The NOUV Link - Issue 4

Tuning organisations to Excellence

Welcome Message from Mark

Welcome!

Here we are, introducing our next NOUV Link. I always look forward to this newsletter because, besides being an opportunity to give you some updates about the company, I would also be eager to read about the people who make up this fantastic firm.

When we started this project, the idea was simple – to make communication between us easier and more regular. So now that the NOUV Link has started growing in popularity, we are also trying to make it more fun.

Let’s face it, many things are happening out there that could dampen our morale or remind us of the negative instead of the positive. So, let’s remind each other how fun we can be. Because NOUV IS a fun organisation!

A testimony of this was our summer event last July, photos of which have now been published in this edition. We do spend half our life here at the office or working with clients. So make it a point to have fun in all that you do. If not, half of our life will be unhappy!

I am proud of this dynamic and diverse team, consisting of nearly ten nationalities and over ten fields of study. And as my colleagues, I am sure you too feel proud that we are building this vibrant organisation.

So I take this opportunity to welcome our new colleagues on the various teams – new faces and talent that remind us of how

important it is to keep renewing ourselves. We can do this not only by inducting new team members

but also by doing things differently, by being proactive, by thinking outside the box, and by venturing outside our usual comfort zone. Only this will help us to truly grow.

In a few weeks, we will celebrate another Christmas season and the start of a new year. Let this be a time of personal and team renewal. As NOUV, we have come a long way and made some remarkable achievements.

The opportunities we now have ahead of us are worth the wait! It’s a promise!

Let’s Talk NOUV – Grab a coffee!

As the NOUV family grows and is about to hit sixty, we caught up with TONIO FARRUGIA for some updates about the firm’s operations and quest for more growth.

What plans does NOUV have with regards to the premises to cater for this growth?

We always projected more growth, and this was why a few months ago we had taken the decision to take over additional space in this block. In fact, we have now taken over 200sqm of space for a new dedicated training centre for the growing operations of Tuning Fork’s Training Academy, two additional offices and an open plan area with all the relevant facilities. We are pushing to have this space ready by this coming January.

boutique management consulting firm because we handle less clients, contrary to bigger companies, we are also in a position to give our clients more importance. This means that everyone’s input is crucial, everyone has value to give, and everyone holds the potential to grow his or her knowledge.

You like to speak a lot of ownership....

What are the strengths that you are seeing?

Currently, we are seeing our Internal Audit division as our biggest area of growth however, I am foreseeing even more growth here, in fact we are also negotiating the acquisition of another minor company specialised in internal audit which would strengthen our position in the market. However, the biggest strength I see in NOUV is in terms of knowledge.

Notwithstanding the fact that NOUV is a boutique firm run by a relatively young team, we are positioned to offer a large pool of disciplines coupled with professionals who hold a wealth of experience.

What are the opportunities that you encourage everyone to look at?

At NOUV, I want us to see ourselves as leaders because we have what it takes! Although we call ourselves a

Yes, I believe a lot in ownership because when we take ownership, we show how committed we truly are. This is why it is crucial that we take more ownership of our work. When we do, we create the right environment for professional growth. NOUV does offer the right environment to whoever wants to grow because although we are smaller than other bigger firms, it means that we can develop our ideas more. We need to work as a family, where everyone supports each other.

NOUV is announcing a few new family members and some promotions too...

Yes. Mark Azzopardi has just joined us to head our sustainability vertical, Benjamin Zerafa is now Senior Manager and Maria Varga is now leading Tuning Fork’s performance, optimization and transformation pillar. We have Roberta Baldacchino who just joined NOUV as a senior accountant, Naomi Farrugia, Dylon Debono and Luke Camilleri have been promoted as senior accountants whereas Kurt Vella has

been promoted Senior Manager at corporate level.

We are also opening up vacancies for the posts of Business Advisor in Energy and Environment, Business Advisor in Health and Safety and an Assistant to the Financial Controller. We are opening up these positions first to any of you who might be interested in moving on to new experiences. This is in line with our commitment as a firm to encourage internal growth.

Operational News by Tonio Farrugia

Tuning Fork Academy Delivering Training for 15 years

“Tuning Fork started offering training because it always believed in the importance of ongoing professional training for employees. When employees keep being trained, they not only become more productive, efficient, and effective but become better prepared and make better contributions to their workplace,” says JEANINE

Senior Manager at Tuning Fork.

Tuning Fork was set up in 2001 and was predominantly focused on offering advisory services until it eventually added its training offerings to its portfolio.

The first courses offered by Tuning Fork were ISO-related training modules which used to be taught by Ing Joe Caruana, the company’s founder.

“Eventually, the success of our course offering helped us grow our programme and today, we offer a vast range of both accredited and non-accredited training courses not only in relation to ISO standards but also in Management and Leadership, Governance, Sustainability, Project Management, Automotive, Health & Safety and Hospitality,” explains Jeanine.

Courses are mostly sought by people in management and leadership positions as well as those responsible for auditing of ISO standards.

“We already offer a lot of courses, but our interest is solely to keep growing our portfolio because

SLADDEN

we aim to be a one-stop-shop reference for any organisation’s training needs. In fact, we also support organisations with added services such as evaluations and training needs analysis for their organisations.”

“In whatever we do, we try to differentiate ourselves from our competitors. This also applies to our methods and styles of training. And perhaps one of the aspects that most defines us is that we encourage our clients to choose how they prefer to complete the training, either face to face in a classroom, online or self-paced. We also tailor the training according to the client’s needs and preferences without the need to opt for regular off-the-shelf training,” added Jeanine.

After obtaining its much coveted official school license in 2019, Tuning Fork has, recently added project management to its growing list of courses which today cater for clients across all industries including pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing and gaming companies.

Hot seat Interview with Tonio Farrugia

Moulding a company that reflects own values and vision is priceless. Growing the project and expanding the NOUV family is an indescribable feeling.

When buying your trousers, which age bracket in the kids’ section do you shop from?

From the Humpty Dumpty section

What is the best compliment you have ever received?

Good question to which I do not have a straight answer. In fact, I rarely get compliments. Which is not a good sign I guess....so komplu rsistu! However, recently a friend who also happens to be an ex-employer told me that I am a charismatic leader. Which left me a bit baffled. To some extent, I wish it were true!

And how do you feel after 10yrs at NOUV? From Co-founder perspective, would you do it again?

Although I never wanted to be an accountant, the answer is a big fat YES! Moulding a company that reflects own values and vision is priceless. Growing the project and expanding the NOUV family is an indescribable feeling. I treasure every moment I spend at the office, although I must admit, I am going to try to find more time for the office.

Where do you see the country (Malta) in 5 years’ time?

Ġol-ħajt! Joking apart… on the one hand I am extremely concerned

with the overall level of leadership of our political and institutional class. There is a saying that goes, “good times bring in weak men ….. weak men bring about tough times ….. tough times bring strong men, and ….. strong men bring on good times …. “. I believe that we are currently experiencing the “weak men bring tough times” phase….

On the other hand, as a nation we are extremely resilient. Time and again, our ancestors have shown us that when the going gets tough, we are capable of coming together to turn things round. So, I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, though as things stand, we could be facing a bumpy ride in the next few years. However, I’d say, BRING IT ON!

Who is your favourite employee? I totally dislike the question. It’s like asking a parent, who their favourite child is. But I’m going to play ball. So logically, I would say it’s Franco because besides the personal

bond we have established over the years, Franco is the employee with the biggest seniority. He believed in us, when Mark and I were practically alone. I warmly recall us two having a coffee and drafting a ‘contract of employment’ over a paper napkin! Those were different times! However, some 4 or 5 years later, he did actually get a real employment contract!! But all in all, I see NOUV as one family where I treasure the relationship with each and every member of the team. Love you all!

If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be? No doubt about that: the Italian actress Sabrina Ferilli - she ticks all the boxes and moves all the mountains. She’s hot, intelligent, has a great sense of humour and is a Roma fan!

What brand of shampoo do you recommend?

Wash&Go ...But all in all, I see NOUV as one family where I treasure the relationship with each and every member of the team. Love you all!

What’s your biggest romantic failure ever?

Jesus…. Too many to list! …but I think this could be the best one: When I married, we had spent the first three nights of our honeymoon at the Corinthia in Attard before flying out to Dublin. A couple of years later, I started feeling romantic again and thought of surprising Jennifer by renting out the same room at the Corinthia, you know…was feeling lovey dovey.

I called Corinthia and I specifically requested room 312 however, it was booked! I made a scene and caused a lot of panic (given that it’s my speciality). Long story short, Corinthia helped me out and managed to assign Room 312. On the day of our anniversary, we got to the actual room, and there I was, thinking I had pulled off the stunt of the year, only for my wife to tell me, “Qalbi, this is not our room. Ours was 311!” Such a failed loser!

How do you feel with Jeanine’s recent appointment as Head of HR?

I’m feeling pretty relaxed. I must admit that letting go was not easy for me, but Jeanine is totally structured whereas I’m like a jukebox! To her credit, she did win me over during our first meeting and I think that we are all very lucky to have her as our HR Manager. She loves the role, and she gives it a lot of positive energy (maybe a bit too much energy sometimes) I value her work and the personal bond we have managed to establish very much, and I would like to thank her for putting up with me!

Why do you support Roma in football?

Indeed, my love for Roma plays a very important role in my life. Here’s a true story: from a very young age, I used to support Inter, just like my father. But when I was around 8 years old, I had argued with him as we played football, and to pay him back for upsetting me, I told him “from now on, I will no longer support Inter! I’m going to start supporting Roma!” Bang! Eventually I turned 16 and went to watch Roma play its derby at

the Olimpico for the first time. Unfortunately, we lost that match, but the atmosphere took me over completely. I have travelled and watched other games in other stadia…. Nothing beats the support on the Roma side!

What is your favourite childhood memory?

I was brought up in a very humble family. My father was a civil servant, and my mother temporarily gave up her teaching career to better raise me and my sister (with my sister I think she failed), anyway we were broke!

But I recall our summer house in St. Paul’s Bay. At the end of every summer season, we used to go out for a pizza at Portobello Restaurant, and this was the only dining out done in summer. I recall the anticipation and the forward planning me and my sister used to do, looking forward for this occasion…as pathetic as it may seem.

What’s more important, ice cream or tea?

Tea isn’t for me. But give me vanilla or salty caramel ice-cream any day.

Get to Know Maria Varga

we need to do and I also do the costings and budgets, monitoring resources and performance, while at the same time still implementing my projects for the respective clients. It’s very busy but I like it this way as no day is the same.

You joined Tuning Fork 6 years ago. How has your career progressed so far?

When I joined Tuning Fork, it was just me and another advisor and between us, we handled practically all aspects of the business, from information security to quality to environment, health and safety, and the rest of our portfolio. After two years, as we started growing, we sat down and brainstormed so that we could each start focusing on the different areas of the business. The process turned out to be a natural one where everyone assigned himself his areas of expertise because we all happened to be passionate

about different sectors. My line of work handled performance optimization, project management, transformation and re-engineering and the implementation of ISO standards. After another 2 years, I was promoted to senior manager and started leading my area and developing this line of business.

Today, in your role, you manage TF’s performance, optimization and transformation pillar. What does this entail?

Really and truly, it feels like managing a small company. I research what new services we could be offering, what’s trending in the market, what marketing

What would you say are the main challenges in your role?

Juggling the different aspects of the job is one of my main challenges. Since we offer different services, sometimes you find yourself working for more than one client and more than one service in a day, so switching from one to another can sometimes be challenging. Our work requires a lot of planning, and more often than I would like, these plans change, either due to client exigencies or because of internal aspects of the job that would require my immediate attention, so we need to constantly adapt to according to the new circumstances.

My line of work handles performance optimization, project management, transformation and re-engineering and the implementation of ISO standards.

What in your opinion would make businesses believe more in your services?

There are certain businesses who still look at our services as a luxury, even though what we have to offer would be a necessity for their company. I think companies need to allow themselves the space to understand that what we offer is crucial for their future. This is easier when there is buy-in from the top because if management already believes in our offer, then the rest comes easier. It is when buy-in starts from the bottom that it can be harder.

What gives you most satisfaction in your job?

What gives me most satisfaction is seeing a company change for the better or when clients tell me that our advise would have yielded positive results. We’re in the business of change, so when clients actually take heed of our advice and change for the better happens, even minor operational tweaks, it feels good. It’s what gives me a kick.

How did you personally look at the transition when Tuning Fork joined NOUV?

I wasn’t worried. Tuning Fork was a small organisation, and I knew that there was a lot of room to grow. And I always welcome growth. When I learned of this important development, I was seeing more opportunity to take our expertise into new areas. Notwithstanding the little uncertainty which was natural, it was an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. The pandemic was also a very challenging time so joining a bigger company like NOUV gave us more reassurance.

What are the challenges being faced by your sector and what in your opinion should be done to take the sector to the next level?

Certain companies still view our services as a luxury. Today, what we offer is crucial for some companies that are vying for survival and to remain relevant. Some companies do not fully understand the benefits they could be enjoying, and they only find out once they take the plunge. Trends govern a lot of

the work we do and how we do it so when a particular area such as sustainability or ESG becomes trendy, our work in that area shoots up.

How do you seek to find your ideal work/life balance?

Now that my son is growing, I am finally able to juggle my work with motherhood much better. Being flexible is key, so, being able, and willing to work outside normal hours is important. Obviously, there’s a big element of trust involved, but ultimately what’s

important is that the job is done, and the client is happy. Being able to fit in my work hours with my daily routine plays a major role in being able to have a life outside of work.

What do you think makes a good leader?

Trust is crucial. A good leader is also the one who makes time to listen to the people around him by regrouping regularly. There is a lot of empathy involved as well. I see all this around me and it makes me do the same with my own team.

Married? Children? Residence?

My husband Ben is Hungarian. He moved to Malta for the sea because he loves kayaking. Together, we have a son, and we live in Mġarr where I grew up.

Where did you go to school and what is your fondest childhood memory?

After my secondary school years at St Dorothy’s, I went to Junior College and then moved to the UK where I pursued a degree in Economics and Management and also obtained my Masters in Strategy and Corporate Governance.

I grew up in Mġarr, which has a lot of war shelters, so I have fond memories of the many times we used to explore these shelters, adventuring, and finding all sorts of trinkets.

Hobbies, pastimes?

I practiced a lot of different sports, including football and rugby, and used to dabble in painting/sketching. Now that I’m finding more time for myself, I’m very tempted to start swimming and kayaking.

Your favourite place in Malta? Anywhere by the sea. I love Kantra beach in Gozo, and Smuggler’s Cave in Comino.

Your favourite food?

Ice cream!! I can have whole tubs of ice cream, at any time of day and night and whatever the season!

Music?

I listen to a bit of everything, but mostly rock music.

Your ideal type of weekend.

Ideally on holiday but now I crave for quiet weekends at my own pace.

A memorable trip.

A last-minute trip I took to Australia – literally an overnight decision – and I ended up staying for 5 weeks. Went on a number of road trips, camping, did the great barrier reef, and loved every minute. I love Australia, I’ve been 5 times and would go again anytime.

Environment and Sustainability

James Sammut, Partner & Chief Sustainability Officer at NOUV

The concept of adhering to the values of ESG were introduced with all the good intentions. Today however, the term is already sounding abused and overused. Do you agree?

Let’s go back in time. Today we are lucky to be able to look back at our recent past and see what had happened with the GDPR in 2018. Back then, a regulation was issued, and a timeline was established by when every organisation had to come in line with the new requirements. The public was greatly misinformed, and we missed to understand the real spirit of this new regulation. It was difficult for market players to differentiate the music from the noise. So, most people wrongly and simply associated GDPR with legal expertise when in actual fact, GDPR involved a much wider spectrum of skills including process mapping, document management and ICT besides the legal dynamic.

In the case of ESG, we are still in time to communicate the real spirit of why we are doing all this. We are already aware that the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) scopes

listed companies and other large organisations to start monitoring their ESG performance for baseline year 2024 (except for companies falling within the scope of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive). Hence, these companies need to have a level of preparedness before 2024 in order to pre-empt risks. ESG-related risks take a long time to resolve due to the multi-disciplined approach needed. ESG compliance and beyond requires specialisation in the three facets hence may require different interested parties within the organisation (HR, Operations and directors) and beyond (service providers, suppliers and consultants). Companies need to have ample time to determine and counteract such risks.

To add more complication, locally there is no competent authority yet assigned to regulate ESG. Concomitantly, it is good to incentivise and allocate funds for private enterprise so that market players actively engage in ESG and related best practice. The first key step is awareness to understand ESG gradually moving into the design, implementation and maintaining of such a system.

Organisations will eventually iterate established systems designed to address ESG until they reach the stability needed to balance E,S and G. Mankind needs to understand that if things remain the same, we are bound to experience severe climate conditions.

Do you really believe that ESG principles will lead to better societies?

Undoubtedly. In fact, I cannot agree more with American environmentalist Paul Hawken’s statement that “sustainability is about stabilising the currently disruptive relationship between earth’s two most complex systems – human culture and the living world.” I agree with what good sustainable actions could achieve but it will not be easy. At some point in time, Environment, Social and Governance will clash and conflict due to unclear or overlapping boundaries. Only through the proper management of all the three aspects can we achieve the right balance between People, Profit and Planet. Organisations will eventually iterate established systems designed to address ESG until they reach the stability needed to balance E,s and G. Mankind needs to understand that if things remain the same, we are bound to experience severe climate conditions. We all need to do our part, grow up and disrupt the way of doing things.

Do you think that locally, companies are implementing ESG values properly?

Surprisingly, I am seeing a lot of interest from scoped organisations that are already looking into ESG and exploring ways how they could effectively honour some of the expectations that their stakeholders, rightly so, expect from them. I also find encouraging the fact that they are seeking ways and means how they can establish and implement actions. They are also asking for professional advice.

“We Need to Nurture A Different Mindset”

Luckily, the current young generations are more environmentally conscious, and they carry a stronger emotional value when it comes to matters that protect the environment. Today’s major companies need to bear this in mind because these younger generations are tomorrow’s shareholders and investors.

At Tuning Fork in fact, I am proud to be witnessing a significant level of demand for consultancy and advisory on ESG matters from listed, large and medium-sized organisations. Contrary to GDPR, customers feel the need to do something for the common good of society and are taking things seriously and in the right spirit.

Let us consider the local situation when it comes to transport and mobility. That the situation is already unsustainable, is obvious because we have reached critical mass. What could make the situation more sustainable?

Whilst I am not an expert on transport systems or mobility infrastructures, the basis of any problem is the same, irrespective of the sector: If we have been trying to solve a national problem for some many years and we have not succeeded, then we are not thinking outside the box enough. Rather than actively determining the root cause, we simply contained the problem and did away with a proper irreversible corrective action. Look around you and you can see the waste of money and resources to the detriment of environment and quality of life with no light at the end of the tunnel. I am referring to our widening-theroads ‘strategy’, public transport system that failed since day one and uncontrollable influx of car imports. Undeniably, thinking creatively will mean solutions that will certainly bring major disruption. But disruption is uncomfortable for many people, and I am afraid that there is no political will to

take big uncomfortable decisions. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time, and some big decisions will need to be taken sooner than later.

Having so many companies investing in ESG values could be sending the message that climate change can only be solved by business. What about governments?

Undeniably, businesses have a crucial role to play. Yet governments too have a vital role because they are the ones who can ultimately empower whole societies through education, policies and also enforcement. However, businesses and governments are not the only players to counteract the effects of climate change. It definitely does not stop there. It is everyone’s responsibility. After 20 years of WasteServ and so many waste regulations, we still litter without control and official waste streaming reports are alarming which means one thing – we have not grown up!

What is your opinion of the recently set up ‘Malta ESG Alliance’?

At first glance, the concept is to be lauded. I have always been a firm believer that when it comes to addressing challenges, together we will always be stronger. And the environment issue is presenting us with noticeably big challenges that require a united front. My only disappointment is that this alliance turned out to be a selective and exclusive affair. Many stakeholders have been left out especially other service providers like us who have a lot to offer. Whatever the case,

let’s turn this into an opportunity. The ESG market is sizeable and will affect all organisations in due time. We will persist with our commitment to the highest standards, partner with industry experts and provide the best possible service to our clients and assert our expertise. This chain of events will sustain our business growth.

Profits or no profits, there could really be companies who want to be deeply committed to sustainability and a better environment. What are the challenges they are facing?

The biggest challenge is a cultural one - the mindset is still not there. Unfortunately, doing things right never happens naturally. We have grown accustomed to needing an incentive or a financial reward to do what is right and to act more responsibly. This is why many companies still associate ESG to a cost rather than to an investment for a better future. We do not see things long-term. All businesses need to understand that in the very near future, companies are going to be assessed on their ESG commitments and outcomes.

Luckily, the current young generations are more environmentally conscious, and they carry a stronger emotional value when it comes to matters that protect the environment. Today’s major companies need to bear this in mind because these younger generations are tomorrow’s shareholders and investors.

Another important aspect is that all scoped companies will be obliged to embed ESG practices across all their supply chain i.e. all their external service providers of products and services. This will definitely happen, and the spillover effect is going to be huge. And this gives me the confidence that ESG will be a mainstay pillar within Tuning Fork and NOUV.

Meet a NOUV Expert – Mark Azzopardi

Mark Azzopardi Joins Tuning Fork’s Sustainability Team

Mark joins Tuning Fork after almost eleven years working as a freelance corporate service provider mainly in the financial sector and running his own events company. However, his background is mechanical engineering and environmental technologies.

Tuning Fork is an oppotunity for him to marry his various backgrounds.

More specifically, I am a mechanical engineer specialised in Environmental Diagnostics which basically means the assessment and management of environmental situations. In fact my first job was at ST, then after getting my Masters I moved into environmental consultancy and eventually worked with Malta Enterprise in various roles and on the Board of

WasteServ (which is where I met my fellow Roma fan Tonio Farrugia). During my time at Malta Enterprise and WasteServ I came in touch with some very interesting projects.”

“Then, nearly by accident, I found myself working in financial services. In 2011, I joined a family office which owned an investment casting company in Germany where I was posted for a year. I was then

supposed to move to Vancouver with the same family office, but my wife and I decided against moving so I returned to Malta and freelanced for a few months. I then joined Abertax as Operations and Environment Manager.”

“I loved my job at Abertax, a company involved not only in manufacture but also in the design of the parts they produce. I enjoyed

liaising with the design team as well as the technical and human resources elements that are involved in shop floor operations. However, it took away most of my family time and was missing out from watching my two daughters grow so I decided to leave.

“I had still retained my position on a couple of boards, so I found myself in corporate services. My time working in corporate services gave me good exposure to issues of governance. Concurrently, I also set up an HR company and today this company, called Working Town, hosts events focusing on issues of social importance for businesses. So in a way I have somehow been building towards workin in ESG in everything that I have been doing. Tuning Fork is a culmination of l this and I am very happy to be here.”

Mark joined Tuning Fork in the beginning of October but right from the start, he noticed the company’s genuine commitment to the values and principles of sustainability.

Mark will be joining the sustainability team with Colette Konietzny, James Azzopardi Meli, Andrea Navarra and Mathias Flores Cilia.

“My hope is to contribute towards continuing to build on Tuning Fork’s success in environmental consultancy and helping the company advance in its ESGrelated work. Our goal is to become major players in this sector.”

Referring to his work on a day-today basis, Mark joins a teams that helps clients understand their impact on the environment and their obligations towards it.

“We also focus on health and safety which is part of the social pillar of ESG. We conduct gap analysis reports, ESG reporting, environmental audits, and waste audits so we get to engage a lot with our clients”

Every job comes with its challenges and Mark’s is not an exception.

“Given that ESG is still a relatively new sector, the challenge is going to be to encourage more companies understand the value in reporting on their non-financial performance because nowadays, everything can be measured. Especially how a company deals with aspects such as diversity, gender equality, inclusion of persons with disability, cultural integration, the impact on society and immediate stakeholders, governance, transparency, corruption, and money laundering, this can impact or bring more value to a company and its long-term reputation.”

Mark is looking forward to this new adventure at Tuning Fork even though he admits that he felt a bit of initial trepidation.

“After over 10 years of freelancing and total flexibility, I was a bit wary of coming back to a company and being part of a team. But I knew about Tuning Fork because of their prominent position in the ISO field and I also have known James Sammut for a long time.”

“Now that I am here, I am getting to know everyone. The team is amazing. I realise this every time we visit clients and see their feedback. They think very highly of Tuning Fork. I am also finding out a lot more about the culture. Things here are certainly not done to tick boxes. And reporting is not simply an excuse but a means to genuinely improve things.”

“I am proud to have joined Tuning Fork’s sustainability team. The team is very committed and the work proves how this company genuinely believes in the values and principles of sustainability. Indeed, I am mostly proud that ESG is something that all of NOUV is going to be championing,” concluded Mark.

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NOUV Calendar

Summer Event

Our summer event held last July was an opportunity to come together in a more relaxed and informal setting. Most importantly, it was yet another event that showed what a fun organisation NOUV is!

Upcoming Events

What is definitely happening is an enjoyable Christmas do on Friday the 23rd of December at Il-Pirata in Għadira Bay from 10:30am onwards. We shall definitely be hosting our Secret Santa event as well as Karaoke. No special costumes will be required so anyone who dresses up as Santa, risks a memorable Christmas swim. And that’s a promise.

At

on

Freshers’ Week

Campus, NOUV showed off its fun side Working in the finance industry is not necessarily boring.

This was the main message we wanted to put across with our participation at this years Freshers Week on the University Campus.

Being an event that kicks off students’ journey at University, we chose to theme our stand Starting This Journey Together, which is also in line with our mission to help our clients on their business journey.

On campus, we introduced the company to the students, some of whom can potentially be future employees and colleagues. We wanted to show them how we can help

Being an event that kicks off students’ journey at University, we chose to theme our stand Starting This Journey Together, which is also in line with our mission to help our clients on their business journey.

them achieve their personal and career goals through what we offer.

Freshers Week was a big eye-opener and a learning experience for us who attended the event as we got to hear different perspectives and opinions from a young generation. Students seemed very well prepared as they inquired about job opportunities at NOUV, asking the right questions and looking genuinely interested in learning more about our company and whether we offer paid internships.

“With our presence, we also confirmed that although NOUV operates in the financial services sector, I was offer a fun culture. This was very apparent on the stand from the way we related with the students who visited us.

In fact, to stress that we love having fun, we even had a fun competition going on whereby we had a jar full of pebbles and students had to guess the number of pebbles in the jar. No one guessed the correct number however one student came really close with her guess, making her the winner of a €250 voucher from AirMalta.

Another “Vibrant” SiGMA ’22 Event for NOUV

The SiGMA 2022 edition came and went, and as in our previous participation, we were proud to have been present with our very own stand from where we not only promoted our NOUV brand, but also how we are ideally positioned to service organisations such as those in the iGaming industry to achieve excellence.

“SiGMA was a great event for NOUV and we are very happy to have been present because it turned out to be an opportunity where we enhanced further existing business relationships and managed to establish a number of new ones,” said Andrew Naudi

“The vibe was a very good one and the attending crowd was also fun. The doughnuts made it even more worthwhile!” added Jeanine Sladden.

At SIGMA, we pushed the services we offer through our Technology Advisory services, a pillar through which we guide and consult iGaming companies on how they can safeguard very sensitive data through digital transformation, tech strategies, cyber security advisory and implementation and privacy advisory and implementation.

“We met people from across the entire sector, from banks and

affiliates to payment providers and tech suppliers. We also managed to connect with a number of potential new clients and some potential new business partners with whom we might be in a position to collaborate to offer better products in the market,” added Daniel Bilocca.

“What impressed me most however was the fact that given the heavy footfall visiting our stand and from the amount of attendees who we met whilst during the event, I was pleasantly surprised with how NOUV is actually out there and well known across the sector,” added Daniel.

“Although we have participated in past SiGMA events, we were looking forward to this year’s edition to further cement NOUV’s reputation in this sector and to continue strengthening our networks and connections,” concluded Andrew Naudi.