’re brimming with big, bold ideas, a company like Twin is the perfect petri dish, cultivating an environment in which innovation can flourish. Indeed, Marcin explains the importance placed on creativity at Twin, asserting that this is what propels it forward.

“Since we launched, we’ve been adding features and functionalities twice a month. We’ve been cooking up so many cool things!” He talks about his favourite innovation, the mini-screen, which

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allows players to continue with the game even if they’ve left the site, similar to other webbased video streaming sites, and describes this as a perfect example of how the team came together to create something new. “That is literally the work of a team, and not any one person.”

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3. You are part of an organisation which keeps growing swiftly With an office in Riga, and another one in Malta, Twin has expanded swiftly, consolidating its initial workforce with professionals from various fields. “We’ve been growing quite quickly in almost every area,” Marcin explains. “We are an online casino, but we also carry out a number of different operations – such as optimising campaigns, going to conferences, event planning, writing content – so we need different skill sets.”

“When you’re in the process of establishing the company, you focus on the important things which are the product improvements and getting the team together. There is competition in this industry, the same as in any other industry, so we need to always be smarter and work harder.”

Line Peteri, Affiliate and Marketing Manager.

Photo by Brian Grech

“THIS COMPANY HAS THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT WHICH ENCOURAGES YOU TO GO THE EXTRA MILE. IT’S A VERY INTERESTING JOURNEY TO BE A PART OF.” Line Peteri, Affiliate and Marketing Manager 070

4. There is a clear mission For those who work with Twin, this is not just a job. “Everyone who joins the team understands that the mission is to be the best online casino, but this does not mean just nice visuals; it also means being responsible,” Marcin states. The company’s sense of social responsibility extends to its insistence on ensuring players enjoy themselves, without personal or psychological harm. “We wanted to be for the players and I think we are for the players,” Marcin says.

“Responsible gambling must be understood.

If you need support, you must get it and the people who reply to you should have good manners. These are the most important factors of being a good casino, in my view.”

5. There’s plenty of scope for personal and professional development One of the key frustrations for employees – in any sector – is the lack of opportunities to grow, which often results in a workforce thirsting for something more. Marcin points this out, emphasising that this was an important consideration when determining the personality of the company. “There are almost unlimited possibilities. If you demonstrate ability in a specific area, then why not grow?” he asks. “I feel that when we do well, people are happy because they don’t need to search for anything else. We give them a platform to grow and this is the pact: we don’t only want to grow to earn more money, but it’s the team which is the most important factor in being a Twinner.” >

SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

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6. Equal opportunity is simply part of the fabric Line points out that Twin’s company culture has encouraged women – such as herself – to work for the company, specifying that 45 per cent of its workforce is female. “I have two children and I was a stay-at-home mum, so I found it hard getting back to work and I know there is this big problem in Malta. But, here, I got the chance to prove myself. It was not easy.

I cannot give you the algorithm and formula but we – everyone who works at Twin – all feel we got this chance,” she explains. “There are so many places which will treat you as a number, but there is a very strong HR department here, and there is a very strong personal ‘contract’ between everyone involved. You’re an individual here.”

7. There is such a thing as a (t)winning culture!

Twin may still be young, but it has already been recognised at this year’s London Affiliate Conference, one of the industry’s largest affiliate events. Marcin describes the excitement he felt on hearing about the industry’s appreciation of the company’s work. “I was so happy! While we don’t operate to simply win more awards, it’s very nice to be appreciated because it shows the team, and the people who work here, that we’re moving in the right direction.”

“IF YOU DREAM OF AN INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS, THEN YOU WILL FIND THEM HERE. WE’RE NOT GOOGLE, BUT WE WILL GIVE YOU A FAIR CHANCE TO BE SOMEONE.” Marcin Jablonski, Chief Brand Officer

8. You will feel very hungry… for success Twin is constantly looking for new ways to interact with its customers, of entertaining players and of ensuring they remain at the top of their game. “We’re always thinking of adding new products to our portfolio – that’s how ambitious the plan is,” Marcin says, specifying that the company is always “thinking two to three steps ahead.”

While its core business is the online casino, the people at Twin consider themselves entertainers and are aiming to give their subscribers “the best entertainment for the money you pay.” Enthusiastic players also benefit from an instant reward feature, as well as perks, such as tickets to the latest sold-out shows.”

9. You will be part of a dynamic, international team Working in such an international arena is one of the benefits of working in iGaming in Malta, according to Marcin. “I like coming to the office and interacting with other people from all over the world; learning from them; speaking to people of different ages and nationalities. It’s inspiring to have a mix of cultures, of ideas, of histories. Everyone is different.”

He attributes this diversity to the lack of formalised education in the area, since this has resulted in a workforce consisting of people who “come from different experiences, and that is the exciting part.” He also emphasises the importance of communication, stating that the management at Twin tries to create an all-inclusive atmosphere, where people can get their job done and ask for support, should they need it.

“You don’t need to pretend you know everything – we will help you.” And, while Twin has its eyes firmly placed on the future, the present is also to be enjoyed. “If you dream of an international environment and good working conditions, then you will find them here. We’re not Google, but we will give you a fair chance to be someone. And there’s a full fridge every day,” Marcin smiles.

Curious about a career at Twin? Visit www.twincareers.com, www.facebook.com/twincareer, or www.linkedin.com/company/twin.com to find out more.

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SUMMER 2018 GLOBAL

GOAL

SHIFTING THE

Malta was one of the pioneers when it came to regulating the iGaming industry, but with the rules changing across Europe, is its position at risk?

Lewis Pitcher looks at how the current iGaming goalposts are shifting, and probes what that could mean for Malta.

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n the modern iGaming industry environment, it is hard to overestimate Malta's role as a central player and regional hub of growth. Last summer's reports from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) state that between 2015 and 2016 alone, the value of the industry in the country increased by 12 per cent to around â‚Ź1 billion.

Industry jobs increased by at least 25 per cent and remote gaming licences increased once again by 5 per cent. Many credit this growth to Malta's early adoption of specific remote gaming regulations, its ability to adapt to regulatory changes, its favourable corporate tax rates, and its particular focus on building an attractive environment for service providers.

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POSTS However, a significant amount of this success is owed to events unfolding away from the islands.

Malta's original legislation on iGaming – the Remote Gaming Regulations of 2004 – set the standard across Europe for a clear and stable platform for the growth of the industry. Due to this, as well as other factors such as its climate and its anglophone culture, Malta quickly gained the attention of major companies such as Unibet and Betsson Group. By comparison, other EU member states were notably slower to react to this growing trend, and many countries have only started establishing formal regulations in the last few years.

For some countries, the delay in constructing a regulatory framework has come from within. One current example is in the Netherlands, where, 12 years after an EU recommendation for regulation reform was first made, lawmakers are still dragging their feet on passing an Act through Congress. This, in spite of efforts by the local gaming authority (the Kansspelautoriteit) to push the process forward amid growing concerns that businesses are losing interest in the market and black market operations are growing in scale. Similarly, a recent Slovenian Bill intended to legalise remote sports betting has been defeated in Parliament, effectively killing off any prospect of regulation in the near future. >

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THE ALMOST INEVITABLE DEPARTURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM THE EU HAS LEFT THE ARCHIPELAGO AS THE MOST ESTABLISHED AND CENTRAL BASE FOR GAMING OPERATIONS IN THE DE FACTO LANGUAGE OF THE UNION. >

In many other cases, it is the current state of EU legislation which appears to create the biggest roadblocks for countries to regulate their own markets.

As currently there is no specific legislation on iGaming within the EU, many countries have found that adhering to the wide array of economic standards, on top of local law restrictions, can be challenging. In June of 2017, the European Court of Justice ruled that several measures that Hungary had introduced for local markets infringed upon free market competition rules in creating their own national regulations. Likewise, Cyprus' regulatory framework last year came up against opposition from both the European Commission and Malta on the grounds of protecting free movement of goods and services. While a resubmission with amended details is likely to pass inspection, the delay is nonetheless a significant setback.

This legal obstacle course conversely acts as one of the key benefits to the Maltese industry. Having established regulations generally much earlier than most other member states, Malta has since refined and streamlined such regulations to both adhere to EU standards and lessen the bureaucratic burden on the companies operating under its licences. The most recent development in Malta, the Gaming Act, is in part a continuation of this policy. A key feature of the Act is to reduce ‘redundant’ licence classifications to only two categories: B2C and B2B. The latter is also set to enjoy an exemption from VAT. At the same time, the Act will strengthen both the enforcement abilities of the MGA with regard to rule breaches, as well as protection to the players using these services.

This balance between cutting red tape and maintaining security is an issue growing more relevant every day. Part of the new Maltese Gaming Act, similarly to most other currently-proposed regulation amendments across the EU, includes strengthening efforts in countering illegal activity, with a strong focus on anticorruption work. This is all the more noteworthy given the recent arrests made in Italy surrounding reported Mafia efforts to enter the Maltese market illegally. While statements from the MGA stress that, under current checks and procedures, the plan would have almost certainly been detected and blocked at an early stage, the mere attempt is likely to have caused significant concern across all member states. Spanish regulators have, for instance, very recently announced plans to similarly bolster security, in this case through more stringent verification procedures and the closing of loopholes that allow access by foreign providers to local markets. >

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Unfortunately, this can also generate issues in the activities of day-to-day business. The Czech Ministry of Finance, which oversees the main gaming regulatory department in the country, admitted last year that its online industry had markedly underperformed, largely blaming an excess of bureaucracy as well as a requirement for a faceto-face component to verifying applications. While inconvenient for most traditional casinos and betting agencies, for purely online businesses that may have little physical presence, it can mean lengthy delays and loss of revenue. For this reason, many companies have backed out of the Czech market since licences were first approved at the start of 2017, including major names such as William Hill and PartyPoker.

PokerStars, one of the few remaining high-profile companies, have also reported lacklustre market performance and similarly blame the strict security processes.

MALTA HAS SINCE REFINED AND STREAMLINED ITS REGULATIONS TO BOTH ADHERE TO EU STANDARDS AND LESSEN THE BUREAUCRATIC BURDEN ON THE COMPANIES OPERATING UNDER ITS LICENCES. 079

This is not to say that the EU market has been struggling as a whole. Countries with a more established regulatory system have been recently reporting stronger and stronger growth and revenue. French online revenue reached close to the â‚Ź1 billion mark in 2017, a year which also saw France and Spain join in a poker shared liquidity project, allowing users in both countries to play across borders. Portugal is expected to formally join this project soon, with Italy hoping to follow, giving all four countries a far wider player-base and a more competitive edge online. Denmark's iGaming industry is equally booming, with growth in all areas to the point that online gaming has surpassed more traditional land-based revenue in the country, now comprising more than 51 per cent of the total. Many countries, even those without a strong online industry, are also enjoying the benefits of their citizens playing in other states following the 2015 VAT Regulation which moved the collection of VAT from the hosting nation to the player's location, shifting substantial amounts of revenue in the process.

In spite of this, Malta still has a couple of trump cards going forward. The almost inevitable departure of the United Kingdom from the EU has left the archipelago as the most established and central base for gaming operations in the de facto language of the Union. Companies which had previously operated out of the British territory of Gibraltar, using mainly Spanish workers from across the border, are considering moving to avoid difficulties of possible border controls and work visas. The international giants 888 and Bet365 have officially applied for Maltese gaming licences specifically to avoid these concerns. In addition, Malta will soon be able to offer something unique to businesses in Europe on completion of the SmartCity project, an entire dedicated area of the country with connectivity to rival any of the larger countries nearby.

In an industry as cutting-edge as iGaming, and in a context such as the often mercurial and regularly surprising EU, very little for future progress is written in stone. Despite this, in the face of slowly improving competition across the continent, the features that have so far stood Malta apart from the competition seem to be still keeping the country a foot ahead: a head-start on grappling with regulation, a diverse language and culture base drawn from all corners of the world and, as always, the everattractive 300 days of sun.

SUMMER 2018 WORKSPACE

A QUEST FOR

G R E A T N E S S THROUGH

CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN

Photos by Alan Carville

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The new XCaliber offices within the high-end Spinola Park development in St Julian’s deliver more than your average workspace. Boasting innovative, contemporary design that mirrors the cutting-edge work that is done within, the environment is a testament to the future of office interiors, and the product of a perfect marriage between two dynamic local companies. Sarah Micallef sits down with XCaliber’s Keith Goodlip and Miko Design’s Simon Debono and Michael Azzopardi, to learn about the process behind putting together the exceptional workspace.

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alking into the bright, airy offices of XCaliber Technologies Limited within the penthouse at Spinola Park, you’re immediately hit with a good sense of the company, and the team that works here. XCaliber, as Technical Compliance Manager Keith Goodlip tells me, is a fast-growing business-to-business company operating within the gaming market. Since Keith joined four years ago, it has gone from 25 people in two offices to 80 employees across offices in Malta and Poland.

With their office rapidly getting too small, XCaliber decided to relocate to a larger space, and to rope in Miko Design, an interior design company which had already been entrusted with the design of the previous offices. The result is a fantastic space comprising a kitchen and dining area, a lounge area which doubles up as an open meeting room, reception area, various meeting rooms, board room, private offices and a main openplan office area.

The process started with the brand’s identity, which was crafted by Miko’s sister company, Switch – Digital & Brand.

“The first job was establishing the brand.

It was then in our hands to take that identity, own it and translate it into an interior design extension,” explains Simon Debono, Partner and Head of Project Management at Miko.

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In this sense, the brief was twofold: with XCaliber looking to grow further, the new offices needed to accommodate a growing team, while taking the brand identity and translating it into the new space. “We were looking for the most practical use of the space,” smiles Keith, “with plenty of meeting rooms, as we never seem to have enough!” >

SUMMER 2018 WORKSPACE

“THE FIRST [MURAL] FEATURES THREE KNIGHTS WHICH REPRESENT THREE DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES – EACH OF WHICH IS REPRESENTED WITHIN AN ELEMENT ON THE KNIGHT.” Simon Debono, Partner and Head of Project Management, Miko

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The team at Miko did this by creating a balance between the offices’ practical use and recreational side, and laying the foundations for more desks beneath several areas of raised flooring.

Talking me through the design process, Michael Azzopardi, Partner and Head of Design at Miko, explains that XCaliber’s initial office in Sliema, which was also designed and project managed by Miko in 2016, was used as a base, with a number of elements including timber flooring applied, in keeping with the original design. It was then all about evolution, and the introduction of additional elements to the identity within the larger space. “We branded all the meeting rooms with a related set of names and icons (including Guild, Armoury, and Vault), as well as a colour reference. Other than that, it’s a very clean aesthetic with the introduction of additional colour through customised wall art, which we commissioned,” he says.

Speaking of the process behind the wall art, which comes in the form of two murals, Simon explains, “we went to White Rocks and created a photo documentary of the wall art there, which is very impressive. Mike identified a particular artist which we liked from the Basque region in Spain, and we got in touch with him to collaborate. XCaliber loved the idea, so we flew him down to Malta for a week, where he created the original art based on our brief on a variety of canvases we had prepared in advance.”

The murals tell the story of the people working here – the story of an army, as it were. “The first one features three knights which represent three different technologies – each of which is represented within an element on the knight. The other massive artwork, which stretches across seven metres, features a twoheaded dragon, which represents a virus, or an attack, and the XCaliber king, who is there to defend the fort,” continues Simon.

“We also wanted to add a local touch through the inclusion of the Mdina skyline in the background,” Mike adds. And the decisions to use canvases rather than painting directly on the wall was also a considered one: “for the client not to lose the art should they decide to move offices.” >

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“It was then a matter of preparing all the BOQs (Bills of Quantities) that were necessary – everything from finalising the power and data infrastructure with the contractors to liaising with the engineers and electricians. It was quite a jigsaw puzzle of trades! Three months is not a long time, but it is amazing what you can achieve when you have a good team of people, starting from an amazing client and great subcontractors, who pulled the same rope. We were pleased that everything fell into place without any major hassles,” he adds proudly.

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Asked to describe the final design, Mike considers it a cross between a minimal look and a Scandinavian aesthetic – certainly an incredibly contemporary space.

Industrial elements are also brought in through the bare-slab ceiling with steel conduits and suspended panel lights, which the pair explain was a deviation from the original plan. “The ceiling was actually one of the first things we noticed when we first walked in, when the place was in shell form. We loved the finish of the slab – it was very clean and we thought it looked great.

Initially, we were thinking of spraying it, but that changed our minds,” he recalls. >

Apart from the incredible artwork, standout elements and materials within the XCaliber offices include rubberised timber flooring, which makes it durable and quiet, as well as a lot of glazing and open spaces. “We don’t really like closed offices, though these are sometimes needed, and we included these too as necessary. We also designed and applied an acoustic treatment to the ceilings in all areas,” Mike affirms.

The process of putting the offices together took three months, from when Miko were handed the keys in November, to delivery in February this year, but apart from this intense period, the process required a great deal of forward planning, in order to make it work within the timeframe. “We were briefed in April, so we had a good amount of time to go through the plans and really get to grips with the requirements in terms of how many people we needed to accommodate, the size of the desks, as well as the various systems including data and ACs. In tandem, we started working on mood boards to go with the brief, built renders and got approvals, and once we had a good feel, we began designing specific spaces,” Simon explains.

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“THE CEILINGWAS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS WE NOTICED WHEN WE FIRST WALKED IN, WHEN THE PLACE WAS IN SHELL FORM. WE LOVED THE FINISH OF THE SLAB.” Michael Azzopardi, Partner and Head of Design, Miko >

As for their primary concern for balancing aesthetic appeal with practical usage of space, that was certainly a home run, with attention being given to even the smallest detail, down to size of the desks. “Even small adjustments make a big difference,” Simon states. The various spaces within the office also have a number of interesting, multifunctional elements – from a designated area for a fold-up table tennis table tucked away between the reception and kitchen, through to the glass framing the atrium, which doubles up as a whiteboard, thanks to frosting applied to the back of the glass – all elements that Keith and the rest of the team at XCaliber value greatly. “The offices met and exceeded our expectations,” he says, adding, “as a foodie, the kitchen is my own personal favourite area!”

And the kitchen also hints at great things to come for the team, which was itself given a striking touch through eye-catching custom timber cladding behind the units.

“It caters for daily cooking thanks to induction hobs and a semi-industrial canopy, in keeping with XCaliber’s plans for engaging a chef to cook meals for the team within the office itself,” Simon explains.

Above all, he concludes, “what we like to promise and deliver to our clients is a completely finished space that is ready to move into, including a fully-stocked fridge, so people can just walk in and start working.” And working they are – so much so, that Simon finally divulges, “the client has already grown to such an extent that the CEO has already approached us to begin working on a further space for the company.” So watch this space – it certainly isn’t the last we’ve seen from this dream team.

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Photo by Alan Carville

SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

GOING THE

EXTRA MILE

The team behind Seventh Floor are experts when it comes to indoor and outdoor spaces, and residential and commercial projects. Jo Caruana decides to call in the pros.

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“DEADLINES ARE OFTEN VERY TIGHT IN THIS INDUSTRY, SO WE HAVE MADE HITTING THEM A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF OUR ROLE.” Francesco Camilleri, Co-founder

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ome companies just go the extra mile – it’s part of their ethos. They're dedicated to raising the bar and providing their customers with the best possible service and results.

One such company is Seventh Floor – an organisation dedicated entirely to drywall solutions and complementary products for the home or office. The business is run

by Francesco Camilleri and Chris Sammut, who started it when they were just 18.

Both men literally grew up in the building industry as their fathers have been involved in construction and finishes for decades, but Chris and Francesco were eager to do their own thing. They got started on their own initiative eight years ago with a team of just eight, and have since grown to be a team of 50 skilled workers across their departments of interior and exterior plasterers, gypsum workers, and painters.

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“Our in-house team is fantastic,” Francesco explains.

“But we also work with other contractors when we need to and have a fantastic relationship with them too, which means we can get the project done on time. Deadlines are often very tight in this industry, so we have made hitting them a very important part of our role. As a result, we have worked extensively within the gaming industry and for other international companies – as well as top local entities – and we are proud of the results achieved.”

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

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Seventh Floor offers a variety of services, but is particularly focused on gypsum plastering, décor plastering, and drywall partitions, as well as false ceilings, insulation and exterior sheathing. All of its products are high-quality, and they meet or exceed EU standards.

Chris Sammut and Francesco Camilleri.

Photo by Alan Carville

“OUR AIM IS TO KEEP GROWING, AND TO KEEP DELIVERING THE HIGHEST-QUALITY WORK POSSIBLE, TO BOTH OUR LOCAL AND FOREIGN CLIENTS.” Chris Sammut, Co-founder

The company’s drywall partitions are in especially high demand, particularly among companies that need to divide their office space into workable environments without the need for something permanent. “They can be used to partition any space, which has made them a very popular choice in recent years,” Chris says.

iety of high-end m has worked on a var The Seventh Floor tea international s top Maltese firm or for all y, all loc ts jec pro ve achieved: apshot of what they ha businesses. Here’s a sn T BE HOTEL, BAYSTREE , and it was s now been completed ha t jec This flagship pro r months. “It ickly – in less than fou turned around very qu st important mo t was, ultimately, the was the deadline tha high-quality the as ll we s project – as part of our brief on thi o. “Our client ive for,” says Francesc results we always str did!” Seventh ickly, so that’s what we needed us to work qu in the hotel, ms roo 5 ishings for all 11 Floor handled the fin g, and the room and exterior plasterin including the interior façade, which is the completion of the partitions, as well as fits of this are ne be e ht structure. “Th made from a lightweig d that it also an , ted ula ins and wellthat it is sound-proof terials, which building than other ma adds less weight to the re already in we ing bones of the build was important as the and reliable, le xib fle e, drywall is saf place. Internally, the er and warmer ms cooler in the summ while keeping the roo in the winter.”

“Similarly, ceilings are also an important element within an interior space, as they offer the maximum unobstructed view of a working area. As a result, the ceiling is an important element of an open-plan office layout and defines its aesthetics. Since a ceiling has a large surface area, it plays an important role in the acoustic and thermal comfort of a space, and false ceilings can help to achieve the best results.” >

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SPINOLA PARK, ST JULIAN’S Seventh Floor handled a variety of elements for this substantial project, which con sists of 10,000sqm of office space, a large superm arket, a food court, café and bistro, and a receptio n area. “Once again, time was of the essence, and we had to work very quickly with our extended team ,” says Chris. “One of the key requirements was the crea tion of quiet office space within an open-plan area, so we used high-end insulation and focused on acou stics to ensure that sounds would be absorbed as muc h as possible. The business centre is already in acti on and is now home to a number of gaming compan ies and businesses from other sectors.”

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Of course, this goes hand-in-hand with insulation, and Seventh Floor offers a range of solutions for this, including glass mineral wool for an extensive variety of applications, from lofts and roofs, to HVAC and industrial installations. “Excellent thermal performance is important because it contributes to good building acoustics and is resistant to high temperatures,” Francesco continues.

ESS CENTRE dynamic project, DRAGONARA BUSIN p of the way on this ste ry eve ed e olv inv s were being drafted. Th Seventh Floor wa ge when the designs sta n y tio ver lta a su is is con “Th at including nine floors. ce space spread over offi s. of say m o 0sq esc nc ,00 Fra 10 ,” is ed result re requir best possible results we rtition high-end project so the ces, including the pa offi the for es ish fin al ern in the int s the nie pa “We handled the leading com now used by some of are ces offi ese Th . walls gaming industry.”

“Then, finally in our product portfolio, is exterior sheathing – a glass-mat gypsum product that’s specifically designed to be moisture-resistant and fire-resistant. It has a special fibreglass exterior, unlike similar paper-faced products. These panels feature a moisture and mould-resistant gypsum core encased by glass-mat faces on both sides.”

Now Seventh Floor has big plans for the future, and the company is currently involved in a variety of high-calibre projects. “Our aim is to keep growing, and to keep delivering the highest-quality work possible, to both our local and foreign clients,” Chris says. “We believe that if you want to be the best at something, you have to focus – and that’s exactly what we will continue to do.”

To find out what Seventh Floor can do for your premises, email info@seventhfloor.com.mt or call 7971 8549.

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SUPPLYING THE

OFFICES OF TOMORROW

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

OFICI’s Sales and Marketing Manager Justin Pace talks to Martina Said about the company’s business model transformation, its forward-thinking philosophy, and how clients can gain from its one-stop shop approach.

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hen setting up a business, be it legal, accounting or IT, having trusted partners in all spheres of operations is key. The same can be said about office supplies, and finding what you need every time you need it is crucial to the smooth day-to-day running of an office, no matter how big or small.

With a vast portfolio that includes a range of stationery products, office equipment and even cleaning products, OFICI, previously known as Office Point, makes itself indispensable to its clients, no matter their requirements or where they’re based on the island.

Photo by Alan Carville

“We recently carried out an exercise to better understand the needs of the market, and we realised just how much, and how fast, offices are changing. Until a few years ago, it was relatively straightforward to transform a block of offices with furniture and all the basics required in an office,” says Justin. “However, nowadays, offices are an extension of the home, and places where we spend very long hours. Employees need certain comforts which help make the workplace feel like a home away from home, while employers aim to provide a stimulating work environment so that employees are happy and motivated. So, we felt that rather than focusing on the mass market, we are better positioned using our expertise to focus on this one sector.”

I meet Justin Pace, OFICI’s Sales and Marketing Manager, at the company’s offices in Msida. He explains that, since it’s recent rebranding, OFICI has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for all office supplies, particularly to those companies that have recently relocated to Malta and are looking to get themselves up and running in the shortest time possible, but also to those that have established their base here, be they local or international.

Since joining the company less than two years ago, Justin has helped usher in a new era for OFICI, shifting the company’s focus from consumers to businesses. OFICI’s years of experience in the field have been crucial for helping to provide companies with reliable support where and when they need it.

Today, OFICI only supplies a handful of stationeries, and has zoomed in on the office sector with the aim of fully equipping it with the stationery, equipment and general operational items required in a work space. “As more and more offices are relocating to Malta, they are eager to organise themselves as quickly as possible so that they can start operating without delay. They all require the same standards they operated with elsewhere in the world, with the prospect of future growth on the island. This is what we do: we step in and handle that side of the business which is essential, yet invisible. With this in mind, we rebranded from Office Point to OFICI, which doesn’t only reflect our new, corporate route, but also reflects what the company is all about.” >

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Justin explains that, in line with the company’s new image, a general restructuring was required, particularly in the areas of human resources and IT infrastructure. “Having employees with the right attitude to work is crucial to a company’s success, as is having the right IT infrastructure which facilitates a smooth and easy process, both for clients to place their orders and for us to take stock and keep track of the many products which we supply,” he says. “We spent over a year training staff in preparation for the rebrand, and we’re proud to have a new identity which completely reflects our company’s philosophy. OFICI is not just a name – it stands for Organised, Flexible, Innovative, Capable and Indispensable. These are the pillars of our brand, our service guarantee.

These are the drivers that push us to strive for more every single day, giving good service to our clients, even if it that means stepping outside of our comfort zone.”

“THIS IS WHAT WE DO, WE STEP IN AND HANDLE THAT SIDE OF THE BUSINESS WHICH IS ESSENTIAL, YET INVISIBLE.” The latest in a wide-ranging portfolio of products offered by OFICI is office furniture, which the company imports, supplies, installs and even alters by working closely with trusted carpenters. “We go beyond the standard desks and chairs, and offer design consultation to clients by reviewing their property plans together with our trusted partners in this field, to come up with a design proposal that reaches our clients’ expectations,” says Justin. “Besides a stimulating office environment, the general well-being of employees at the office is also important, and having the right furniture is essential for this.”

While large, foreign companies, such as tech and iGaming companies, lead the pack when it comes to creative office design, Maltese offices are also catching on. “Quite a few of our clients are hotels, and unfortunately, the back-of-house offices pale in comparison to the pristine and beautiful interiors of the rest of the hotel. But this is changing, and we’re increasingly being asked to upgrade all kinds of office spaces to better match the standards required by a modern-day workforce.” >

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“Our philosophy is that any company that starts out small will need to grow at some point or other, so we don’t distinguish between small or large and frequent orders. We’ve had anything from a €20 to €3,000 order – and we approach both in the same way, and offer the exact same service,” says Justin.

“Our online ordering system was also designed in line with this. Clients may view the full selection of items on our website and place their order, no matter how big or small.

The order gets processed and delivered seamlessly. Of course, anyone who prefers to place an order by email or over the phone may do so too. We’re always striving to improve, and we are working on a new online portal which is simpler for the client and also better for us to achieve a wider reach.”

“OUR PHILOSOPHY IS THAT ANY COMPANY THAT STARTS OUT SMALL WILL NEED TO GROW AT SOME POINT OR OTHER, SO WE DON’T DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SMALL OR LARGE AND FREQUENT ORDERS.” 099

In line with the company’s forward-looking approach, Justin asserts that OFICI is working to achieve ISO certification in the coming months, specifically ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14000 for environmental management. As for growth plans for the coming years, Justin says that the company is setting its sights on the area of printing and related consumables. “I believe this is an area with a lot of potential for us, and will be incredibly valuable for our clients, including the selling and maintenance of printing and photocopying machines, and the supply of related consumables.

However, we’re looking to consolidate our most recent addition first, which is that of office furniture before moving on to this new phase. We’ll be taking stock later this year to review what we’ve done, what we’ve achieved and what we wish to achieve next year, and set our sights on new objectives in line with our motto: Simplifying Office Supplies.”

Want to discover what else OFICI can do for your company?

Visit www.ofici.com.mt or email sales@ofici.com.mt to learn more.

SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

HOW PROPERTY AND IGAMING BECAME

INTERTWINING INDUSTRIES INTERTWINING 0100

SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

iGaming has had a ripple effect on various industries in Malta, not least property. Robert Spiteri Paris, Joint Managing Director and Head of Lettings at Perry, speaks to Lewis Pitcher all about the intersection of these two industries, and why it's also worthwhile to consider buying.

B

y all accounts, the enormous change in the physical and social landscape of Malta over the past half-century is remarkable. To look at photos of Spinola Bay or the Sliema promenade from the first half of the 20th century is to see a different world. For the majority of this time, real estate agency Perry has been working with these transformations on a path to becoming one of the top property agencies, not only in the region, but in all of Malta.

“Perry estate agents have been selling and renting quality residential and commercial real estate since 1981,” says Robert Spiteri Paris, Perry’s Joint Managing Director and Head of Lettings. “We remain an independent firm of property experts with generations of unrivalled experience, selling and renting hundreds of Malta’s finest properties each year. We dedicate ourselves to personal and unparalleled customer service through our family-run business, and pride ourselves on being recognised as one of the island's most successful estate agencies.”

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Since its founding, the company has developed both within Sliema, when it moved to the state-of-the-art Tower Road offices, as well as out into other regions, more recently in 2015 with the opening of the Valletta and St Julian's branch offices.

Throughout all this expansion, however, Mr Spiteri Paris is clear that the underlying philosophy of the company has never changed. >

SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

“EXPATS NOW MAKE UP 90 PER CENT OF OUR CLIENTS LOOKING TO RENT PROPERTY AND 50 PER CENT OF OUR PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS LOOKING TO PURCHASE PROPERTY.” >

“Our philosophy is simple – to offer quality over quantity and to remain small enough to be able to offer a personal service and care for our clients, yet large enough to cope and meet the demands of the most discerning property investors. It is this philosophy that has kept us at the forefront of the industry and considered as one of the leaders in the market for four decades.

Our brand resonates strongly with both local and foreign clients as it gives them a sense of belonging and trust.”

It is these foreign clients that are having the biggest effect on the area's current property market, with expats now representing a majority of new clients. “In fact, expats now make up 90 per cent of our clients looking to rent property and 50 per cent of our prospective clients looking to purchase property.

We have also experienced an unprecedented and muchwelcomed increase in demand for quality and luxury real estate through various government incentives and programmes aimed at attracting high-networth individuals and reputable companies to our shores.”

Mr Spiteri Paris attributes this largely to the extraordinary growth of the gaming and financial industries. “It’s natural for prices to rise over time, however the rate at which prices have risen in Malta and the sheer scale of property development fuelled by incredible demand has been exceptional. The local property market has gone from strength to strength, and not a single year out of four decades has been unprofitable for the firm. The letting market, which until about 20 years ago was practically non-existent, has flourished in the last 15 years, further encouraging real estate enthusiasts to invest in ‘buy-tolet’ investments. This was largely thanks to the growth of the gaming and financial services industries in Malta.” >

Foreign clients are a major focus for Perry, which makes huge efforts to promote the islands to prospective external customers.

“We run extensive marketing campaigns on both a national and a global level, through our various strategic partnerships with international prestigious brands, and have even participated in various property exhibitions throughout Europe, mainly in the UK, the Netherlands, and Ireland.

The largest interest has been registered from British and Scandinavian clients on the rental market. On the sales market, we have registered increased interest from the Russian and Middle Eastern markets, whilst interest from traditional markets including England, Italy and Scandinavia remains strong and indeed consistent.”

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

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As a result, the property industry and the gaming industry are seen as intertwined at this stage. “The rental market remains vibrant thanks to the thriving gaming industry, and it also positively affects the sales market for the reasons cited above. Prospects for the future also look very positive, with demand and enquiries registered by our company from gaming companies increasing each year. I follow the figures published by the Malta Gaming Authority in this regard and such recent statistics look very positive and encouraging. The main drivers behind this growth have been the expansion of service offerings by existing firms and the relocation of more gaming businesses to our shores. These services seem to be on an uptick, which we can confirm through the continuous demand our own letting department is experiencing from the industry.”

Perry knows what measures it has to take in order to stay relevant and continue achieving excellent results.

“We are investing in various technologies to service our clients in the most efficient manner possible, to ensure further growth and success. Recently, we were delighted to announce the official launch of our high-quality and unparalleled property video tours to clients listing property on an exclusive basis with us,” Mr Spiteri Paris comments. “Through these tours, prospective tenants or buyers are taken on a journey through the property using the very latest technology, including dramatic drone footage.

Videos include footage of prestigious seafront addresses for rent, offered exclusively through Perry, such as The Adelaide on Sliema’s Tower Road, and OneOneO Block A at The Strand, which can also be viewed on our YouTube channel. Such investment confirms our ongoing commitment to leading innovation and will see our long-established estate agency continue to lead the way across the quality real estate market.”

“THE RENTAL MARKET REMAINS VIBRANT THANKS TO THE THRIVING GAMING INDUSTRY, AND IT ALSO POSITIVELY AFFECTS THE SALES MARKET.”

Finally, looking to the future outside the company, Mr Spiteri Paris has some expert advice for those who are just starting out on the property ladder.

“Although prices have risen, not prioritising home ownership is the single biggest mistake younger generations are making. Couples may end up spending half a million euro or more on rent over the years. €1,500 a month for 30 years comes to €540,000, and they end up where they started, owning nothing. Couples can buy a house and spend the same amount paying down a mortgage and end up owning their own property.”

Perry Real Estate Agents can be found at Tower Road, Sliema (2131 0800), George Borg Olivier Street, St Julian’s (2131 0088) and Republic Street, Valletta (2131 0714) or online at www.perry.com.mt

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

SEE THE

MALTESE IN

The most chic and effortless way to take a break from the mainland and explore the coast is by hopping aboard the yacht of your dreams. Jo Caruana chats to Perry Newton, Managing Director of Azure, to discover how Azure Ultra can help you do exactly that.

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

ISLANDS STYLE W

hether you’ve moved to Malta long-term or are simply dropping by for a shorter stay, you will have quickly realised one key thing: the Maltese islands are small – very small. In fact, with just 316 square kilometres to explore and a rather dense population of 450,000 people, it can be quite inevitable for cabin fever to set in.

However there is one wonderful way to escape that in a heartbeat. With territorial waters extending almost 10km in every direction from the coast, a boat tour provides the ideal way for you to lose yourself in the blue between sea and sky. And what better way to do that than on board your very own private yacht?

“You will have all the comforts of home aboard your yacht, so you can literally do anything you want,” explains Perry Newton, the Managing Director of Azure Ultra, which provides fully crewed charters on luxury Sunseeker yachts in the Maltese islands and beyond. “Read a good book while sipping a cocktail, lounge on the sofa as the sea breeze caresses your skin, or even watch your favourite TV show. Better still, work on your tan, practice your diving, do a spot of snorkelling or view the archipelago’s sensational underwater kingdom with glass-bottomed kayaks!”

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

“WITH TERRITORIAL WATERS EXTENDING ALMOST 10KM IN EVERY DIRECTION FROM THE COAST, A BOAT TOUR PROVIDES THE IDEAL WAY FOR YOU TO LOSE YOURSELF IN THE BLUE BETWEEN SEA AND SKY.” >

“In addition, you can combine leisure and business through bespoke teambuilding events to destinations of your choice. Finding a venue with a genuine wow factor for business meetings or small corporate events can be challenging, but Azure Ultra’s Sunseekers are a perfect fit for the role,” he explains.

Azure Ultra’s Sunseeker yachts are hand-crafted in Dorset, UK, by a team of over 2,000 highly-skilled designers, engineers and master craftsmen, making them the ultimate in glamour and sophistication. They are the boats of choice for James Bond movies and the pick of many a megastar, including John Travolta, Michael Douglas and Nicole Kidman.

“Different-sized boats will have different interiors, mainly in terms of sleeping berths and lounging space,” Perry continues. “Depending on the size of your party and whether you’ll be out for the day or a week, there will be

MAXIMISE A DAY WANT TO KNOW HOW TO TON SHARES NEW RY PER ?

LTA AT SEA IN MA HIS TIPS. to make the most of the sun • Depart just after dawn and return at dusk hours when it’s not too hot. avoid sunburn and sunstroke.

• Wear a hat and sunscreen at all times to can always be comfortable you that so wear • Take a change of swim water. onboard the boat when you emerge from the ing you would normally anyth or es, phon head , book rite favou your • Take take to the beach to relax.

– ask questions about your • Be curious about your experience at sea ities available. whereabouts, explore and try any new activ

the perfect luxury Sunseeker for you. Expect slick design and quality materials, luxuriously-appointed interiors, comfortable sofas, on-board entertainment, split-level saloons, overhead flybridges, barbecues, fully-equipped bars, kitchenettes, multiple toilets, showers, comfortable bedding and more.”

Whether you’re setting sail as a group, a couple, or an individual, Azure Ultra tailors every aspect of the charter to suit every mood and fit all occasions, from where to go and what to eat, to which brand of water, whisky or wine you prefer to drink. “Whether you wish to relax with family beside the fly-deck barbecue, party with a select group of friends, set sail for a romantic interlude beneath the stars with your own Maltese celebrity chef, or a little bit of everything, we will work closely with you to bring your vision to life. What’s more, you’ll be amazed at how many different charter options there are, from hen and bachelor nights, anniversaries and Valentine’s surprises, to themed birthday parties, vow renewals beneath the stars, team-building jaunts to Sicily and much, much more,” Perry says. >

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SUMMER 2018 PROFILE

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The team behind Azure are certainly experts in the maritime sector. Perry himself is a former artilleryman from the 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in Her Royal Majesty’s Armed Forces. The rest of the organisation consists of internationally-experienced fleet head captain Roger Jacobsen, chief stewardess Peggy Jacobsen (who has worked closely with clients in the luxury leisure industry for over a decade), and charter specialist Rosie Abela, who manages personalised customer relationships.

“Of course, our team is also supported by captains, skippers, stewards, stewardesses and deck hands – all highly-trained mariners with multiple advanced qualifications and years of experience in providing a safe and comfortable environment for individuals and families at sea and in harbour,” the Managing Director says.

“YOU HAVE ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME ABOARD YOUR YACHT, SO YOU CAN LITERALLY DO ANYTHING YOU WANT.” “But don’t just take our word for it – see what the public has to say about Azure Ultra! On TripAdvisor alone, we have a 100 per cent record of five-star reviews. Ours is clearly a brand that resonates with its audience. Peers have taken note too – Malta International Boating and Yachting Awards awarded Azure Ultra Best Customer Service of the Year 2017 and Best Maltese-Based Charter Company of the Year 2017,” Perry concludes, with pride.

Give Azure Ultra a ring on 2778 2500 or email info@azureultra.com and enjoy an itinerary tailor-made for you or your company.

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E BEST SPOTS WHICH ARE TH

BY YACHT TO TO ESCAPE TESE COAST? FROM THE MAL nnies nd with nooks and cra “Malta and Gozo abou says. rry Pe the coast,” to retreat into along land, by ess acc to t easy “Some of these are no rself. you to all ces pla the meaning you’ll have include: Some of the best ones MALTA ar , clear, azure waters ne • Il-Ħofriet – deep ch mu t bu , lta south of Ma St Peter’s Pool in the . ted en qu less fre ach – a stunning pebble be • Fomm ir-Riħ st. western coa flanked by cliffs on the n – .an inaccessible golde ba ra ar Q • Ras ilajn Gh Gnejna Bay and beach situated between Tuffieha Bay. ly – a north-facing large • Mġiebaħ Bay ls of hil g on am set ach be inaccessible golden al spa. clay, perfect for a natur ar nds – beautiful cle la Is ’s • St Paul ands. waters by St Paul’s Isl GOZO elling alfa – perfect snork • Il-Ġebla tal-Ħ t of Gozo. spot in the south-eas ter, y – Ramla’s little sis Ba • San Blas . ted en qu fre s and les smaller, just as pretty t i – a spectacular spo sr ħa G ild ie •W et inl a -se ep es and a de to explore, with sea cav . ley val meeting the ered i – a wonderful shelt • Mġarr ix-Xin film the of the location cove that was used as ie.

Jol a lin ge An d d Pitt an

By The Sea, starring Bra

TO THE EYE

SUMMER 2018 EXPATS

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SUMMER 2018 EXPATS

In the first of our series of features about expats in the iGaming industry who have made Malta their home, Pierre Lindh, Managing Director of Ambassador Events, sits down with Marie-Claire Grima to talk about the creativity and playfulness of the iGaming industry, and why Malta’s social life is like no other.

P

ierre Lindh and the online gaming industry go way back. He tells me in his affable, low-key, Nordic manner that when he was a teenager in Gothenburg, he started a poker club, which became so popular that it captured the attention of a number of iGaming companies. The poker club helped him make his first connections in the industry, and even landed him his first job. He came to Malta seven years ago, after being headhunted by Betsson in his early twenties. “I could not believe how hungry and driven towards success the people were here – all while still knowing how to unwind and have a good time!”

Photos by Jan Zammit

After a couple of years working for Betsson, Pierre managed to launch into an even more exciting and vibrant career, which played to one of his greatest strengths – his social and outgoing personality. He is now the Managing Director of Ambassador Events, an events company which boasts a formidable client list within the iGaming industry.

“My business partner, Martin Pettersson, and myself, were both working on company events in our respective positions, when we said, hey, let’s try to do something on our own. That’s how our company came to be.

Martin started out by himself, under the Events By Martin brand, and then a few months later, we joined forces. We did it on the side for the first six months or so, and after half a year, when we saw that we were doing well, we decided to give it a shot fulltime.” Ambassador Events now employs 10 people full-time, and around 20 freelancers, Pierre says.

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“We organise a wide variety of events, but the core of our business is corporate events. We work with practically all the iGaming companies now, helping them out with their own events. Then we have our other brands like the iGaming Idol Awards” – which has been internationally-recognised as one of the biggest award shows in the industry. The company now organises about 200 events every year, including Showers, an annual poolside champagne party extravaganza, which attracts the industry’s most beautiful people. “iGaming is a very playful and creative industry – you can see it in how the companies are run. The more unusual and unexpected the events we organise are, the better received they are. And I’m a creative person, so it fits me very well.” Being one of the faces of a popular events company means that most of the time, Pierre has to be suited up, but he likes to add his own flourish to formalwear.

“Generally speaking, I like to do formal with creative touches, even if it’s just colourful socks, or an unusual handkerchief or tie with my suit.” >

SUMMER 2018 EXPATS

“IGAMING IS A VERY PLAYFUL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRY – YOU CAN SEE IT IN HOW THE COMPANIES ARE RUN. THE MORE UNUSUAL AND UNEXPECTED THE EVENTS WE ORGANISE ARE, THE BETTER RECEIVED THEY ARE.”

>

Pierre’s creative side is obvious just from a quick glance around his flat.

He lives on a quiet, narrow street in Gżira that’s about 10 minutes away from the beach, in a warm and colourful first-floor apartment, decorated with photos and knickknacks from his travels. Above the kitchen nook, there’s a quote from his favourite book, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur; l’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux – “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” The flat has an expansive terrace; he’s fascinated by science and space, and there’s a sturdy-looking telescope

pointing towards the heavens. “Sometimes you can see Saturn with all its rings. It’s like seeing a celebrity,” he deadpans. He’s just finished decking the entire outdoor area out with turf, comfortable lounge chairs, cushions, and a sofa, in preparation for summer outdoor movie nights and barbecues.

“A lot of people come to Malta and say that they love the weather or the sea. For me, it’s not just that – it’s the social aspect that I like the most. The culture in Sweden is very different – nobody goes out for dinner on a Wednesday.

You wouldn’t go out and socialise on a weekday. Over here, there are things happening every single day. This aspect of life here is very important to me. I’m a very social being, and I haven’t been anywhere else in the world which has this kind of culture. I like finding new things to do. Last week, I went with my friend to a salsa class – we

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SUMMER 2018 EXPATS

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had never done that before! I like to try out different things and not get locked into the same boring routine.” Of course, there are things he misses about home, too. “I miss the supermarkets in Sweden – everything is super organised and you have all the products you grew up with. You never expect what you’ll get cravings for when you’re away from home! There’s lots of beautiful architecture too – Gothenburg is just nice to walk around.”

“A LOT OF PEOPLE COME TO MALTA AND SAY THAT THEY LOVE THE WEATHER OR THE SEA. FOR ME, IT’S NOT JUST THAT – IT’S THE SOCIAL ASPECT THAT I LIKE THE MOST.”

“The main problems that I find in Malta are the congestion, and the fact that there’s not a lot of greenery – there’s no park in this area. There’s not much space for him”— here, Pierre points to Valpen, his enormous black Labrador, who has been vying for his attention all throughout the interview – “to run around, which is a downside. For walks, we have to go down to the beach, or up to Surfside.” But truth be told, Valpen, whose name means ‘puppy’ in Swedish, and who brims with a joyful energy that fits his name to a tee, doesn’t seem to mind all that much.

PIERRE’S FAVOUR

ITES

Movie: Interstellar (2014) Restaurant: Kuya in St Julian’s Book: The Little Prince by Antoin e Drink: Black Label

de Saint-Exupéry

City break: Vienna Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers Maltese word: Mela* Sports: Mixed martial arts (MMA) Designer: Julia Boikova *An all-purpose word tha t can be used in agreement, disagreement , and sometimes just to fill a gap in the conver sation.

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SUMMER 2018 KNOW

MALTA IN NUMBERS

POPULATION

TIME

440,000 GMT +1 (94 per cent Maltese, 6 per cent foreign) INTERNATIONAL DIALING CODE

CURRENCY

EURO

+356

AREA

AVERAGE YEARLY TEMPERATURE

316 KM²

23OC (day)

MALTA’S ECONOMY IN 2017 GDP GROWTH

5.6 per cent

GAMING IN NUMBERS VALUE ADDED TO THE MALTESE ECONOMY BY THE GAMING INDUSTRY

12 per cent

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

3.5 per cent

INFLATION

1.3

FULL-TIME JOBS

6,400

per cent

FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT JOBS

CREDIT RATING

DEBT TO GDP

54.9 per cent

A

with positive outlook (Standard & Poor’s)

9,000 COMPANIES LICENSED IN THE MALTESE JURISDICTION

282

NUMBER OF LICENSES

558 €60 MILLION GAMING TAX REVENUE

(2017 estimate)

FLYING FROM MALTA TO 1 HOUR 30 MINS

2 HOURS 40 MINS

ROME PARIS AMSTERDAM LONDON STOCKHOLM 3 HOURS 10 MINS

3 HOURS 15 MINS

3 HOURS 45 MINS

Sources: European Economic Forecast, Autumn 2017, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), National Statistics Office (NSO), AirMalta

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SUMMER 2018 FLAVOUR

THE FINE ART OF

INFORMALITY With no shortage of dining options in Malta, the choice of where to eat can be almost overwhelming. iGaming Capital teamed up with GuideMeEats from GuideMeMalta.com for a series of independent and unbiased restaurant reviews, starting with Casa Ellul’s lavish Risette in Valletta.

L

ocated within the luxurious boutique hotel Casa Ellul in Valletta, Risette is a fine-dining restaurant led by Chef Andrew Borg, previously Chef Patron at Black Pig Restaurant. I had the pleasure of visiting Black Pig a couple of times when it was open, and at the time, it was dubbed the best restaurant in Malta for food among my restaurant-frequenting group of friends.

I was not alone in feeling that Chef Andrew Borg offered a completely different level of food, comparable to that in some of the best restaurants throughout the world.

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SUMMER 2018 FLAVOUR

EVERYTHING THAT’S ON THIS PLATE IS IMPORTANT IN EVERY BITE.

I suspect that this extensively experienced chef, who is completely devoted to fine cuisine, wanted to focus more on his culinary advancement rather than getting drudged down in the daily particulars of running a restaurant. So, while our group was demoralised when Black Pig closed its doors permanently, we were fuelled when we heard that Risette was opening early this year.

The setting of the restaurant is within the originally Victorian-period palazzo Casa Ellul, which was recreated by the illustrious Chris Briffa Architects to combine its past Baroque influence with a contemporary elegance. The rooms and common parts of the hotel exhibit an excellent balance of old and new throughout: restored patterned tiles, walls covered in art, and elegant, distinguished antiques, traditional Maltese wooden balconies and contemporary private terraces. The design is refined and intimate, with good lighting, set to focus on and complement the food, which is the star of the show, yet at the same time harmonious to the complexion.

The restaurant's design seems to be the answer to a request which the most serious chefs are sure of: fine dining in an informal setting.

With an emphasis on using fresh produce, Risette’s menu changes weekly according to the items available. On my visit, it begins with the kitchen's latest creations – small dishes to whet the appetite – which include warm Gillardeau oysters with ricotta, chickpea fritters with miso mayonnaise and, interestingly, haggis pie. >

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SUMMER 2018 FLAVOUR

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The rest of the weekly menu includes detailed dishes, in which every element is painstakingly developed and perfected until it passes the kitchen's rigid standards: to name a few, pork galette with roasted scallops, grilled octopus and cauliflower velouté, braised barley with mussels and buttered leeks, smoked haddock and Avruga caviar, and confit of suckling pig with beetroot and smoked eel.

As we sipped on wine, our appetites were whet by an amuse bouche and freshly-made sourdough bread. I then started off with the rabbit liver parfait, William pear and sauce ravigote, which was this extremely exciting yet balanced venture of texture and taste. The ravigote offered the perfect pitch of piquancy to the brackish rabbit, while the pear offset the two with its sweetness.

YOU FEEL AS THOUGH YOU'VE JUST HAD AN EXPERIENCE WHICH YOU WOULDN'T OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO CREATE.

John Dory with Jerusalem artichoke, courgette, radish and a sauce vin jaune were my choices for the main. The fish was cooked precisely how it ought to be, so as to bring out its firm and flaky texture. Meanwhile, the artichoke was so flavoursome that it could have been a dish on its own, yet somehow didn't overpower the delicate sweetness of the John Dory.

My dining companion opted for lamb shoulder with anchovies, pearl barley, goat cheese and peas. The lamb fell apart with succulence, and its strong taste was challenged by the anchovies and goat cheese, bringing the palate an excellently burlesque taste. “You need the peas,” my companion told me.

“Everything that’s on this plate is important in every bite.”

That’s the point. Every bite was an explosive expression of the chefs' mastery of working flavours together with innovative techniques.

It was totally apparent that the selective menu was full of attentive detail to the fresh and fine produce chosen.

VERDICT Food 5/5 Service 3/5 Ambience 4/5 Value 4/5 www.guidememalta.c

om

We didn't opt for dessert because the portions are surprisingly sizeable, but the options available were apple mousse with salted caramel, speculoos and yogurt sorbet, hazelnut mille-feuille with yuzu ice-cream, and parsnip cream with salted peanut ice-cream and pink grapefruit.

A selection of unpasteurised French cheese served with Sharon fruit chutney was also on the menu.

The restaurant’s only downfall is that while the food and the restaurant design were all in keeping with the aim to offer fine dining in an informal setting, the staff didn't seem to get the memo. They lack that effortless affability and relatability that you'd want to see at a restaurant such as this – but they were gentle, highly-attentive and with their intentions in the right place.

Price point? It's not inexpensive. You're looking at about €18 for a starter, while a main averages at €30. However, you don't walk away feeling like you’ve been had. You feel as though you've just had an experience which you wouldn't otherwise be able to create. What you pay for is the attentive detail, time and expertise that goes into making this experience so exceptional – any time.

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SUMMER 2018 COACH

Marion Gamel is a C-level executive with over 20 years of experience.

Having started her career as an entrepreneur, she then worked for Google and Eventbrite, and was Chief Marketing Officer of Betsson Group. Marion has been coaching entrepreneurs, founders and

COACH ASK THE

C-executives around the world since 2015. In this regular column, she provides advice to business leaders to empower them on issues ranging from improving efficiency to driving transformation and international growth within the company.

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SUMMER 2018 COACH

Dear Marion, There are major changes currently taking place within my company, and due to inevitable circumstances, not all of them are entirely positive. I want my workforce to be more adaptable, but at the same time, I don’t want a mutiny on my hands! I find managing change within my organisation to be a tricky subject. It often feels like I have to choose between one and the other, which is not very conducive to business growth. How can I create a culture of agility within my workforce, whilst appropriately managing change in my organisation?

Sincerely, Confused CEO

Dear CEO,

HOW TO ‘DO’ CHANGE

CHANGE IS BUSINESS, BUSINESS IS CHANGE.

Change is hard.

The ancient saying, “The only thing that never changes, is change”, has never been truer than today. Globalisation and digitalisation are amplifying humans’ and companies’ need to deal with ambiguity, to adapt and to grab opportunities in order to survive, let alone thrive.

Whether change comes from our environment and imposes a shift in the way we think, or whether it comes about as the result of our thinking, which impacts our environment, change is a ‘brain thing’.

It is therefore essential for business leaders to understand the mechanisms of change and how to harness it, in order to turn their team into an agile, change-friendly workforce.

Despite the fact that our brain is an organ built to adapt, it is not fond of change. Carrying out habitual tasks on autopilot is easiest. You see, habits take the shape of neuro-wirings in the brain, which are used so often that they’re like rail tracks. Replacing habits (rail tracks) with new ways (walking through unchartered wild terrain) is a considerable effort and requires three key ingredients: time, attention and repetition.

Time: Change cannot be rushed. To embrace changes, people need to go through various stages, without skipping any, until they reach acceptance.

Attention: A limited resource. While we pay attention to something new, we’re not paying attention to everything else. Asking your entire workforce to focus on change is an investment as it takes their attention away from other goals.

Repetition: Changing our way of acting or thinking requires practice, in order to achieve fluency. One cannot ‘un-wire’ their brain to erase an old rail track. Instead, change requires you to intentionally do something new repeatedly, in order to create a new rail track. >

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SUMMER 2018 COACH

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HUMAN BRAINS ARE FUNDAMENTALLY SOCIAL

According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, who created the ‘hierarchy of needs’ theory, a sense of belonging is the third most important basic human need. In time of change, leaders need to gain trust, activate loyalty, and create a strong sense of belonging, getting people into a positive mindset. Such goals can be achieved by acknowledging emotions, sharing information, activating the reward system, making the most of ‘in groups’ and using story-telling.

INFORMATION

EMOTIONS

Change is the birth of new, but it is also the death of old.

When major changes happen in a company, the range and sequence of emotions that people experience can be compared to the emotions they feel when they lose a loved one – denial, anger, a desire to go back to the past, followed by acceptance and the ability to plan for the future. However, if the sequence is not followed, change can alter individuals’ behaviour in a negative way, leading to anxiety, territoriality, selfishness, inability to make decisions, lack of focus, disengagement, and worse.

Furthermore, emotions are contagious: they’ll spread like wildfire throughout your workforce. Ignoring them leads to a decrease in employees’ performance and a rise in attrition. Here are two simple things a leader can do to create a strong bond and maintain trust while driving change: Acknowledge the various emotions being expressed and experienced by your team. Share some personal truth – such as your own experiences and emotions in relation to a change you went through – and show authentic empathy. “I care about how you feel”, “I understand your concerns” and “I felt the same way” are powerful messages coming from a leader. Give your team a safe place where to ‘vent’: small workshops, one-to-one discussions with a manager, or Q&A sessions during the company all-hands gathering. Not only is this cathartic, this will also undercut the need for gossip.

After you’ve explored and acknowledged their emotions, offer your team a break from them. Unite troops around a new project or goal. You can choose to give more importance to the imminent launch of a new product, in order to offer your team something positive to focus on while a deep change is happening in another area of the company. Alternatively, you can refresh your company goals and organise your workforce into project-teams to tackle each goal.

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Fact: Even the most negative piece of news is less stressful than not knowing!

Levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, have been found to be higher in people waiting for a test result than among people who know that the outcome of the test was negative. One of the most important requirements to efficiently manage change is to share as much information, as early and as often as possible during the process, giving your workforce the reassurance that nothing bad is going on ‘behind their back’ and that their leader is acting in a transparent and respectful manner.

If you are working on a re-organisation, announce you’ve started the process and commit to a date for the final reveal. If it is likely to result in job cuts, pre-announce it, explain the rationale and commit to keeping your workforce up to date in a timely fashion. The feeling of being kept ‘in the know’ will gain trust and loyalty, as well as keeping stress levels down and performance high.

REWARDS

In times of change, it is paramount to celebrate good work and successes even more than usual. Communicate in a timely way about achieved goals, acknowledge great work on a weekly basis, and create a company ‘awards’ ceremony.

Give kudos and small bonuses.

While your team’s reality is changing, it is reassuring to feel proud about achievements. >

SUMMER 2018 COACH

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IN-GROUPS

A recent and surprising finding of neuroscience is that although we think of social pain – such as being rejected or criticised – as different from physical pain, the brain processes both similarly. They feel identical and they impact us equally. Social rejection reduces IQ because it is painful, and pain impacts our ability to think.

Throughout our lives, we all build an in-group – people we feel close to – and out-group – people we feel different from. In time of change, encourage managers to gain awareness about their own in-group as well as the way they treat people in it and how it differs from the way they treat outsiders. This awareness empowers them to intentionally widen the group of people who benefit from special treatment.

STORYTELLING

From an early age, we love stories and use them to assimilate complex moral concepts such as courage, ethics and hope. We use the same skills to understand real people and situations as we do to relate to fictional characters. A powerful thing a leader can do is to talk to their team about their emotions, their past experiences with profound life changes, and what they learned from these experiences, which then allows them to share their vision about the future. By doing this, a leader turns a stressful reality into a story that encompasses the present whilst looking into the future. Storytelling is persuasive as it presents an idea in a non-threatening way. One of the most powerful models available to tell a compelling story about organisational change is the Intentional Change Model, developed by Boyatzis and Goleman:

THINGS TO TRY TO WIDEN IN-GROUPS

Change the location of meetings to different parts of the company building to encourage networking.

Invite to your team meetings people from different functions in order to encourage cross-functional collaboration.

The stronger the sense of belonging and the wider each employee’s in-group within a company, the more likely your workforce will be to think as one and care about the company as a whole.

1. The ideal self: Who we need and want to be. Our vision for the future.

2. The real self: Who we are right now. Our people, our skills, our ways, our business context.

3. Our learning agenda: To go from who we are to who we need to be.

4. The experimentation: We must embrace learning and the transitional period, including minimising the fear to fail.

5. Supportive relationships and resources: They make change possible as we support each other. Making a list of the great people we work with reminds us of this resource we can tap into.

PLANNING CHANGE

FOR BRIDGES’S MARION’S CHEAT SHEET : DEL MO TRANSITION

One of my favourite models to manage change is Bridges’s Transition Model: from Endings to In Between to New Beginnings.

ENDINGS nstrate authentic empathy, • Listen and acknowledge emotions. Demo don’t censure or dismiss. ble, as often as possible.

• Give people as much information as possi with respect. past the treat g, • Symbolically mark the Endin not. is what and • Define what’s over, to strengthen the sense of • Encourage the growth of in-groups belonging.

It offers leaders a powerful tool to identify where people are in the change process and what they need to move on to the next stage. This model can be effectively used in workshops, where the three phases are described and explained so employees understand what it is they are going through, why it feels like it does and what’s coming next. Once assimilated, this model can be used to deal with future changes and with other teams, creating an agile, change-friendly culture where the ‘Ending’ is no longer sad, the ‘In Between’ is acceptable and the ‘New Beginning’ is exciting.

IN BETWEEN limbo zone.

• Acknowledge that you are temporarily in transition. of e phas this stify • Use storytelling to demy . work great rd rewa and • Recognise re-energise your team.

• Create new focuses and goals to rally and

Good luck!

Marion

NEW BEGINNINGS ising the fear of failure.

• Encourage testing new ways while minim . vision your • Describe the future and share of control, by involving sense some them give and • Empower people them in planning the future. new is valid.

• Celebrate early successes as proof that the

Got a question for Marion? Email her at marion.gamel@gmail.com

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SUMMER 2018 FITNESS

G N I N S N N U O T I S CAT O L SLIEMA PROMENADE

IN MALTA FOR EXERCISING OUTDOORS Why limit your training to an indoor gym when Malta is bursting with outdoor locations that are ideal for exercising?

Martina Said highlights six stunning spots which will make your daily workout that much more energising.

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This long and winding promenade is a popular choice among fitness aficionados, particularly joggers who enjoy a good stretch of road which is both flat and even. For the longest route, begin your run all the way from the Ta’ Xbiex seafront, passing by the Gżira seafront which merges with the Sliema ferries, and leads you to the start of the Sliema promenade from the Qui-Si-Sana seafront. From here, you may jog or run all the way to St Julian’s along Tower Road and George Borg Olivier Street, until you arrive at the Love monument at Spinola Bay. The entire length of this stretch is just over 6km, but you could whittle it down to just over 3km if you start from the beginning of the Sliema seafront at the top of Qui-Si-Sana Road.

Approximately half-way along the seafront, go off track via Independence Garden right along the coastline, which was previously an abandoned farm and transformed into a well-kept public space in 1990. It’s a quiet and peaceful garden, perfect for a short walk or sprints away from the busier main artery right above it, or even for a quick stretch right by the water. The Sliema promenade is an incredibly popular route for runners at nearly all times of the day, so you’ll probably have to dodge quite a few runners as well as people taking leisurely strolls, especially on weekends. Go early to avoid the human traffic.

SUMMER 2018 FITNESS

VICTORIA LINES Widely referred to as the Great Wall of Malta, the Victoria Lines span 12km along the width of the island and run through a number of localities along a natural geographical barrier.

This unique monument of military architecture, constructed by the British in the late 1800s, runs from Madliena in the east, through the limits of Mosta at the centre of the island, and all the way to .

Bingemma and the limits of Rabat in the west. It’s a perfect route for a long countryside hike, fast walk or, for the steel-willed, a challenging jog. You’ll pass through some of Malta’s densest countryside along the way, as well as enjoy some incredible views.

GHAJN TUFFIEHA BAY

Photo by www.viewingmalta.com

If you’re living in Malta and want to make the most of island life, even during a workout, then there’s no better place to test your endurance than at the beach.

The beach you choose will very much tie in with the kind of workout you’re after – some beaches have flat yet undulating rocks which are ideal for short sprints, others are sandy but accompanied by flat cemented stretches of land which are well-suited for outdoor HIIT (Highintensity Interval Training) circuits, while others, such as Ghajn Tuffieha, are perfect for an intense cardiovascular workout.

Photo by Frank Vincentz

ONCE BACK UP AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, SOAK IN THE VIEW OF THE BEACH BELOW – IT WILL MAKE THE SWEAT AND TEARS ALL WORTH IT. A visit to Ghajn Tuffieha, also known as Riviera Beach, is a must even on a non-training day – it’s a stunning beach with coarse, golden sand and extremely inviting water.

If you’re keen to use it as your gym for the day, you’ll need to access the beach via a long flight of steep stairs, which can be your warm-up as well as an integral part of your training programme. During or after your cooldown, take a minute to observe the beauty of the beach’s surroundings – in spring, the encircling cliffs (which are also worth exploring on foot) are resplendent with flowers and greenery, while a watch tower built during the time of the Knights of St John stands on a cliff at one end of the bay. Also, once back up at the top of the stairs, soak in the view of the beach below – it will make the sweat and tears all worth it. >

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SUMMER 2018 FITNESS

Photos by www.viewingmalta.com >

MARSAMXETT Who said a run cannot incorporate a dose of history? With this route it certainly can. Begin your journey from the same spot as the Sliema promenade route, that is, Ta’ Xbiex, which sits in the middle between Sliema and Valletta along Malta’s coastline. You’ll pass by Msida followed by Marina Road in Pietà, which leads you directly to Valletta’s coastline a few kilometres later. If you’re looking to begin your route directly from Valletta, head to the top of the road (near the Grand Hotel Excelsior on the outskirts of the city), and follow the main path along Great Siege Road, with views of Marsamxett Harbour, Manoel Island in Gżira as well as the Sliema coast.

Pass by the historical Fort Saint Elmo, which stands at the tip of the Sciberras Peninsula that divides Marsamxett Harbour from Grand Harbour, and continue along Quarry Wharf, Pinto Wharf and finally the Valletta Waterfront, along which route you can take in the beauty of Malta’s glorious Grand Harbour.

CHADWICK LAKES FOND GHADIR Sliema’s offerings for the fitnessinclined go beyond the promenade alone. Along the entire route is a rocky coastline which is perfect for swimming and bathing, but part of it is also good for exercising. Early on along the promenade is Fond Ghadir beach, with its smooth but curvy rocks which are easier to navigate than those further along the coast. Closer to the water, the terrain gets more unstable, including a series of salt pans generally used by bathers. The rocks, although challenging given their inclined and uneven nature, are not sharp, and with the right pair of shoes (meaning ones with good grip), you’ll be able to use them for training sessions without any danger. There’s also a stretch of land at the very start of the Sliema coast which has been cemented, making it a good spot for bursts of exercise such as sprints, weight training or even a session of yoga.

Home to one of Malta’s few freshwater streams, the beautiful and peaceful Chadwick Lakes are ideal for any kind of outdoor exercise. The area is named after Sir Osbert Chadwick, a British engineer who constructed a series of dams, in the late 19th century, to collect rainwater from Rabat and Mtarfa, which drains into Speranza Valley in Mosta and ends up in the sea via Salina Bay. Chadwick Lakes are particularly enchanting during winter and spring, when a steady stream of water gushes down the dams and when the area is bursting with life, including several indigenous plants, insects and frogs. One of the most popular trekking routes that incorporates Chadwick Lakes leaves Rabat and ends in Mosta, making for the most peaceful ramble or run in the thick of Malta’s countryside.

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SUMMER 2018 PAPARAZZI

PAPARAZZI From the coolest parties to the best company perks, iGaming Capital’s Paparazzi pages showcase everything that makes the iGaming industry in Malta so much fun to be part of.

BLEXR TEAM CANCUN TRIP The whole team at Blexr, a performance marketing company based in Sliema, travelled to Cancun for two days of PI planning, as part of their Agile framework. The team also had time to soak up the Mexican sun, lounge around on yachts, swing over treetops and visit Mayan temples.

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1. Blexrians set sail on the Caribbean during their company trip to Cancun 2. Teams discussing progress during Agile PI planning 3. Left to right: Rimante Kvasinskaite, Jordan Foxwell, Daria Abela 4. Victoria Cassar 5. Faye Pace Decesare 6. From front left, clockwise: Jakub Szymanski, Kurt Portelli, Roberta Genovese, Damian Logghe 7. Miguel Solisa

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SUMMER 2018 PAPARAZZI

GENESIS CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY IN MALTA

FIRST

8. Left to right: Idan Levy, Ariel Reem

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VIDEOSLOTS.COM STAFF CELEBRATE THEIR EIGHT NOMINATIONS FOR THE NINTH EDITION OF THE WOMEN IN GAMING AWARDS. LORRAINE SAMMUT WON INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR 10. Left to right: Essi Frantsi, Dunya Siala, Angel Jane Agius, Helena Johansson, Laura Zarb Cousin, Lorraine Sammut, Daniela Spiteri, Jeanelle Pisani, Aries Cassar

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SUMMER 2018 PAPARAZZI

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LEOVEGAS ENGELBERG SKIING TRIP

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Over 650 LeoVegas employees from all over Europe went on a four-day fun-packed team-building event trip in Engelberg, Switzerland. Throughout this trip, employees skied, snowboarded, tubed and curled all over the Swiss slopes.

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LEOVEGAS AFTER WORK PICNIC What better way to end your week, than with an amazing after work event! After the company’s Monthly Roar, it was time for a picnic with great food, drinks, shakes, and most importantly, amazing colleagues.

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SUMMER 2018 PAPARAZZI

Photos by Silver Portugov Photography

IN IGAMING WANT TO BE ?

RA ZZI PAGES CAPITAL’S PAPA aming event, party

an iG feature Have you got you want to g in er th ga or spectacular Capital? A in iGaming seminar, , a successful company trip to show t an w ent you or an achievem ar from you. Send us to he off? We want photos on and high-res up erit your w om.mt ntenthouse.c newsroom@co

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EVENTS BY MARTIN’S VENETIAN MASQUERADE PARTY AT PALAZZO PARISIO Events By Martin’s Venetian Masquerade Party at Palazzo Parisio, presented by iGaming Elite, was a mysterious evening with costumed entertainment, with top DJs and live acts.

23. Left to right: Grazielle Camilleri, Ana Claro Vieira, Francisco Antonio Carrillo Mora 26. The EBM Team. Left to right: Martin Pettersson, Anoosha Iftikhar, Lilyana Ilieva, Siana Jennings, Pierre Lindh, Gerda Kacileviciute, Debbie Cooper, Alan Fitzpatrick, Ana Maria Velez, Andrew Milner, Etienne Bartolo

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SUMMER 2018 PAPARAZZI

THE NORDIC AFFILIATE CONFERENCE (NAC) LAUNCH From left: Tue Lumbye, Johan Svensson, Line Peteri, Kate Ponomareva.

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THE SHOWERS PRESS EVENT, HELD AT WATERBISCUIT, INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, ST JULIAN’S From left: Michael Hjelm, Line Peteri, Marcin Jablonski

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AFFILIATE GRAND SLAM, TALLINN, ESTONIA Ivan Filletti

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EIG CONFERENCE IN BERLIN – START-UP PITCH Left to right: Yuri Vysotskiy, Ivan Filletti, Vitaly Balakhonov, Shawn Muscat

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EUROPEAN FANTASY SPORTS SUMMIT, SiGMA Left to right: Riccardo Mittiga, Michael Kibort, Jindrich Rajchl, Hampus Hagloff

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ONE OF GAMING MALTA’S EXCLUSIVE NETWORKING EVENTS 0139

SUMMER 2018 STYLE

Charles Borg and Ron van Maarschalkerweerd.

Photos by Alan Carville

A LOVE AFFAIR WITH

MALTA

In boxing terms, celebrated design duo Charles & Ron are nothing short of heavyweights in the local fashion scene. Sarah Micallef discovers the history behind what has become Maltese fashion’s bestloved household name.

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SUMMER 2018 STYLE

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hile locals and expats on the Maltese islands may be familiar with celebrated local fashion brand Charles & Ron, the story behind the talented design duo is lesser known – it is, essentially, a love story, between both the designers and the Maltese islands.

“Charles and I met in Amsterdam in 1992, while I was studying at University and Charles was on holiday,” recalls Ron van Maarschalkerweerd, revealing that before then, while he had heard about Malta, Charles Borg’s island home, he didn’t really know anything about it. “I decided to visit Malta for a holiday, and that’s how it all started.”

Looking back on their early days, Ron recalls being impressed by Charles’ talent for dressmaking – a trait which one rarely came across in his native Holland, but was very much part of the culture in Malta at the time. “Charles’s aunts and grandmother were dressmakers, so from the age of 11 or so, he was already making his own clothes. When we met, he was making clothes for friends and acquaintances, but also had a job in retail on the side,” Ron says, recalling how he encouraged Charles to take his talent seriously.

As his relationship with Charles blossomed, his love for the island also grew. “Charles and I started travelling backwards and forwards to see each other, and after a couple of months, I decided to move here. I left Holland, along with my university studies, and drove everybody back home crazy!”

That same year, the pair converted Charles’ bedroom into their first studio, and threw themselves into creating their brand. “I was always creative – I loved fashion and would always draw and paint, but never did anything professional before that,” says Ron. The brand took off straight away. “We soon had the opportunity to do our first fashion show, together with Joe Fountain and Carina Camilleri.”

As things started to gain traction, Charles & Ron began organising two fashion shows per year, and soon moved into a larger studio. “We started out doing made-tomeasure bridalwear, but would also present two collections per year, because we wanted to step away from the dressmaker label and show people that we are designers, and we present our own ideas,” he explains.

Over the years, people within the industry abroad began to take notice, and Charles & Ron were invited to their first show overseas, in Naples. “It was a haute couture night with Italian designers. From there, someone from Rai TV saw us, and we were invited to go on television. One thing led to another, and that’s really how our career developed,” says Ron. >

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SUMMER 2018 STYLE

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A few years ago, the design duo set their sights on retail, and began to focus on ready-to-wear and accessories. “Our first shop was a pop-up shop at the Corinthia, which actually came about by chance.

We’re still there today, and went on to open our second store in Valletta, with our third opening very soon as part of the new -3 level at the Point, Tigné.”

“WHEN WE FIRST STARTED OUT, OUR WORK REVOLVED A LOT AROUND THE GLAMOUROUS, OLD HOLLYWOOD STYLE. WE THEN SLOWLY STARTED INCORPORATING MALTESE ELEMENTS.”

And while they certainly embrace the opportunity to showcase their work abroad, their love for Malta remains strong, with its unique cultural elements forming an integral part of their aesthetic. I ask Ron about how their recognisable Mediterranean style developed, and the designer recalls how this wasn’t always the case. “When we first started out, our work revolved a lot around the glamourous, Old Hollywood style. We then slowly started incorporating Maltese elements. For me, as a foreigner coming from the outside, I found that there wasn’t much appreciation on the island for cultural heritage – at least that’s the feeling I got. Meanwhile, Charles is also quite patriotic, so together, we felt like we should really push this further,” he maintains, adding that in doing so, they noticed that people were surprised but appreciative. “We also noticed that when we went abroad, it gave us a whole new story to tell, and made us stand out,” he says.

Now, bang in the middle of wedding season, as they busy themselves with their first love – madeto-measure bridalwear – the designers are also hard at work on their upcoming spring/summer 2019 collection, which Ron jokes “is in its early stages, and very late!” And with a busy shop to look after and a new one in its planning stages, it’s evident that there’s a lot going on in the world of Charles & Ron. Looking to the future, the pair hope to continue to grow as a retail company, and have made their first inroads overseas in Los Angeles, though they admit that the industry is a tough one to break into. >

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SUMMER 2018 STYLE

“WORK, WORK, WORK, AND IF YOU THINK YOU’RE WORKING HARD ENOUGH, WORK HARDER.” >

With almost 30 years in the industry under their belts, the pair have certainly had their share of highlights, not least of which being their recent participation within the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange at Buckingham Palace. “We were invited to represent Malta, and it was amazing to walk into Buckingham Palace – as we walked in, the scale of it actually hit us. It was also the first time there was a fashion-related event held at the palace,” Ron explains. Other highlights have seen the designers participate in both New York and LA Fashion Weeks, but, as the designer admits, “you’re often working so hard on everything that it doesn’t even hit you that you’re doing what you’re doing when you’re there!”

important,” Sef Farrugia, who “created her own niche with scarves and accessories” and Marco Parascandolo, who “also found his own niche, with big logo t-shirts in Maltese – no one was doing that.” His advice to them and to other budding designers is to “work, work, work, and if you think you’re working hard enough, work harder.”

Turning Ron’s attention to the local fashion industry, I ask, how has it developed, over the years? Affirming that it has changed a lot, the designer is pleased that “even though it remains small, we can now call it a bit of an industry, as there are people working full-time in the field. Flexibility is also key – if you’re not flexible, you can miss a lot of opportunities.” As for local upand-coming designers that are worth watching, Ron names Luke Azzopardi, who he feels “is doing a great job and has his own aesthetic, which is very

TREND FORECAST hts on the trends for this The Maltese design duo reveal their thoug n. summer season, going through to autum SUMMER We’re known for colour, but “For us, summer is always very colourful.

Being on a Mediterranean . trend a especially now, it’s become quite it. Flowy styles are also a for allow re sphe atmo island, the weather and from the bodycon look. trend, like kaftan-type overcoats, moving away e a style associated becom ve they’ Palazzo pants are very big for us – this move away with in tie also they year this with Charles & Ron, but s in different denim summer from the skinny fit. Denim is also very big: coat-style waist and es dress styles apart from trousers, including jackets.”

AUTUMN still like to use colour, but “The colours change a bit in autumn. We autumn, including mustard in rs colou r riche er, we tend to go for warm velvet are prevalent. The yellow and brick red. Rich textures including less and less obvious. ing becom transitions between the seasons are lot of designers would a , ously Previ r. winte in r People still wear colou r, but it’s not like that go for darker colours come autumn and winte green and yellow. apple lilac, anymore – you can still find colours like We like that.”

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SUMMER 2018 PRESS

BELAIR PROPERTY KEY PARTNER TO GET YOUR BUSINESS SETTLED The Maltese property market has grown exponentially over the past 10-plus years across all facets of the industry, due in part to the influx of international companies and businesses utilising Malta as a hub/headquarters for their operations, most notably, iGaming companies.

The lure of low corporate taxes, a low-cost and quality standard of living compared to Northern European countries, great weather, English language and euro currency are all box tickers for companies seeking to relocate in Malta.

I’ll take it!

The rental accommodation market is booming.

Residential lifestyle projects are popping up like mushrooms over the central part of the island, with apartment complexes featuring communal pools, underground parking, spectacular views and modern, stylish finishings which tempt expats and international employees relocating from their home countries.

HAY’S NEW ORDER 2.0 – MEETING THE DEMANDS OF THE MODERN WORK ENVIRONMENT HAY’s New Order system, relaunched with all-new modules and accessories during Stockholm Design Week 2018, has been adapted and developed to fit the ever-changing demands of the work environment.

With consideration for the contract market, Stefan Diez, together with the HAY team, has elevated the functionality and quality of the entire New Order system by extending the long list of customisable parts and accessories.

These modern, fully-furnished, apartments, centrallylocated and often with sea views don’t stay on the market long. Companies and their employees are encouraged to team with established real estate consultants like Belair Property to ensure an efficient approach to finding accommodation; targeting quality properties that they know will satisfy their clients and get them settled quickly.

The newest components such as steel doors, drawers and panels can be added without tools, and withstand the everyday use of a busy office. With New Order 2.0, cable clips, sheet metal shelves, trays, lighting components, screens, acoustic panels and tables have also evolved and are adaptable to specific needs.

A commercial approach A strategic approach is key when searching for the right business premises for your company. Whether you’re a three-person operation or a 300-plus corporation, the market is competitive. There are a number of spectacular projects currently under construction, designed to satisfy the needs and expectations of the most demanding organisations, featuring bright open spaces and exceptionally high standards of finish which offer quality work space with the employee satisfaction requirements expected nowadays.

Belair Property is a market leader in this field, working hand in hand with companies and project developers to ensure both parties are satisfied when it comes to the flagship of their Southern European business operations.

HAY also launched the new sofa and coffee table by GamFratesi, as well as the new tables and bench by Simon Jones Studio. The Result and Pyramid Collection

by Wim Rietveld and Friso Kramer for Ahrend and the Soft Edge Series by Iskos-Berlin will also launch new colours and materials, along with many new accessories.

HAY was founded in 2002 with the ambition to create contemporary furniture with an eye for modern living and sophisticated industrial manufacturing. It remains the company’s ambition to this day. Committed to the design and production of furniture and accessories with an international appeal, HAY strives to make good design accessible to the largest possible audience.

Inspired by the stable structures of architecture and the dynamics of fashion, HAY seeks to combine both elements in durable quality products that provide added value for the user. HAY’s continued vision is to create straightforward, functional and aesthetic design in cooperation with some of the world’s most talented, curious and courageous designers.

HAY is available exclusively at LOFT Naxxar.

Contact Belair on T: 2011 8000 or E: info@belair.com.mt

LOFT, 21 Triq San Pawl, Naxxar. T: 2099 9966; E: info@loft.com.mt; W: www.loft.com.mt; FB: LOFT Malta

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SUMMER 2018 PRESS

BUSTING THE MYTH OF MALTA PROPERTY PRICES It is a myth that to live by the sea in Malta, expats need to spend thousands of euro a month. That is true if you wish to fall out of bed and crawl to work! However, if you live outside the main areas and commute for 30-45 minutes you can easily find a nice property for less than €1,200 per month; the current going rate for a simple two-bedroom property in Sliema without views. Should you move further up north to St Paul’s Bay, Xemxija or Mellieħa, or down south to Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Kalkara, you can not only find a fantastic property, but you’ll also be away from all the hustle and bustle of Sliema and St Julian’s. So, in reality it boils down to what you’re after, whether it’s a short commute to

work at a higher rental price or better value for money and a slightly longer commute for a potentially larger, nicer and cheaper property.

In a little over five years in operation, QuickLets have grown from a start-up to the biggest letting agency on the island with 270 specialists and counting. As part of our growth, we have delved into the commercial side of the market and even launched our brand – officefinder. com.mt – in order to have a dedicated place to search for commercial spaces.

Contact Quicklets on T: 2010 8666 or M: 9925 6951 or email marksc@quicklets.com.mt or visit www.quicklets.com.mt

WE ARE TEAM LEO! Working at LeoVegas means that you wake up to a roaring morning, every morning. We place people at the core of our operations, not the other way round.

We believe in offering opportunities for employees to improve their skills and better their position, and over the last few years, we have seen many progress up the success ladder. A career at LeoVegas requires hard work, but we’re very good at showing our appreciation in return!

We offer some of the best benefits in the Maltese employment market, including fully-paid health insurance, sports allowances, fitness classes, a healthy snack bar and a weekly breakfast. We

also organise incredible staff events throughout the year. Just this March, over 650 of us went on a four-day skiing trip in the Swiss Alps!

Team Leo is made up of people from over 30 nationalities. We celebrate diversity in race, gender, age, religion, ability, and sexual orientation – in fact, we were the main sponsor of Malta Pride Week 2017. At LeoVegas we look at people as individuals. Whatever you’d like to be, you will feel welcomed and part of our team.

LeoVegas won Best Employer in the latest Malta iGaming Awards. Check out current vacancies on www.LeoVegasCareers.com and our Facebook page LeoVegasCareers

HUGO’S BOUTIQUE HOTEL – A BOLD NEW LANDMARK In the heart of Malta’s leading business and entertainment hub, Hugo’s Boutique Hotel adds its contemporary architectural profile and elegant stature to this dynamic convergence of stylish restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs. This bold new landmark reflects the sheer beauty and charm of Malta’s archipelago, not only through its distinct individuality and vivacious decor, but also by systematically mastering an awareness of charismatic tranquillity amidst the non-stop, vibrant scenes of the island’s principal hotspot.

Hugo’s Boutique Hotel has been meticulously fashioned to inject a sense of individuality to its luxurious design,

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thus providing a unique finish of style and excellence to each and every one of its 40 designer guest rooms. Set over eight floors, the hotel also includes a restaurant, specialised whiskey lounge with terrace, champagne bar, 65-foot open-air rooftop pool and cocktail bar, surrounded by a large sundeck overlooking the sandy beach and clear blue waters of St George’s Bay. Hugo’s Boutique Hotel offers everything today’s urban traveller seeks to rest, loosen up or a little bit of both.

For further information or to place a reservation, contact us on T: 2016 2420 or E: info@hugoshotels.com

SUMMER 2018 LIFE

IS MALTA EUROPE’S

NEW FESTIV A L HUB? With a slew of events taking place over the next few months, it seems like this little rock in the middle of the Med is the next big thing on the circuit. Rebecca Anastasi lines up all the events you should look out for and when.

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estival season is nigh upon us and, while Glastonbury is taking a fallow year, anticipation is heating up on the continent, ahead of other big events. Here in Malta, the frequent sunny days and balmy evenings, lasting well into October, are the perfect breeding ground for homegrown festivals, designed to get the audience moving, talking and thinking. And, with the island celebrating its title as European Capital of Culture 2018, there’s not a month which goes by this year without an event that’s sure to thrill and excite.

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SUMMER 2018 LIFE

EXPLORE MUSICAL LANDSCAPES AT THIS SUMMER’S FESTIVALS Ostensibly, Malta’s summer festival season kicks off with Earth Garden, taking place between 31st May and 3rd June at the Malta National Park, Ta’ Qali. As indie as it gets, this celebration of the alternative – in sounds, styles and stages – takes place outdoors and has established a reputation for being the ‘in’ place to be seen over the festival dates.

This year’s event will open with ska musician Nicky Bomba, who will be accompanied by the Malta Ska Orchestra, and watch out for Maltese band Brikkuni, often credited with the revival of the Maltese music scene and who achieved cult status with their sardonic Kuntrabanda album. (www.earthgarden. com.mt)

And, for one of the biggest events of the summer, head to the Malta Jazz Festival, a staple in the local calendar, revered not only locally but across Europe too. Jazz greats – such as John Scofield, Al Di Meola, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Joe Zawinul – have all played at this outdoor festival, taking place across six days in various areas of the capital. This year, the festival runs from 16th to 21st July and boasts three of the biggest names in jazz today, Chick Corea, Christian McBride and Karim Ziad, promising to be a treat for jazz aficionados and music enthusiasts alike. (www.maltajazzfestival.org)

For something a little more traditional, Għanafest (pronounced ‘uh-nah-fest’; the ‘għ’ is silent), Malta’s folk singing festival is taking place between 22nd and 23rd June in Floriana’s Argotti Gardens. The verdant location is the perfect setting for the għannej – the poet-singer – to improvise his tunes in verse, demonstrating the craft through a lexical duel with an adversary. International acts will also parry with local, in an eclectic musical mesh of Mediterranean folk styles.

And, if you miss it the first time around, Buskett will be hosting the festival as part of the Imnarja celebrations in the evening of the 28th June and the morning of the 29th June while, in the evening of the same day, the sounds of the għannej will be heard in .

Birżebbuga. (www.facebook.com/ghanafest)

Indeed, there is something for everyone this summer. Not to be outdone by events celebrating the diversity of traditional musical styles, electronic music festival Glitch, promises to pump the crowds up at Gianpula Fields where it will take place between the 14th and 16th August. Multiple stages will enthral house and techno party-goers with a crop of experiences. Rooftop pool parties, a secret ancient vault, hosting a rare appearance by legendary electro figures Dopplereffekt, and live concerts from behemoths of the scene, such as Nina Kraviz, Jeff Mills, Floorplan and Rødhåd have all been announced. More than 4,000 people hailing from over 50 countries attended last year, so this year’s edition is bound to be another rager. (www.glitchfestival.com) >

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SUMMER 2018 LIFE

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EXPERIENCE THE HEART AND POWER OF FILM Master film-maker and story-teller Francois Truffaut, one of the leading lights of the French New Wave, once said “I want my audience to be constantly captivated, bewitched, so that it leaves the theatre dazed, stunned to be back on the pavement.”

And, for the past three years, that is precisely what the Valletta Film Festival (VFF) has aimed to do: bring the love of film back to the swelling crowds of the capital. Moving into its fourth edition and taking place between 8th and 17th June, the VFF, Malta’s biggest film event, introduces audiences to the best film festival fare, currently making rounds on the international circuit, screening these gems in the open-air venue of Pjazza Teatru Rjal, as well as indoor theatres including Spazju Kreattiv, the Embassy Cinemas and – as of this year – Valletta Campus Theatre. Each night, international directors, actors and film industry guests tread the red carpet outside the open-air theatre to introduce their work to local audiences and answer any questions about the film following the screening.

Masterclasses and workshops are also held with the aim of nurturing the nascent local film talent. (www.vallettafilmfestival.com)

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And if you’d rather the cinema comes to your town, rather than you go to it, Solar Cinema is travelling around the islands from May to October, setting up its screen to present a series of shorts, docs, feature-length and animated films. The focus is on sociocultural-environmental themes and the stories tell tales about migration, island life, green issues and extraordinary encounters. Village squares, beaches and open spaces will be transformed into cinemas, allowing audiences to be captivated by the journeys taken under the stars. (www.solarcinema.org/malta-2018) >

SUMMER 2018 LIFE

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GAIN A NEW APPRECIATION FOR ART Many artists seek inspiration from collaboration and interdisciplinary cooperation, and on this very foundation, the Malta International Arts Festival was born. Enriching the local cultural calendar with multi-disciplinary work, aiming to bring audiences and artists together, the festival kicks off on the 29th June and runs until 15th July. The event offers a staggering number of site-specific works in the fields of music, visual arts, theatre, dance, opera, film, as well as hosting community projects, educational activities and interactive and participatory events. The lofty aim is to encourage a love of art and culture, and to this end, effort has been made to present the works in venues of historical importance, such as the Manoel Theatre and Fort St Elmo in Valletta. This year’s edition promises to be another corker, with the world-famous Royal Concergebouw Orchestra playing on 1st July and the gravitydefying Aria by Italian dance company No Gravity performed on 8th July. More details on the events included in the programme are constantly being announced on the website. (www.maltaartsfestival.org)

Meanwhile, a recent addition to Malta’s festival line-up is Trojan Horse was a Unicorn, an international week-long experience bringing together the big names in the digital animation industry. The organisation supports digital artists worldwide, seeking to ensure that the world understands and celebrates its art and expertise.

Dubbed ‘Where Burning Man meets TED’, for six days, aspiring artists hang out with their heroes in a uniquely intimate environment, educating and inspiring one another and bonding over food, drink, and a shared passion for art and creativity. As a result, THU is a source of lifelong friendships and previously unthinkable professional opportunities. After five editions, THU is moving to Malta for the next three years. This year, the event will take place in Valletta, between 24th and 29th September, with the Mediterranean Conference Centre and Fort St Elmo, both in Valletta, as the heart of the experience. (www.trojan-unicorn.com)

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