EBM Magazine #17

By all accounts, it has been a long and wonderful summer, jam-packed with happenings, good company, good weather and some really good articles. Now, we find ourselves on the cusp of Autumn and Winter, on stand-by to whip out our cosy sweaters to head off on beautiful hikes, chug glasses of mulled wine and awe at the streets so wonderfully decorated for Christmas.

I am immensely happy to present to you some great reads in this issue, as always spanning the realms of business and leisure. Our cover is graced by an ever so talented leader –Maarja Pärt – who commences our pages by telling us about her vision on diversity and inclusion, and how it applies within the YOLO group environment.

We then take to iGaming NEXT and IDOL, two of the most anticipated events of the year. We were as always honoured to attend, and delved deeper into the subject of diversity through an interview or two. The subject is undoubtedly on everybody’s lips, with Betsson delivering an excellently informative and inspiring panel on it.

After an arduous day at the office, who doesn’t want to feast their eyes on our travel and food sections for a little inspiration? As always, we went beyond the call of duty with this. From London to Prague, all the way back to a local family table… take your pick.

Our Creatives section is brimming with local artisans, ready to inspire your Christmas shopping lists well ahead of schedule.

Speaking of gifts, I am eternally grateful to our tiny team - 2point3, Luke, Nicola and Jamie - for pulling it all off at quite the last minute! I’m incredibly lucky to have such an amazing and dedicated team.

EBM Magazine

HOW IT ALL STARTED

In April 2013, EBM (formerly Events by Martin) was founded by iGaming & telecom sales veteran Martin Pettersson. After spending a few months on the island, and realising there was a lack of innovative high-end events, Martin organised EBM’s first invite-only event at a boutique hotel in St Julian’s. Thus, Events by Martin was born. EBM is now under the umbrella company of Ambassadör Events, created by Martin and Managing Director, Pierre Lindh. Together, they have shaped Ambassadör Events into a one-stop shop for high-end experiences, concierge services and hospitality within the B2C and B2B sectors.

For sales, contact Martin Pettersson  sales@ebmmagazine.com

For any other enquires  info@ebmmagazine.com

For bookings, contact  martin@ambassador-events.com

Art Direction

Julia Boikova / www.juliaboikova.com

Graphic Design

2point3 / www.2point3.com

Pierre Lindh Managing Director, Ambassadör Events

iGaming NEXT

Co-founder / Head of Sales, Ambassadör Events iGaming NEXT

Julia Boikova Editor, EBM Magazine

CONTENTS

08

14

EFFORTLESS EFFORTS

Maarja Pärt on the diversity of opinions in a healthy working environment

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

– MORE THAN JUST A TRENDING TOPIC

A glimpse into the hot debates at this year’s iGaming Next at the MCC Valletta

18 IGAMING IDOL – DELIVERING

THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD SHOW IN GAMBLING

We take a sneak peek behind the scenes at the most anticipated award show on the island

24

BANKING ON THE BEST – A CLOSER LOOK AT XACE WITH NEIL FERRIS

The iGaming master of marketing speaks to us about the next step in his career

26

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Betsson engage us in conversation on the hot topic at hand

30

THE EXPERIMENTAL HOTEL EXPERIENCE – INTERIOR RESPITE AND SPLENDOUR BY DOROTHÉE MEILICHZON

We explore interior excellence at some of the most prestigious hotels from around the world

36

TEAMS AND DREAMS – THE BEATING HEART OF A 17TH CENTURY PALACE

Justine Pergola talks to us about her dream team at Palazzo Parisio

42

PATEK PHILIPPE & EDWARDS LOWELL UNVEIL THE NEW 2022 MODELS AT THE PHOENICIA HOTEL

We get a sneak peek of the latest beauties brought forward by the pillars of luxury 46

SOHO OFFICE SPACE

– FROM MALTA TO LIMASSOL

Soho Office Space makes its mark in Cyprus

50

COACH & I LIFESTYLE – GEARING UP FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIFE

The Diacono siblings give us an insight into their lifestyle hub in Naxxar and online

54

ABOUT ME – SAZ MIFSUD

The artist speaks to us about the leaps and bounds of her brand 58

FAVOURITE THINGS

We catch up with Peter Carbonaro and what’s sparking his joy

60

AN AUTUMN POP-OVER TO PRAGUE

Everything you need to know about Europe’s fairy-tale getaway 68

LONDON – A LONG-WINDED ARTICLE ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN EUROPE’S BIGGEST CITY

The title is pretty self-explanatory, we believe 74

NO ORDINARY MONDAY

Jules Moore reports back to us on the Enteractive One Day Golfing Tournament

78

FRIENDLY FIRES

We fill you in on the happenings at the Enteractive One Day Padel Tournament

83

THE RUN CLUB

Chris Looney tells us more about iGaming’s collective jog 84

2POINT3

We speak to Luke Caruana and Nigel Anastasi about their boutique graphic design studio 86 EVERHOUSE

We zoom in on Malta’s YouTube channel for exquisite interiors

90

AUTUMN SOUL – MATTIA & HAYLEY BUSUTTIL MURPHY

The Busuttil Murphy family rustle up some delicious dishes for Autumn

EFFORTLESS EFFORTS

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography by Stina Kase

At the end of September, the best names in the industry gathered at Valletta’s MCC for the iGaming NEXT Conference for 2022. One of the highlights of the event was the Diversity & Inclusion Conference, which featured a glittering panel of speakers participating in a thought-provoking discussion. Fast forward to a few weeks later (and many kilometres away from Valletta), and the subject is still on our lips when we met with Maarja Pärt at the Yolo Offices in Tallinn. We chatted with the Estonian CEO to get her perspective on the matter.

This is not the first time we’ve touched upon the subject of diversity with someone from Yolo, although our previous discussion had focused more on the topic of age gaps and how it benefits the workplace. This is still a badge of honour for Maarja, who informs us that her oldest member of staff is now in their late 60s. Speaking of age, our jaws drop to the floor when she tells us she’s only 32 years old. As we recover from the shock (and admiration), it dawns on us that Maarja is very likely the gaming industry’s youngest female CEO.

Admittedly, when we asked her about her own trajectory in the field, we were expecting a tale of strife and opposition from the patriarchy, but we were instead pleasantly surprised to get a far more uplifting story. “I started working for Yolo when I was 20 years old, when we were a team of just six, and I was the only woman at the table

and in Estonia working in the industry. At no point did I ever feel that my opinion was disregarded on the basis of my gender. I was always made to be a part of important discussions, and that very much remained the case throughout my career within the company.”

What a breath of fresh air. However, in her early days, she did find herself multitasking a number of roles that have traditionally been relegated to women in the past. Maarja found herself juggling office administration, events organisation, HR, even moonlighting as the office psychologist. But there isn’t an ounce of bitterness about it. “I was happy to be a jack of all trades in the office, and it actually turned out to be one of my key strengths. I’m proud to say that I managed to pull off several roles.”

Yolo’s come a long way since then. From half a dozen people that operated exclusively in the poker sector, to a multi-faceted group that delivers next-level innovation to gaming, fintech and blockchain companies, it is now represented by more than 50 nationalities, with ten strategic locations all over the world. We ask if the purpose of this was to maximise diversity and inclusion, but as she does for the rest of this discussion, Maarja gives a very pragmatic answer. “It was mostly due to the development of the business and its needs, such as long-term localised projects. So, I wouldn’t say that this had happened purely to facilitate diversity.”

But what about seeking bigger pools of talent specific to the gaming, bitcoin and fintech industries? Surely, the locations chosen had something to do with their talent pools. “In the case of Malta, yes. Its position as a gaming hub was certainly a factor. The office was set up to maintain a closeness with our partners as well as the potential talent that could be found here. But ultimately, the main motivator to set up global offices was to create individual teams that could operate independently. From a group’s perspective, it offers us multiple and sustainable teams that prevent bottlenecks from happening in our long-term strategy.”

So how does Maarja really feel about diversity and inclusion? Her sentiments are crystal clear; she maintains strong but constructive opinions on the issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. “My stance on the entire topic is a bit different, especially from a leadership approach. With regards to some of the measures that are trying to be implemented, I don’t know whether these will lay strong enough foundations for an organic culture to last.” We probe her a little bit more, and it seems that she is more focused on what works for her in the context of diversity and inclusion, rather than what doesn’t. One thing is certainly apparent: Maarja passionately believes in the diversity of opinions. To her mind, building a team that comprises different individuals from a myriad of backgrounds - each with their own unique thinking processes - will inevitably translate to more dynamic outputs and lucrative outcomes.

Even when it comes to shutting down toxicity in a worst-case scenario, Maarja’s all for having a mixed bag. “Such diversity is vital, because if a team finds themselves in a situation where the leader is potentially taking an authoritarian approach, the latter is bound to be challenged by the team’s pluralism. Ultimately, one person will never be as smart as ten people put together.”

Or indeed 850, as Yolo’s headcount will tell us. “For me, it’s always been about sourcing the best minds and the most conducive personalities. The recruitment process has always been about assessing personal traits, rather than a CV or for us to try to collect token individuals. I wouldn’t want to be in my role just to be part of some statistic or some balancing act.”

It's clear that the multiplicity of Maarja’s team never came about as an exercise to window-dress or perform diversity and inclusion to peers. She’s proud to say that they’ve never had to artificially create policies or quotas; it’s always been about finding smart gogetters with a good mindset and an initiative for problem-solving. She’s someone who adamantly dismisses stereotypes, but she’s incredibly aware that she was one of the lucky few who was not held back. This positive experience is what makes her a champion of this approach, and as CEO, she still makes huge efforts to get well acquainted with the company’s newcomers.

When it comes down to it, Maarja wants to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable. “As to how this comes about, I always leave my team to their own devices, and I give them the freedom to define the ins and outs of their needs. This ultimately supports their own performance within the company.”

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION More than just a Trending Topic

As is now a yearly custom, iGaming NEXT’s annual conference drew in more than 2,000 delegates, who descended onto Valletta’s Mediterranean Conference Centre for two days of punchy educational content and exclusive networking opportunities. This year’s official theme saw tradition make way for innovation, and titans of Europe’s online gambling industry gathered to be part of the many conversations.

“Get ready to go back to the future,” screamed the official teaser poster, while the increasingly important verticals of Web3, NFTs, blockchain and the metaverse took centre stage. “Innovation and future thinking were what this year was all about,” said iGaming NEXT Head of Commercial Rory Credland, who was also in charge of the event’s agenda. “When you start developing the content, the strapline is an important element, because it formulates and shapes the event. That always takes a bit of time to come up with,” he added.

But concurrently, another theme was emerging, as the company sought to put diversity, inclusion and gender equality at the top of the agenda. While 38% of this year’s attendees were female – a figure consistent with last year – the percentage of female speakers positively rose from 28% in 2021 to 40% in 2022. “We made a conscious effort to have better representation across the board,” said Credland, who helped form the agenda alongside an advisory board of experienced gambling industry professionals, many of whom hold senior management positions at leading companies.

“It’s not always possible because of time commitments or subject matter, or whatever the reasons may be,” he added. “But subconsciously, at least, we always try to get as diverse a representation as possible, and we’ll keep on aiming for that.”

On Day 2, the pre-lunchtime panel on the main stage was focused on the topic of D&I, and whether online gambling firms are doing enough to diversify their personnel. The session, entitled “It’s time to think outside the (tick) box”, was moderated by Betsson Group Senior Talent Development Manager Maria Loumpourdi, who was also the chair of the D&I committee at Bank of Valletta until January 2022. Loumpourdi was joined on stage by Better Collective Lead HR Consultant Rikke Refsgaard Larsen – chair of the company’s D&I board – and happyhour.io partner Kelly Kehn, who co-founded the impactful All-in Diversity Project back in 2017.

Loumpardi made an incredibly pertinent observation that certainly got the ball rolling. “Let’s dive right into it. When we talk about diversity and inclusion, we often hear the term equality of opportunity. But what I see is that the term ‘equality of opportunity’ is often being misused to justify an inequality of outcome.” For obvious reasons, this had ignited a lively 25-minute discussion on the main stage.

In addition, there was also an entire conference track dedicated to D&I just the day before, held upstairs at the MCC on the Wednesday. This was the fruits of a collaboration between Malta-headquartered operator Betsson Group and iGaming NEXT, and the result was a series of thought-provoking sessions on unconscious bias training, neurodiversity and creating a trans-inclusive workplace, among others.

While improvements have been made over the last few years, the iGaming industry is still a male-dominated sector, and more work needs to be done to not only address the obvious gender imbalance, but to also highlight the alarming lack of ethnic minority staff at gaming firms. The media must play a pivotal role in keeping D&I

at the top of the agenda by dedicating enough column inches, but also by holding companies in the space to account, and making sure they follow through on the promises published in their annual sustainability reports.

Gone are the days of pole dancing acts and scantily clad women to attract the attention of male businessmen at trade shows. Thank goodness, that is no longer a common or accepted practice, and that’s just how we like it. Nonetheless, we shouldn’t be patting ourselves on the back for achieving what is clearly the bare minimum.

At iGaming NEXT, we have the tools to bring about the much needed structural and cultural changes. We have the means to showcase individuals as the industry leaders that they are, for their business intelligence and work ethic. Gender, ethnicity, race, sexuality and orientation should not be a factor. Naturally, it should always come down to finding the right person for the job or the most appropriate expert in their field, but we can only get to this state once we’ve identified and addressed our own unconscious biases and blind spots, ensuring that there is genuine equal opportunity for all.

As thousands of visitors descend upon Malta for the annual iGaming NEXT Valletta conference, the visit is particularly special for a select few. During the event, members of the gaming community look forward to iGaming IDOL, a prestigious award show that’s been in place since 2018. iGaming IDOL was established to give go-getting individuals a chance to be recognised for their hard work to drive success in the ever-changing iGaming industry.

Something that sets iGaming IDOL apart from other award shows is its earnest focus on people, rather than companies and their profits. It’s an award show that pays tribute to the innovators, leaders and dedicated personnel who keep the iGaming world turning. For those nominated to win one of the prestigious awards, the week offers a chance to have their dedication and talent celebrated by hundreds of their peers, as well as the opportunity to take home one of the most notoriously hard-to-bag accolades in the industry.

In preparation for this year’s event, the expert panel of iGaming IDOL judges – who stand between the nominees and their coveted prizes – faced the Herculean task of whittling down a record-breaking list of names to determine the winners. Nominations are completely open, so that anyone in the industry can put forward the names of their colleagues, employees or peers to be in with a shot. This year, the judges had quite the pick of the crop, with well over a thousand industry figures to choose from… and just a handful of awards to give out.

We had the pleasure of speaking to the driving force behind iGaming IDOL, Gabija Jasineviciute, the Events Manager whose full-time occupation has her overseeing every aspect of the event; from gathering the database of nominees to the evening’s itinerary. Her entire year revolves around this prestigious ceremony: twelve months from April leading up to this soirée. She speaks with great passion about the endeavour, and she herself gets swept up by all the excitement. “I get so excited on behalf of the nominees towards the final ceremony. I’d know the results, but part of my job is to keep my lips sealed and not let on who the winner is as I invite them all to attend.”

Gabija has full disclosure of who’s been nominated and by whom. However, nominees are never informed as to who’s put their name forward. There are 26 award categories which cover all facets of the industry, from Casino Dealer Idol of the Year to CEO of the Year. Each and every nominee faces a rigorous judging process led by seasoned industry experts. Each category is assigned a panel of three judges, who grill the nominees as they attempt to prove themselves worthy of the title. The judging process is independently audited to ensure a fair result, and winners are selected solely based on the evidence of their talent, hard work and dedication.

Pierre Lindh Managing Director, Ambassadör Events, iGaming NEXT

Co-founder

To give you an idea of the enormity of this event, nominees can be selected from anywhere in the world; this is not a localised selection, but as global one. Nominees who’ve been shortlisted make every effort possible to fly over to Malta for the awards, dressed to the nines and ready to shine. It’s not always possible for them to make it, so Gabija asks each candidate to record a speech of thanks, just in case… While the process is audited to ensure transparency, the shortlisted nominees only discover whether they have emerged victorious on the night of the actual ceremony.

This year, the awards took place at Malta’s prestigious Xara Lodge, perhaps the island’s most highly respected venue. This is a glamorous black-tie event that offers industry figures the opportunity to come together in celebration of their hard work over the past 12 months, as they hang up their proverbial tools for the night and let their hair down. As fine wines flow and top-class cuisine is enjoyed amidst a sea of formal outfits and hopeful faces, the tension builds for each category’s three shortlisted nominees, who await the verdict.

This year’s show was presented by some of the most recognisable faces in iGaming – entrepreneur and investor Michael Caselli and renowned industry reporter, Rebecca Liggero Fontana. This dynamic duo revealed the nominees who didn’t make it to first place, and graced the winners with their prizes.

Still, from the thousands of nominations received, to make the shortlist in any given category at iGaming IDOL is a serious achievement in and of itself. The show is built on many of the same foundational pillars as its sister event, iGaming NEXT Valletta: fairness, transparency and inclusion, as well as a fierce dedication to recognising the hard work of the people who make up the iGaming industry.

And this year, one such person walked away with a very special accolade.

Martin Pettersson

/ Head of Sales, Ambassadör Events iGaming NEXT

Betsson AB CEO Pontus Lindwall – a stalwart of the industry who was instrumental in setting up some of iGaming’s most recognisable and successful brands – was the 2022 inductee to the iGaming IDOL Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame celebrates those who are now considered legends by recognising outstanding achievements and lifetime contributions to the sector. Lindwall, who helped build both NetEnt and Betsson into industry leaders, was awarded with the induction this year in recognition of his exceptional dedication to the sector, and as someone who’s had a profound impact on the industry throughout his career.

The next iGaming IDOL Awards Show will take place in 2023, and will return once again to the Xara Lodge for a night of celebration.

THE ART OF FUSION

BIG BANG UNICO

18K King Gold and ceramic case. In-house UNICO chronograph movement.

BANKING ON THE BEST

A Closer Look at Xace with Neil Ferris

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography by Julia Boikova

Neil Ferris is no stranger to the iGaming world. A familiar face among the good and the great of gaming, he made a name for himself in gambling and casino marketing, spearheading a decade-long portfolio of global campaigns for some of the industry’s titans as a Head of Brand. But the winds of change have beckoned Neil at this point in his career. We caught up with him to find out more about his next adventure with trailblazing Xace, an all-encompassing payment provider that covers fiscal services for gaming.

In true marketing fashion, the first tagline Neil throws at us is, “Our product is as simple as we can make it.” Our interest is certainly piqued, but could Neil describe to us better what it is that Xace has to offer the industry? Of course, he can; marketing is his magic wand. “Fundamentally, Xace is not a bank, but it provides advanced yet simplified banking services and solutions for the gaming industry when traditional high street banking does not.” This makes things considerably clearer, and we can tell that Neil is pumped for the journey ahead. He’ll be assisting a senior management team that boasts twenty years of experience across gaming, one which guide, supports and leads customers through the most challenging fiscal requirements of business.

Xace like to describe themselves as a warrior brand. They champion iGaming institutions, and their mission is to break down barriers so often faced by the industry when banking on the so-called High Street. Their objective is to be the go-to account and payment provider for the gaming industry in Europe and North America, through their experience and deep understanding of delivering compliant solutions that regulators approve of. Neil is particularly positive about Xace’s newly-gained territory in Canada, on account of their now being registered as a Money Services Business by Fintrac, the Canadian regulator. Fintrac now allows Xace, as a gaming-focused banking services provider, to directly target its territorial gaming sector, alongside the fresh and much hyped Ontario Gaming Licence.

With this development in the gaming ecosystem as his backdrop, Neil now represents a company that offers one of the broadest account options in iGaming, thanks to this expansion in North America. As is now part of his role as Head of Marketing, he tells us more about Xace’s background, and how it came to its current focus. “Xace are a brand that are rooted to their previous experience. As gaming veterans, they’ve had their fair share of encountering payment issues within the industry. Despite their clients’ compliant and licensed entities, they were still hitting brick walls when it came to bank accounts and transactions. This would cost them time and money, and they’d lose out on new accounts.” This motivated Xace to win the battle on behalf of these industries. They decided to pour all their knowledge and expertise into creating solutions that eliminated unnecessary bureaucracy, and complied with regulator standards.

So, what are these solutions, and what is it that Neil will be essentially marketing? “Xace offers a suite of account and payment products for GBP, EUR, USD, CAD and 7 other currencies, which are backed by the leading account providers in the UK and Europe. All payments run thorough extensive compliance checks; however, they are able to simplify matters for their clients, and they ultimately offer a final onboarding process that is much smoother than might be expected. This is thanks to their in-depth knowledge of gaming business operations.” Neil also speaks highly of Xace’s bespoke customer support service, one that exclusively caters for gaming clients. The brand has ultimately been designed to be an integral part of the gaming entity’s day-to-day business operations.

At a glance, Xace has a glowing portfolio, and offers a myriad of services and solutions, each one more lucrative than the other. Naturally, Neil’s got all of this organised in his head, and he knows what our readers want to know more about. “Xace holds multicurrency IBAN accounts, which facilitate 11 currencies and are integrated with the SWIFT network for international payments. They also offer instant FX settlements across all these currencies within the same IBAN account, with TOM and SPOT FX trading options. They can provide multi-user access for corporate accounts with role management, and 4-eye payment approvals for any multi-users by role type. This is but a fraction of the services they cover, and all this comes with a dedicated account manager.”

Notwithstanding their meteoric rise in the gaming sector, the company still believes there’s more in store for them and the industry, and Neil will be at the forefront of driving the brand forward. There will be some big platform updates on the way over the coming weeks, which will not only be benefitting existing customers, but also providing more flexibility for them when onboarding new clients. For the moment, however, Neil tells us that their true north lies with offering the right accounts to the right businesses, helping them operate more seamlessly with less payment barriers.

DIVERSITY INCLUSION AND

When it comes to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, there is one golden rule: there is always more we can do.

That much was made clear in an opening statement by Lena Nordin, Chief HR Officer for Betsson Group, at the Diversity & Inclusion conference hosted at this year’s iGaming NEXT in Valletta. This conference is part of an initiative led by Betsson Group to discuss diversity, inclusion and belonging. This is the third such event after a debut in June this year and a recent iteration at the Women in Gaming Awards in London this September, where Betsson won three awards, including the Best Diverse Place to Work. Betsson also won the Diversity and Inclusion Model of the Year Award at EGR earlier this month.

It's no secret that iGaming, like the tech sector at large, tends to be a homogenous and male-dominated industry. It’s also no secret that the labour market is facing unprecedented shortages and that there is fierce competition to recruit talent. Lena believes that there should be no competition when it comes to diversity and inclusion, and that sharing knowledge and working in tandem to promote diversity and inclusion is very much a case of the rising tide raising all ships. As Betsson reaches for the zenith of its 60th year, Nordin discloses, “we have 2,200 employees […] half of them are based in Malta and half of them are in our different offices around the globe. Average age is 31 and we have 95% [sic] Millennials and Gen Z, over 60 different nationalities, so a very diverse company.” Later, when discussing their internal model called D.I.B (Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging) Lena divulges, “We are 40% women, which we are very proud of, operating in a very male-dominated industry and also in the tech industry. Of course, we are striving for more.”

With the incoming silver tide of retiring baby-boomers, workforces comprised of Millennials and Gen-Z will be on the rise. Nordin states, “We know from different studies that some 76% of Millennials are looking for companies that are focusing on diversity and inclusion […] and it’s going to be even more important for Gen-Z.” Coupled with the foreseeable reductions in the labour market, the cost of apathy towards developing a diverse and inclusive workplace is far, far too great.

For the largest gaming company in Malta, the stakes are high.

It shouldn’t be surprising that checklists and quotas for hiring are not enough. A company that is only diverse, but not inclusive cannot make use of the wide range of talent, perception, insight and experience at its disposal. Making employees feel included requires daily and continuous effort from management and their teams alike. One of the more insidious challenges is the ghost in our machine: our biases; implicit and explicit. In a talk given by the Head of Talent Development at Betsson, Maria Loumpourdi, the audience was confronted with the reality that everyone has unconscious bias, since our brain creates shortcuts to navigate large amounts of information, which often leads us to make snap judgements and decisions. Although this is useful to quickly process information and distill it into actionable information, it can misfire.

There’s a slew of unconscious biases that affect our day-to-day decision making. Managers often hire people that look, speak, act, and think like they do, and that can be a severe liability. The pervasiveness of our biases cannot be understated; even a phone interview can present data that will be subject to our biases: accents, ambient noise, even the pitch and tone of our voices. Even something as immutable and shallow as attractiveness or height can influence our perception of others. An oft-banded statistic is that while only about 14% of U.S. male workers are 6 feet tall or taller, around 58% of CEOs of Fortune 500 companies stand 6 feet or taller. Unless we’re to believe that height gives insight into leading a company to success, we can only surmise that biases have us leaving talent on the table, even in less-scrutinised positions.

Maria Loumpourdi, Head of Talent Development, Betsson

Lena Nordin, Chief HR Officer, Betsson

Furthermore, a diverse workplace isn’t just diverse demographically, but also neurologically. Guest speaker and consultant Joseph K Muscat – neurodivergent himself – gave an overview of the sort of advocacy needed in workplaces for neurodivergent people. It is both difficult for ‘neurotypical’ people to empathise with what is an inherently different experience of the the world, and very easy to label them ‘lazy’ or ‘fussy’. “Neurodiverse individuals are constantly masking to fit into […] the social norms that you have imagined.”

Muscat says, “We’re constantly masking, which means burnout. Do you have any idea how much energy we’re spending?”

There is a recurring theme: the conventions of the workplace that don’t radically change how they work to include diversity are expensive and harmful.

What can be done?

Maria stresses the importance of developing a clear and explicit language to challenge our biases. A Meta-analysis of over 40 years of research has shown that training on its own, especially in short bursts, is ineffective. The process must be ongoing, not only from individuals examining their own automatic responses, but also in the form of a work culture that is comfortable with pinpointing and eliminating bias.

Joseph highlights the reality that people might not disclose their neurodiversity, and asks why they should have to disclose their neurodiversity in the first place when we can simply observe the principles of universal design. The ramp installed to make the offloading of deliveries easier serves just as well to aid those with accessibility issues. Why not treat neurodivergence the same way? Something as simple as writing assistance tools for dyslexics or flexible accommodations for office design and lighting is a good for all.

Betsson Group themselves routinely collects feedback from their employees and stakeholders to help identify blind spots. Betsson also offers a personality self-assessment tool (DiSC, in this instance) in order to help employees communicate and collaborate with colleagues with diverse personalities, abilities, and modes of thought better. More than that, they also set external targets for accountability. Earlier, it was mentioned that 40% of their workforce are women, but that’s not enough, which is why they set their sights on having that be reflected in management as well.

Joseph K Muscat, JKM Consulting

The Experimental Hotel Experience

Interior Respite and Splendour

by Dorothée Meilichzon

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography - Chzon

Some hotels serve as merely a bed and bathroom throughout your holiday, a nightly stopover to freshen up before you venture out in search of the next attraction. Then there are other hotels which, quite literally, are the attraction. They give your holiday the right balance between sightseeing and cocooning; why search high and low for good art when you’re being housed by a masterpiece? Three examples of such excellence hail from the Experimental Group portfolio, a collection of globally-spread boutique hotels whose interiors were forged by design superstar Dorothée Meilichzon. With an agency in Paris that’s been going strong since 2009, Meilichzon is currently considered to be one of the hottest designers in the business, leaving her mark on some of the most prestigious establishments in the world. To quench our wanderlust for hotel luxury, we’ve taken a closer look at her work.

Il Palazzo Experimental Venice, Italy

Dorothée Meilichzon is all about creating fun experiences through zestful spaces and interiors, without eliminating the identity of the surroundings. Indeed, Il Palazzo Experimental – previously known as Ca Molin – is a breath-taking collision of Venetian splendour with postmodern pop art.

Situated along the waterfront of Venice’s Dorsoduro quarter, the thirty-two rooms within Il Palazzo Experimental were blessed with Meilichzon’s fusion of bold designs straight out of the Memphis Milano handbook, with the building’s original terracotta hues and Gothic Venetian windows.

You will find strong elements of urbanised Art Deco through scalloped edges and formidable lighting fixtures, in the form of Luciano Vistosi’s glass lamps. In keeping with the Italian persona, Breccia Capraia marble cuts through the colourful movement, and many a floor is speckled with terrazzo tiling. The many forms of stripes found in the interior’s upholstery and wallpaper is an echoing continuation of the historical beams that have been preserved within the original structure. Meanwhile, the bathrooms boast a cinemà italiano vibe, with hand-glazed tiles and trims of black marble. Meilichzon has also stayed true to the location by incorporating the aquatic colours of the Venetian Laguna, as well as those of local façades.

As the only Italian location in the Experimental Group collection, they had certainly made a defining choice with this house of antiquity. One element that had informed the designer in her curation is the palazzo’s infinity of natural light. The building is bathed in it, and it magnifies the riparian aspect of this boutique hotel. Guests are enchanted by the celestially lit rooms in every corner of the palazzo, where the Sun and the water cast the final touch - and the culminating flourish - upon the fashionable arrangements within.

Menorca Experimental Menorca, Spain

When in doubt, take refuge in art and nature. Experimental Group’s Menorcan location is a haven of Mediterranean agrotourism and a respite for those in search of an artistic muse and a good spa. One of the larger Experimental Group complexes, Menorca Experimental sits on 30 hectares of Menorcan countryside, with forty-three rooms reborn from the “gracious old bones” of a 19th century farmhouse. The idea behind Menorca Experimental is for guests to follow in the footsteps of artists such as Picasso, Miró and Dalí, who all sought residences in such environments for inspiration and contemplation. Dorothée Meilichzon used the trajectories of these artists as a starting point, and perfectly transformed the space into a masterpiece in its own right. The boutique resort features nine rooms with their own dipping pools, and the entirety of the house is resplendent with white, terracotta and peach hues, rustic textures and waxed concrete floors, finished off with splashes of olive green, pale blue and burnt red across the arrangements.

Fundamentally, Meilichzon ensured the preservation of the house’s original features, and elevated them with her own style. Although the essence of Menorca is still prevalent, the space is dressed with artefacts that fall into the Cubism category, such as glassware, ceramics and textiles. The geometric aspect of Meilichzon’s trademark headboards is also a continuation of this theme. Meilichzon and her team remained loyal to the terrain through the use of leather, terracotta, wood shutters and wooden beams, as well as stone and concrete-built furniture. For that designer yet sustainable feel, bespoke furniture was produced by local carpenters, who followed Meilichzon’s drawings in conjunction with their own flair.

Henrietta Hotel Covent Garden, London

The final result of Dorothée Meilichzon’s collaboration with the Experimental Group’s Henrietta Hotel is a testament to the old adage that one can never get tired of London; there has simply been so much life poured into this eighteen-room boutique hotel. Nestled in the heart of London’s West End, Henrietta Street has been an artery of Covent Garden for centuries, and Meilichzon drew inspiration from the street’s history directly from the architecture that is still standing. Henrietta Hotel is a reflection of London’s buzzing scene, and the multitude of opulent sounds, smells and sights you can come across in affluent Zone 1.

Much like the hotel’s surroundings, there is a theatricality to the interiors, a zing of fun, grandeur and revelry that reflects Covent Garden’s predominant industry. It cannot be denied that Meilichzon’s own unorthodox style is at home with London’s age-old fondness for quirk, and just like almost any form of English eccentricity, the design for Henrietta Hotel is pleasantly un-pigeonholed. The numerous touches of retro speak to the city’s own relationship with vintage, and the salient element of art deco reminds one of the bright young things that graced haunts such as this back in the period’s heyday in Europe.

Undoubtedly, the hand-built multi-layered headboards are the centre piece in every room, inspired by the grandiloquence of London façades. They come with a cornucopia of detail, such as fabric panels by Rubelli, mirrors and hand-painted patterns. In contrast to this vibrancy, you’ll find white Carrara marble for skirting, and carpeting features a Mosaïque Casson-inspired pattern, created by Meilichzon herself. Brassy bedside lamps are sealed into the bedside tables for a futuristic feel, and the overarching colour palette includes emerald green, pale pink with royal blue, and vermilion.

TEAMS AND DREAMS

The Beating Heart of a 17th Century Palace

Words by Rachel Zammit Cutajar Photography by Julia Boikova

It is no surprise to hear that teamwork is the bloodline of any organisation, with talent management on top of many organisations’ list of priorities when tackling productivity in the workplace. An effective team can have an incredible impact on business, not only by driving revenue and profits, but also by boosting employee satisfaction, resulting in talent retention. Justine Pergola, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Palazzo Parisio, talks about changing the structure of the business and focusing on building the right team for the job.

Justine Pergola, took over the reins at Palazzo Parisio a year ago, and has been busy shifting her focus on acquiring a team that reflects her style of management. “Honouring my mother’s legacy, her vision for Palazzo Parisio, and the path that she has put us on is at the forefront of the direction in which I wish to take the palace. However, I need to make my own way, bring in my own team and put my own mark on the family firm.”

The late baroness, Christiane Ramsay Scicluna, had great vision for Palazzo Parisio, converting the 17th century Palazzo from a museum to a thriving business that hosts luxury events unparalleled on the island. Vibrant restaurants in the lush gardens and grand events in the spectacular ballroom make Palazzo Parisio a coveted venue for celebrations and more relaxed Sunday afternoons.

“My mother was very detail-oriented and wanted to oversee every element of the business. For me, recruitment of talent is paramount, and then I believe in allowing people the creative freedom to get their jobs done in the best possible manner.”

Palazzo Parisio has always been a strong female-led organisation, with Justine and her mother at the helm from the very beginning, and women taking some of the most senior roles in the company. Research shows that companies where at least 30% of board members are female financially perform 12 times better financially.

“We have always been a female-strong team at Palazzo Parisio, and we are happy to see this trend towards employing more female staff in top management roles grow throughout the world.

“One of the biggest advantages we notice is how women tend to foster a more inclusive workplace. Women don’t run businesses as a “one-man show”. They tend to get along with others, communicate more effectively, and work collaboratively for the benefit of the company.”

Justine insists that every position is filled according to merit, and though they employ many women in top roles, they are not discriminatory in the selection of staff. On the contrary, many of their staff come from different countries around the world with a mixture of nationalities ranging from Italians to Sicilians, Maltese, South Africans and Bulgarians. “Coming from different countries and cultures gives us a more flexible dynamic.

“Different cultures and different characters tend to approach a problem from a different angle. When we pool our knowledge and resources together, we are able to come up with a much better solution than if we were a homogeneous team. When it seems like progress has come to a halt and there is no solution to be found, a fresh perspective is often all you need to get the ball rolling again.”

Research shows diverse teams outperform homogeneous teams. In fact, teams with members of different ages, genders, and ethnicities perform better by up to 35% than uniform teams.

By definition, teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group of individuals working towards a common goal. To make this happen, a powerful team must rely on professional dialogue, mutual trust, recognition of qualities and emotions, and tangible agreements and actions.

“Banqueting operates much like a theatrical performance, with every element of the blending seamlessly into the next. This can only happen when clear communication channels are both honest and open, so that every single event that we create is unforgettable. Our sales department creates a bespoke package

for every guest, pre-empting their requirements, and then they communicate guests’ wishes with our banqueting team and kitchen. When you're organising a wedding, you can’t afford the champagne to come out at the wrong time, or the wrong sparklers to be placed on the cake. Everything has to be flawless.”

Clear communication is the key to a more collaborative team, with collaboration boosting morale by 80% and, in turn, productivity by 20%. Best of all, it is linked to higher retention rates. Sharing really is caring, and teamwork in the workplace proves it. More than 60% of employees at some point experience exhaustion, but being part of a team eases the effects of it. This is mainly because team members understand how demanding and stressful work can be, and lean on each other for emotional support.

Because collaboration lays the foundations for a more open, connected, and engaged workplace, it’s appealing to employees. An atmosphere where collaboration is front and centre is important to your people, and it’ll go a long way toward preventing them from looking for work elsewhere.

“From a profitability aspect, employees' well-being is important. Recruitment takes up a lot of time and resources. Content workers do not leave, making it unnecessary to spend that extra money finding new ones. Flexibility costs nothing.”

Fostering a sense of belonging among team members is something Justine has always believed in, and though her mother organised the odd staff party, Justine is more focused on creating social events for smaller teams within the business.

PhotoDonja Pitsch

“When people socialise outside of work, they are more likely to get onto the same page about projects, new employees are brought up to speed quicker, and details are hashed out in a more timely and efficient manner.

“Part of those stronger connections means that people get to know one another. Without time together outside of work, it can take a long time for co-workers to become comfortable with each other to the point that they can freely collaborate on work. “Socialising establishes that comfort zone earlier one, allowing for collaboration to occur more naturally and, in most cases, yielding stronger work.”

Justine has been well-trained in this industry, having attended the EHL School of Hospitality in Lausanne, Switzerland and working for prestigious hotels like The Bulgari Hotel in Milan. Creating unique events that bring out the character of the person hosting is where she excels. “We believe that every event should be unforgettable, and the devil is in the detail. As we expect our staff to create these unforgettable events for other people, we also like to treat them to the same. Staff parties, team building events and even just drinks after work foster relationships, and create bonds that make working life all the more efficient.”

As Christmas looms, the Palazzo Parisio team is busy getting the palace ready to receive the corporate Christmas rush. The palace becomes a hub of activity with twinkling lights and coloured baubles filling the halls. Teams from organisations all over the island are treated to extravagant parties in the grand ballroom, more intimate dinners in the warmer Red Room, or even outside on the covered terrace on the first floor, overlooking the lush gardens.

For smaller get-togethers, the newly refurbished restaurant by architect-extraordinaire Antonio Girardi, promises to be a real treat. The cool Capri-esque designs meet the extravagance of the 17th century palace with luxurious sophistication. Ready to launch close to Christmas, could this be the unique experience you’ve been looking for?

Teams are better than individuals in both delivering measurable results and creating a better work environment. Creating memorable experiences that your team can bond over for months to come is worth your while.  @palazzoparisio www.palazzoparisio.com

PATEK PHILIPPE & EDWARDS LOWELL

have unveiled the New 2022 Models at The Phoenicia Hotel

Enriched by a stylish reinterpretation of the most coveted models, Patek Philippe has presented a collection of thirteen new watches for 2022. These new models round out the extensive and varied selection of complex Patek Philippe timepieces, offering a suite of designs for ladies and gentlemen, with a perennial emphasis on timeless elegance.

Followed by a spectacular gala dinner at the Phoenicia Hotel Grand Ballroom, Patek Philippe enthusiasts were introduced to their latest collections, as well as rare timepieces, complications and grand complications.

Patek Philippe has unveiled the brand new Annual Calendar Travel Time. This is the first time that the manufacturer is showcasing two of its iconic complications, complete with an entirely new case design. The new timepiece shines with a date display synchronised with local time, and automatically corrects itself forward or backward when the time zone is changed.

The Perpetual Calendar with three-tiered lugs shows elements of a model from 1945. The contemporary vintage style has now been reinterpreted in a newer version, presented in white gold. The day, month and date displays are complemented by two small round apertures for the day and night indication between 7 and 8 o’clock, and the leap year cycle between 4 and 5 o’clock. The extremely accurate moon phases require a one-day correction every 122 years.

The classic Men’s Chronograph is also inspired by the 1940-1950 models, and shows an opaline rose gilt dial beneath. A classic movement with six patented innovations track the time, and the chronograph features an anthracite grey central seconds hand, as well as an instantaneous 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. The latest addition to the Calatrava collection is the new white gold, a perfect illustration of Patek Philippe’s quest for excellence. The pure round case shape, for which Calatrava models have been renowned since 1932, has been revisited by adorning the flanks with a “Clous de Paris” hobnail pattern, typical of the manufacture.

On various occasions, the timeless green colour has manifested itself in remarkable ways in Patek Philippe’s collections. In 2022, Patek Philippe revisited Annual Calendar with an olive-green dial, enlivened by a sunburst motif, and by a black gradient around the rim. Elegance at any time of day is the hallmark of the Twenty-4 manchette quartz watch in steel, also with an olive-green sunburst dial. The Ladies’ World Time watch is exceptionally refined this year, with an ultra-thin movement that helps keep the case extremely slim. For the platinum Chronograph with a perpetual calendar, Patek Philippe added another green lacquered dial with a black gradation.

The Ladies’ Moon Phases watch was also presented at the Patek Philippe exhibition. The beauty of this timepiece is amplified by a white gold case, a blue sunburst dial and a bezel fired with the sparkle of two offset rows of brilliant-cut diamonds set with the “Dentelle” technique.

Renowned for its elite selection of luxury goods since 1925, Edwards Lowell has been presenting a prestigious curation of global luxury brands since 1925. Since its inception, this family-run business of fine retail has been Malta’s most trusted house when acquiring luxury products, thanks to their unrivalled collections and outstanding customer service. Representing Patek Philippe since 1976, Edwards Lowell is currently exhibiting the brand’s one-of-a-kind timepieces at their Patek Philippe Boutique, which was opened in 2020 on Republic Street, Valletta.

SOHO OFFICE SPACE

FROM MALTA

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett

Thanks to the mushrooming business opportunities across the Mediterranean, seaside towns across this region have become replete with entrepreneurial global expats looking to grow their empires in vibrant (and warmer) environments such as Malta. Two such individuals who’ve not only gone down this path but have also been inspired by it are Michael Steen Pedersen and Kris Jes Petersen, co-owners of SOHO Office Space. Michael and Kris are no strangers to our pages, and their premises are a literal watering hole for the frontier companies in Malta’s thriving industries. We caught up with the Danish duo to get an update on their next venture.

TO LIMASSOL

Since we had last spoken with Michael and Kris, a very bold step has been made in the trajectory of SOHO, specifically to the East of the Med. Michael and Kris were very proud to announce to us the launch of their new office space in the heart of Limassol, transporting their unique coworking experience to Cyprus’ buzzing business centre. Lucky for Limassol, everything that the SOHO community in Malta enjoys, has now landed in Cyprus. From stimulating meeting spaces for project building, to a concierge-standard of serviced offices, to a ball court that caters for basketball and other games, the SOHO brand has now rooted itself in another part of the Mediterranean. Considering how lucrative the SOHO spaces are, and how responsive their tenants have been to these working hubs, it’s no wonder the gentlemen have exported their baby to other pastures with such ease.

Over the coming weeks, the new SOHO Office space in Limassol will be welcoming a prosperous ambience through its doors. Just as the SOHO Office spaces in Malta are home to some of the most dynamic companies and entrepreneurs, so too will the Limassol space gather a cluster of brilliant minds from the iGaming, emerging tech and financial sectors, all under one roof. The SOHO Office space in Limassol will be providing its amazing trademark experience of a joint community within a shared space, all coworking together.

Much like their spaces around the Sliema/St Julian’s and Gżira areas, the SOHO office space in Limassol offers its members a gym, sauna and event space, with the work spaces themselves being open 24/7. Drawing inspiration from their Danish roots, Michael and Kris have gone for a fusion of hygge and understated urbanisation when it comes to their interiors, offering a space that is good for the mind, body and soul. Ever the jet setters, Michael and Kris were intent on recreating the SOHO experience in a similar environment in the Med, and the coast of Cyprus was at the top of their list. They managed to land themselves a prime spot, just a stone’s throw away from the crystal-clear waters of Akrotiri Bay. There seems to be a running theme here of awe-inspiring home-from-home work spaces right by the sea. We’ll take it, and so will Limassol’s business district.

As for the Maltese offices themselves? They are perennially growing and thriving, housing a steady and well-connected community of established brands and companies in a coworking environment. Michael and Kris have a total of 108 offices in their portfolio, all serving over 600 members from more than 200 companies. For those who are into flexible remote working, the spaces provide small desks and offices. All three SOHO buildings have an event space each, with the largest at the Strand holding up to 150 guests per event. The ‘Plug n Play’ way of working here ensures a beneficial work-life

balance for the SOHO members, where playtime is just a few doors down from the cubicle, or up on the terrace. Michael is especially fond of the Padel court that’s been installed on their St Julian’s rooftop, which will be opening on the 1st March. The SOHO experience also offers an immensely convenient boutique gym and luxury shower rooms after a hard day’s work. Complementing your gym-at-work lifestyle at SOHO is their in-house catering service, consisting of a wholesome menu of good eats and organic nourishment, all of which can be delivered straight to your workspace in between meetings. But of course, the SOHO experience is all about mingling and building bridges, so resident workers are encouraged to break bread with those from other factions. But there are also plenty of other opportunities for members to make friends, primarily through SOHO Office’s jam-packed calendar of events – from group yoga classes to the coveted monthly get-together that is SOHO Talks. All of this can be managed through the team’s specifically developed app that allows its members to navigate their SOHO workspace.

Whether it’s making their mark in Cyprus or coming up with even more perks for their loyal members, Michael and Kris have certainly changed the office-environment landscape, and they’re definitely not done yet.

 sohomalta sohomalta.com sohocyprus.cy

Gearing up for a more sustainable way of life

Coach & I Lifestyle

By all accounts, sustainable is the new chic. It is the dawning of a new sartorial zeitgeist, but it’s certainly not one that has happened overnight. It’s taken a generation of eco-conscious creatives to stand their ground as formidable alternatives to fast fashion and cheap buys, catering to their peers and likeminded others who are looking to hold back the tide of the climate crisis. Two such people who are championing the movement are Emma and Ben Diacono, the sibling duo behind Coach & I Lifestyle.

We caught up with the pair to learn more about their delightful boutique in Naxxar.

It is immediately apparent upon meeting the brother and sister that they’ve each imprinted something very personal when it came to their concept. On the one hand, Emma is a marketing trail-blazer in her own right, and had originally founded eco-conscious mother-andbaby store My Favourite Things, the retail root from which Coach & I Lifestyle stems. On the other hand, you’ve got Ben, owner of Studiofifteen Fitness Centre and a certified personal trainer. Coach & I Lifestyle is the perfect hybrid of what Emma and Ben bring to the table, cemented by their shared passion for a greener way of life. Coach & I Lifestyle supplies sustainable but sophisticated activewear collections, and ‘lifestyle’ is the operative word here. The shop - both online and land-based – offers a myriad of beautiful things aside from gym clothes, all pretty yet practical, and entirely ethical in every sense of the word.

Coach & I Lifestyle is a one-stop shop for a sustainable lifestyle. The team’s curated selection of brands and products compels you to operate sustainably, and to rethink your carbon footprint. But what the store also does is shatter the misconception that eco-friendly merchandise is subpar, or, dare I say it, dowdy. The siblings are motivated to supply only the very best activewear that comes with a green stamp, and material that guarantees longevity. Something that Ben had picked up on as a gym owner and personal trainer were the ever-changing outfits of his clients; compression leggings that don’t seem to make it till the end of the year, and which probably end up in yet another landfill.

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett

Photography by Julia Boikova

So, it came to pass that the duo sourced niche and ethical activewear brands that deliver sturdy and sculpting fabrics, which are in some way or form sustainable and eco-friendly, and designed to last. Their collection includes brands such as HOFF, Lilybod, Bara, NordicDots, Matt & Nat, and Toms. Emma notes that “the quality of these brands encourage you to train harder, thanks to their immensely flattering fit and comfortable feel.”

But in 2022, who’s not wearing activewear outside the gym? The collection is geared towards women on the go. It’s not simply attire for school runs and zooming from one errand to the next… in this day and age, such stylish activewear is unapologetically acceptable at the office. It is a collection that says daily wear and trainers are here to stay. But as we’ve mentioned, Coach & I Lifestyle goes beyond gym attire. Emma is particularly proud of their footwear collection, a shoe-buffet of vegan sneakers, trainers, boots, and espadrilles. Much to my excitement, the team has catered for platform lovers such as myself, and each pair has a unique and tactile quality about them. Best of all, they’re guilt-free when it comes to the environment. Emma champions Spanish footwear with good reason, as they are renowned for their orthopaedic value and durability. This is in no uncertain terms a pioneering step forward in the Maltese market, and a signal to consumers to try new ways of living.

Although Emma and Ben have ventured away from Maltese shores to source global brands, this is not to say that they don’t support local. On the contrary, Coach & I Lifestyle stocks quite a few local brands such as artisanal heroes Saz Mifsud, Stephen Cordina and Maduma. Neither have they forgotten about the not-so-naughty things in life; the shop stocks fairtrade spirits and liquors by Fair, and Maltese-made chocolate for any occasion. And best of all, all of their stock can be purchased from their immaculately presented online store and efficiently delivered to your door.

I ask the team why they’ve chosen to invest in sustainable brands. The general consensus is that aside from there being a gap in the market in Malta when it comes to sustainable retail, Emma and Ben are fully committed to the cause, and if established retailers don’t set the ball rolling for a more sustainable future, then who will?

ABOUT ME

Saz Mifsud

by Maria Galea Model - Amy Zahra

I had started out as a painter, excitedly experimenting with colour and texture on canvas. I'd mix unusual and bold colours whilst painting, and wanted to see these rich, unexpected colours on the clothes that I wore. This inspired me. In 2013, I started creating digital designs using a mix of my own photographs and paintings of different natural elements. I digitally printed these designs onto silk and was blown away by the richness of the colourful silks. These fabrics were then hand-crafted to create a range of scarves, and this is how my brand, Saz Mifsud, was born. Today, the collection has grown to include both women's and men's accessories, along with home accessories and a stationery line.

The brand values using natural, good quality fabrics and working with skilled craftspeople to create unique products that will last. We operate as a slow fashion brand; focusing on investing time on the design and development process and creating small, limited run collections.

Photography

ModelAmy Zahra

I ardently believe that running a business is not just about having a good product and turning a profit; it’s about using the brand's successes to support my community. I was empowered by the women who supported my brand and that’s why I chose to, in turn, empower them. Throughout the year, we collaborate with several organisations and support groups to donate a number of headscarves to women undergoing treatment that results in hair loss. It means the world to us to be able to brighten up their day. If there's a cause close to your heart, please do share it with us or email us to nominate someone you think could benefit from our help.

 @sazmifsud www.sazmifsud.com

Favourite THINGS

Peter is an entrepreneur, entertainer, stylist and producer of various successful brands such as XFactor Malta, Shark Tank and other productions, both locally and internationally. He is fun loving, energetic and always ready to face new challenges. Peter has just been appointed as the new CBDO for Volume 14 — a creative Agency specialising in pure Branding & Advertising.

Pre-Designed Shape Lamp €192

‘ShapeLamp’ is a Maltese company that was set up with the sole objective to revolutionise the process of buying a light fitting. The ‘you design it we make it’ concept merges computational design and digital fabrication.

Ribbed Wool Beanie €70

Maison Kitsuné's beanie is made from green wool in a chunky ribknit, and is finished with the brand's signature tricolour fox appliqué. It's an uncomplicated style that will go with virtually everything that you already own.

Climb Crossbody Bag €320

This mini hiking bag is ideal for all the hikes around the island this autumn/ winter. It has a drawstring closure with a buckle and snap hook. A definite musthave.

Nemnem Candle €20

I discovered this item earlier this year and it is truly something else. An artisanal, decorative and scented candle handmade with love in Malta.

Peter Carbonaro

High Top Sneakers €170

Comfort and style are my top shoe priorities. And you cannot go wrong with these Rick Owens Converse Turbodrk Chuck 70 Coated-Canvas High-Top Sneakers.

Festival Goggles €26

Festivals and fun parties happen in Winter, too. If turning up the party is your speciality, surprise your friends with these unique heart-shaped goggles.

Yeezy Padded Cotton Jersey Hoodie by Balenciaga €240

This hoodie re-imagines wardrobe essentials, combining the iconic American brand’s spirit with the statement shapes the French maison are known for. It’s when plain and simple make a statement.

Logo Printed Rug €65

Dime’s ‘Friends Welcome’ rug is made from all-natural coir that’s printed with the brand’s moniker and cut in a waved shape. Its rubber backing is water-resistant and durable enough to withstand years of use.

Owning a kilt has become a fashion trend in every trendy community. Off-White’s has been made in Italy from a cashmere cloth that’s lined in cotton for comfort. It is detailed with buckles and elongated ties.

AN AUTUMN POP-OVER TO PRAGUE

The vastness of the European continent can leave you overwhelmed when deciding on a long weekend break or a mid-term getaway. But if you’re looking for a quick and quintessentially European fix – the kind of Euro-injectable that will have you culturally invigorated the minute you set foot in Old Town Square – let your finger hover over Prague, and get your flights booked for Bohemia.

When it comes to putting together your itinerary, forget your culture passes, forego your riverboat tickets and cast aside your walking tours for five minutes. Before you do anything else, it is absolutely imperative that you plan and reserve your lunches and evening meals for the duration of your stay, or live to regret it.

I’m placing emphasis on this prior to anything else because I’ve yet to come across a more thriving and in-demand restaurant scene than Prague. Almost every restaurant is fully booked throughout the week (yes, you read that correctly), and if you haven’t made a reservation, you’ll find yourself spending most of your holiday wandering the meandering streets in search of a table, begging for food. The bordering nations of the Czech Republic flock to Prague for its exquisite portfolio of ground-breaking eateries, and their extremely competitive prices. A Michelin-starred meal won’t actually break the bank in this fairy-tale kingdom, and although Czech cuisine itself isn’t the most sought-after among diners, the people of Prague have ensured that international gastronomy gets the Czech stamp vis-a-vis freshly sourced local produce, and their immediate connections across the continent. To go with this is an outstanding level of customer service and hospitality, led by incredibly polite and welcoming staff.

Now that we’ve got that logistic out of the way, where does one begin with Prague? Concisely, it is a European cliché done extremely well, down to the last cobble stone. She is a landlocked jewel that has borrowed many an aspect from its neighbours, and showcased them particularly well. While we’re on the subject of diversity, Prague is an architectural mecca, with a priceless collection of Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, Soviet and contemporary structures all huddled together across its terrain. It works, it really does, on account of everything having been impeccably preserved. Prague was lucky enough to evade the industrialisation of the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the carnage of World War II. Thanks to this, we are graced by façades of Art Nouveau etchings, Gothic towers of dizzying heights, and Baroque domes that almost throw shade at Rome. A testament to this is the infinite cluster that is Prague Castle, which isn’t actually a castle, but a Guinness Book of Records-certified complex whose expansion dates back to 870. They have a Medieval church, a convent, not one but two basilicas, a Romanesque palace, countless gardens and a gift shop. This is but a fraction; our guide informed us that the entirety of the complex adds up to around 45 football stadiums.

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett

There are however two Praguian pièces de resistance, according to mainstream tourism. These are the Charles Bridge and the Prague Orloj, the oldest astronomical clock in the world that is still in operation. The latter is located in Old Town Square, a spacious clearing where you’ll be surrounded by Prague’s finest samples of architecture and a row of cafés, all awaiting the Orloj’s hourly performance. The clock comes with its own museum, to go with the many others that populate the city. Of particular mention is the Mucha Museum, just a 10-minute walk from Old Town Square. The city is indebted to this giant of Art Nouveau, who had presented his Slav Epic to the people of Czechoslovakia in the later part of his career. Going back to the Charles Bridge, it feels as if all the roads in this labyrinth city lead to this landmark. Aside from it being a pleasant 516m stroll, it is also immensely picturesque from aboard a riverboat cruise on the Vltava River.

IPPA Café Jungmannova  @ippa_cafe

Super Tramp Coffee  @supertrampcoffee

I had the pleasure of visiting in mid-October, and, being unfamiliar with the city’s climate, I had in fact overdone the furs and winter warmers. Throughout most of the day, I was in fact sweating under such insulation, and soon discovered that Prague offers the most idyllic and refreshing temperatures at this time of year, where you won’t have to worry about freezing to death. What’s more is that every nook and cranny was already decorated with the most perfect pumpkin tableaux. It seems that Prague has its very own take on Halloween, and not a whiff of Tim Burton in sight.

So as not to be rude, I’ll end with a final note on the local cuisine. If you enjoy Germanic flavours as much as I do, then you must give Czech food a chance. The excellently spiced kielbasa is the most common kind of sausage you’ll encounter, and almost every traditional restaurant serves a chicken or pork schnitzel; they do in fact give the Viennese a run for their money. For a hearty meal, opt for the bread or potato dumplings, or the magnificently presented soups in sourdough loaves with a side of Czech beer. It really is all straight out of a fairy tale.

Restaurant Tiskárna  @restauracetiskarna

AFRICA

SiGMA Africa, Kenya, January 2023

JAN 23

We’re starting things off early with a January expo in Kenya. Its growing and youthful population, ability to leapfrog technologically and recent economic reforms make this a really exciting place to hold our first edition of SiGMA Africa. We hope to help galvanise this exciting era of prosperity by providing a unique platform for bright ideas and minds to come together.

EURASIA MAR 23 UAE

NAIROBI AMERICAS MAY 23 SAO PAULO

SiGMA Eurasia, Dubai, March 2023

We’re also planning to return to Dubai, where we will continue to build on the foundations of previously successful events held in the emirate across 2021 and 2022. With the UAE prioritising cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurship through both opportunities for funding and attractive taxation schemes, Dubai holds plenty of promise for those with their eyes on tomorrow.

SiGMA Americas, São Paulo, May 2023

With new regulation on the horizon, Brazil is set to stake its claim as a hub for LatAm’s gaming industry. Brazil is also rapidly emerging as a leader in tech-focussed businesses. Investment in areas such as AI and Blockchain has allowed the region to leverage long-awaited opportunities to leapfrog toward greater levels of innovation, productivity, and socio-economic progress.

With a global event portfolio reaching will launch a series of summits focussed tech industries. In 2023 we’re debuting industry hubs as well as

SiGMA Asia, Manila, July 2023

Despite difficult times during the Covid pandemic, Manila remains a prime gaming hub for the Asian market, in no small part due to strong support from PAGCOR and the Philippine government. Theirplan is to drive digital transformation as they seek to become active participants in the global digital economy.

SiGMA Balkans/CIS, Limassol, September 2023

The Balkans are incubating a nascent but powerfully growing technical expertise when it comes to frontier technology such as Blockchain, AI and more. This talent pool has been rapidly growing in strength and quality with even the most cutting-edge software coders and comput er engineers being recruited remotely from the peninsula.

SiGMA Europe, Malta, November 2023

Closing off the year and boosting what is typically a cold shoulder month for Malta, SiGMA Europe has become renowned for hosting Malta’s biggest event in gaming. Malta Week brings its leading brands in gaming, affilia tion, emerging tech and medical health together for a week of premier networking, conference, and expo.

across five continents, the SiGMA Group focussed on the gaming, affiliation and emerging debuting our conferences in more established newer emerging markets.

LON DON

Words by Jamie Ian Gernovese

“Oh, London is so much slower than New York but I love it,” she told me, “New York is like London with a meth addiction.”

I could see her point. Coffee shops are closed by five or six in the evening, pubs ring out their last calls at around 11pm, even 10. It is not hospitable to the 24-hour kind of person, to the nocturnal types. Past 1am, your only likely company will be the handsome foxes that stalk London’s streets.

Like New York – like any other metropolitan city in the globalised age – London has franchises, people wearing puffer jackets and Vejas, small streets filled with vape stores and new developments that are all shopping centres, and some people might find that a little disappointing. London has a mythology built around it that keeps crashing up against itself, but there is undoubtedly a constellation of bright spots that you can chart your way through.

No short trip to London can ever be satisfying, and I also don’t think there’s one way to do it. On my map are over two-hundred stars. In preparation for this article, I cobbled together a small constellation. There is no describing them in full, only in part.

There’s never a ‘dead period’ in London. Staples like Frieze, the Christmas Wonderland, the BFI London Film Festival, the Notting Hill Carnival are well-known fixtures in the calendar year for locals and the globe-trotting ultra-high-net-worth individuals alike and need no introduction. More interestingly is the formidable rota of events happening in small venues, in bookshops, in small, nonbluechip galleries, in cinemas and in community centres. There’s no guide that doesn’t become irrelevant within a week, and services like Eventbrite are limited. The traveller’s eye must be discerning in picking the right event out of the slew of photo-walks and dreaded NFT-hype-events that clog up the front page. Try anyway.

London is a city best experienced on foot. Failing that, public transport. People and buildings both collect around underground stations, each line carrying its own culture as residents become familiars to the carriages.

Let’s start off near Chiswick, about as far west as any tourist not going to Heathrow is expected to go. Go to Azou; the husband and wife that own the place have many years of experience and the place won’t be the same without them. Visit them and visit them now for North African cuisine about as good as you can get it. If you’re an asshole, you’ll brag about how it was featured by Gordon Ramsay, and has been a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner for several years. Fuck you, go because Chris Benarab is a fucking wonderful little dictator in the kitchen and deserves patronage.

Go to the Michael Hoppen Gallery on Barlby Road. Buy a photographic print. Art is nice, right?

Then walk to Three Four Five for garlicky vegetarian food, and Golborne deli for a Wednesday night wine tasting. Thank God you’re alive and rich enough to do all this. Then, head to Cockney’s Pie & Mash shop to gawk at a fossil of a bygone London.

You’re in Ladbroke Grove now, a once-Caribbean space that is slowly being lost to money. Acklam Village is nearby and you’re no longer hungry. Gawk at the food and overspend on a morsel, maybe. The people there work hard and cook all day.

Catch the H&C or Circle line to Baker Street, then walk through the Regent’s Park and enjoy the flowers. Literally. Don’t support the zoo, though, even if it is nearby. That’s old colonial shit. We don’t want that. If you want, go to Hampstead Heath instead, maybe enjoy the shops along the southern edge of the park. It’s a posh area, you might see celebrities. I saw Iris Law, once.

Of course, you could go down to Camden but for the love of God, skip the market. You don’t need to read me to tell you to go to the market and try stall-food. Instead, go down to 43 Parkway and check out Temple of Seitan for vegan fast food at actual fast-food prices or even the Jazz Café also on Parkway. Go get a pint of Lefe Blonde on tap at the only Wetherspoons worth going to because it also has a surprisingly good pepperoni pizza (even if the owner’s an ass). Hell, just walk around the streets, go to other bars, whatever. Just skip the fucking market.

Take the Overground and enjoy the daylight. Go east and hit up Dalston and Hackney, and please resist the urge to call it ‘vibrant’ or ‘colourful’ because it makes everyone within earshot immediately suspicious of you. Go to the art-deco cinema Rio, drink tea and have Japanese treats at Toconoco, then keep going to the Regent’s canal. Don’t take a right to Angel, just keep going down to Sông Quê café because it’s now an institution. Go to Old Street, go to Smoking Goat and order £40 worth of small plates of Thai food and beer. Dance around the East End, shop around for overpriced vintage clothes, get a salt-beef beigel from Beigel Bake, flip the bird at Truman Brewery, have some fried chicken at Morley’s and spot Amelia Dimoldenberg filming her next episode of Chicken Shop Date and fangirl about it.

Do all that and then go south. Have bomb-ass burgers and draw with chalk on the walls at Doodle Bar. Try the Planetarium in Greenwich. See New Cross, see Peckham, don’t look like a tourist and don’t walk around looking at your phone.

Don’t have friends south of Southbank? Doesn’t matter. At least go to Dulwich picture gallery, go to Brixton and see the Black Cultural Archives.

As for Central? It’s dense. Don’t even bother with the tube. Walk around. Take every left. Check every door. Is that a lot?

No, it’s London.

A long-winded article about things to do in Europe’s biggest city

NORTH FOOD

Pig & Butcher 80 Liverpool Rd, London N1 0QD

– Nose to tail meats. Excellent.

Mississipi Fried Chicken 159 Essex Rd, London N1 2SN – Great Value. Don’t skimp on the spice.

Delhi Grill 21 Chapel Market, London N1 9EZ – Exactly what it sounds like.

Kennedy’s Goswell Road 184-186 Goswell Rd., London EC1V 7DT – Popular iconic Fish & Chippie St John 26 St John St, Barbican, London EC1M 4AY – Sir Fergus Henderson’s legendary London establishment with a focus on offal and British cuisine.

The Eagle 159 Farringdon Rd, London EC1R 3AL – Sick pub. Ambala Confectionary 112-114 Drummond St, London NW1 2HN – Get some jalebi and a samosa chaat.

SPOTS

15 Clerkenwell Close – marvel of contemporary architecture using natural stone, won the RIBA National award in 2018 Granary Square – Public square and home to Central Saint Martins, Google, Samsung, and a host of smaller shops. High end. Clissold Park – Quaint park popular with families. Hampstead Heath – Sprawling and hilly park popular with dog owners. Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Rd, London NW1 2BE – Dedicated to the intersection of art, science and health.

SOUTH FOOD

The Doodle Bar 60 Druid St, London SE1 2EZ – Crayfish boils, gourmet burgers, chalkboard walls you can draw on with their chalk. Mayflower Pub 117 Rotherhithe St, London SE16 4NF – Stellar pub.

Mughead 359 New Cross Rd, London SE14 6AT – decent banana bread and better coffee.

The Gentleman Baristas 11 Park St, London SE1 9AB – excellent single-origin coffee made by professional baristas. Santo Remedio Cocina Mexicana 152 Tooley St, London SE1 2TU – higher end Mexican cuisine.

Goddards at Greenwich 22 King William Walk, London SE10 9HU – Traditional pie and mash place near Greenwich Park.

OKAN Brixton Village Unit 39, Brixton Village, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8PS – Japanese street food. Sizzles. Great with beer.

Chishuru Unit 9 Market Row, Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LB – West African restaurant in Brixton.

Mercato Metropolitano 42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR – Fanciest food-hall you’ve ever been to. Lots of yuppies.

Maltby Street Market Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA – Champagne, oysters, scotch eggs, duck confit; you get the idea.

SPOTS

Peckham Levels 95A Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST – Multi-storey carpark converted into a hub for businesses, traders, and entrepreneurs.

Black Cultural Archives Windrush Square, 1, London SW2 1EF – Heritage centre devoted to the people of African and Caribbean descent in Britain. Windmill Brixton 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton Hill, London SW2 5BZ

– Famed live event venue. Low stakes, chill.

Young Vic 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ – sister theatre to the Old Vic, newcomer talent.

Hayward Gallery Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX – Fantastic curated exhibitions of contemporary artists and masters.

Greenwich Park London SE10 8QY – Wide open skies, near the river, often a site for films.

Telegraph Hill 75 Kitto Rd, London SE14 5TN – High-ground view of the city. Dope.

Delhi Grill 21  @delhi_grill

OKAN Brixton Village Unit 39

Chishuru

EAST FOOD

My Old Place 88-90 Middlesex St, London E1 7EZ – Fantastic Szechuan, try things you aren’t used to and ask for help.

Beigel Bake 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB – A historic institution of beigels. Cheap. Worth it.

Monty’s Bar 149 Brick Ln, Bethnal Green, London E1 6SB – I’m not going to tell you who might be hanging around there.

If you go, don’t be weird or I’ll regret telling you about it.

Rochelle Canteen 16 Playground Gardens, London E2 7FA – Seasonal and ever-changing menu, airy, lovely. Smoking Goat 64 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6JJ – Thai and fusion dishes. Excellent. Embrace the spice.

BRAT 4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL – Brilliant fish restaurant. Same owners as Smoking Goat, their nextdoor neighbours. Sông Quê Café 134 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DY – May it live for a century more. Casual-ish.

Andu Ethiopian Vegan Café 43 - 45 Kingsland High St, London E8 2JS – Get the sampler. Go for Lunch.

Pepper & Spice 40 Balls Pond Rd, London N1 4AU – Caribbean food.

Mangal 2 4 Stoke Newington Rd, London N16 8BH – Sequel to Mangal 1. Upscale Turkish food.

Tayyabs 83-89 Fieldgate St, London E1 1JU – Family-owned, excellent Punjabi cuisine.

SPOTS

Victoria Park Grove Rd., London E3 5TB

– A large park in the East, good for picnics if you’re in the area.

Barbican Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

– Best example of Brutalist architecture and a hub for theatre, art, and film events.

Brick Lane – A spinal column in the Shoreditch area, home to many specialised second-hand clothing markets. Spitalfields 56 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA

– Fancy pants stalls. Find a Christmas gift for your in-laws.

WEST

FOOD

Azou Restaurant 375 King St, London W6 9NJ

– North African cuisine par excellence.

Phat Phuc Noodle Bar The Courtyard, 151 Sydney St, London SW3 6NT

– Vietnamese food, with the flavour and quality you want.

The Cow 89 Westbourne Park Rd, London W2 5QH

– Pub with an exceptional menu and a speciality in seafood. Book ahead.

Three Four Five 345 Portobello Rd, London W10 5SA

– Vegetarian snack café. Very garlicky.

The Churchill Arms 119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN – Decent pub with excellent Thai food. Book ahead.

Golborne Deli 100-102 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PS

– Weekly Wednesday wine tastings with an excellent selection of wines and foods to pair with.

Lisboa Patisserie 57 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NR

– Portuguese pastries. Destination.

SPOTS

Michael Hoppen Gallery Pall Mall Deposit, TPL10, 124-128 Barlby Rd, London W10 6BL – Photographic art gallery.

Little Venice – Cute riverboat canal-tours for a bour £9.

Holland Park Ilchester Pl, London W8 6LU

– Fancy, multi-levelled park with a Japanese garden. Watch out for the peacocks!

Regent’s Park – Immensely beautiful flowers throughout the year.

CENTRAL

FOOD

Tommi’s Burger Joint 30 Thayer St, London W1U 2QP

– Least-chain-like-chain, this Icelandic burger joint provides excellent food, self-serve sauces, and at a price point that makes fucking sense.

Pix Pintxos 24 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 7QY

– Good drinks, self-serve tapas, good staff. Rent viewing rooms downstairs with ‘naughty not nasty’ videos that play. It’s Soho commodified.

Brasserie Zédel 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED

– Step back in time, sort of, and enjoy the deep underground art deco interiors.

Kiln 58 Brewer St, London W1F 9TL – Casual Thai dining. Superb.

Hawksmoor Seven Dials 11 Langley St, London WC2H 9JG

– Upper-mid range steakhouse chain with excellent food.

Ask for the sticky toffee pudding.

Kanada Ya 64 St Giles High St, London WC2H 8LE

– My go-to ramen spot. No doubt.

SPOTS

Gagosian 20 Grosvenor Hill, London W1K 3QD 28–29 Burlington Arcade, London W1J 0QJ – one of the two Gagosian galleries in London.

Contemporary art. Pay attention.

Grosvenor/Berkeley Square Area + RA – Fancy part of London near New Bond Street. Gawk at things.

Top Secret Comedy Club 170 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PD – Comedy Club! Try booking

Prince Charles Cinema 7 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BY – Repository cinema. Gorgeous.

Seven Dials – The area is a decent spot for some shopping. Steeped in a history of speakeasies that are no longer there. A short stop.

Tommi’s Burger Joint 30 Thayer St

The Cow  @thecowlondon

Kanada

NO ORDINARY MONDAY

Words by Jools Moore Photography by Julia Boikova

As the sun rises on a clear Monday morning in Marsa, the verdant vistas of the Royal Malta Golf Course illuminate like an oasis on a cool day, welcoming the first visitors to a week of iGaming NEXT activities in Malta. For the eager golfers rolling up to the club reception for the Enteractive One Day Tournament - some local, others arriving from across Europe and America - this is the perfect way to start what promises to be a busy week of networking, business and pleasure.

The Putter’s Inn, above the club building, is a hive of activity with golfers signing in for the tournament registration. They’ve arrived from far and wide, some from the US, many from across Europe, and of course some well-known golfing regulars from Malta. And plenty of companies are represented - William Hill, Yolo, Play’n GO, Kalamba, Soft2Bet, Playson, Novitana, Evolution, and a host of others.

It’s an early start, made more palatable by coffee and breakfast pastries, alongside the requisite merchandise to aid the players on their progression round the eighteen holes of the course. Sponsored by Enteractive, a service provider that works with iGaming brands around the globe to help drive active players for operators, there are Titleist caps, water bottles and sports towels to keep participants cool and hydrated as the day’s heat starts to push the mercury up the temperature gauge.

Outside, a parking lot of electric buggies hum into life for the lucky ones who managed to book one, while the strong and the brave haul their heavy bags upon the days young shoulders to set off for their starting tee - the format is a Texas scramble, so each group of four will tee off at the same time from different locations around the course.

The Royal Malta Golf Club is a rambling and spectacular space sporting the single largest area of green grass on the island, located in between built up Maltese neighborhoods and the country’s international airport. Trees sway gently in the morning breeze, and shafts of sunlight catch the dust thrown up by the buggies on their way round the dry pathways.

The first swings connect with the golf balls, sending them shooting into the blue with the players’ keen eyes tracking them until barely visible. For most anyway! There’s some experienced golfers here, and some less so, providing amusement for each other as the occasional drive becomes more of a trick shot, slicing vertically upwards to be caught by hand by the same player who struck it! One errant ball somehow evades the protective netting and bounces onto the roof of the clubhouse. But that’s all OK, since the format for this tournament takes the best shots on each hole for each team, sparing those less adept with golf clubs the embarrassment of zig-zagging down the fairway, while barely landing on it! It’s the theme for the day - a healthy dash of golf, with an extra helping of fun…

Nevertheless, competitiveness still has its place in the day’s playbragging rights for the winning team, as well as individual success to achieve by being closest to the pin on the 13th or hitting the longest drive on the 15th, the reward for each being a brand new iPad courtesy of Enteractive.

For some, hopes and dreams come true with a good, solid round, taking home the iGaming NEXT trophy - congratulations go to the winning team, Alex Haig, Alex Hillblom, Sam Bhatti, and Davide Marchisio. For others, redemption awaits only at the bottom of an empty pint glass after the final holes are completed. But for all, it’s a good Monday - a superb start to the week. As canapes and an open bar wrap up the proceedings in the afternoon, new found camaraderie sets the wheels in motion for the business end of the iGaming NEXT proceedings lasting out the week. It has begun.

FRIENDLY FIRES

Words by Jools Moore

The Tuesday morning of iGaming NEXT’s Valletta week saw industry players come together from across Europe to battle it out in the Enteractive One Day Padel Tournament. The event, which took place at IK Padel Village in Pembroke Gardens, was an opportunity for padel lovers of all levels to get their game face on and bring their best racket skills to the blue-floored, glass-walled courts overlooking the Mediterranean on the east coast of Malta.

With some familiar Malta-based faces in attendance, there were also plenty of visiting teams from far and wide, with ParlayBay from Sweden, BetFIRST from Belgium, and Gib Telecom from Gibraltar, joining the likes of Videoslots, iGamingPlatform, Cashcow, Chumba Casino, and Enteractive.

The teams were quickly geared up for the sporting challenge ahead, with caps, sweatbands, and sports towels provided by sponsors Enteractive, and as the sun dipped behind light clouds to deliver some shade on the courts, proceedings began!

With sixteen teams in total, the knockout stage was made up of four groups, four teams in each, meaning everyone played at least three matches before the weaker teams were eliminated. Some matches were over quite quickly, as could be expected from a mixed-level tournament, but there were also some long lasting clashes of a high standard from a few of the more experienced teams.

These fierce battles saw long rallies and miraculous returns and recoveries, making for a spectacle that the onlookers savoured with quiet respect and then rousing applause at the end of wellfought points.

At the stroke of twelve, it was lunchtime, the group stages complete, and the list of quarter finalists settled. Burgers and chips satiated all the participants and attendees, although the wisest of the stillcompeting teams opted for hydration over a heavy meal, and soon they were back on the courts for the route to the final.

The quarters immediately saw longer rallies and games over a three set format, with each team holding their nerve against opponents’ smashes, lobs, and at-the-net volleys. More closely matched, the clashes upped the ante for the spectators as the quarters divided into the semis, where Enteractive met iGamingPlatform, and Gamon Solutions, Videoslots, in a crescendo of play on court one and two.

Then finally, it came down to the last two teams - iGamingPlatform, with Niclas Elfstedt and Matthew Calascione, against Gamon Solutions, with Victor Martyn and Lukas Podolsky. The sun reappeared from behind the clouds, heating things up on the court even more, and adding an extra handicap for the already tired players, but neither team was showing any signs of slowing down in their rise to the challenge. Yellow balls flashed back and forth across the field of play in seemingly endless exchanges, where winning shots were denied by sporting action that defied the laws of both physics and endurance. The quality of play was now at such a level that the enthralled audience, swelled in numbers with the now eliminated tournament participants, raised a clamouring support when one or other of the final teams killed a long-running point to their advantage.

Set one was taken by iGamingPlatform, set two by GamonSolutions, such that both teams requested the final set, supposed to be a long tie-break to ten in the format, to be a normal set of first to six games! This pushed the event well past the 3pm finish time, but IK Padel were happy to let the exciting dogfight continue to its conclusion with balls flying around the now blue sky above!

Neither side gave the other any quarter, and it was only as the match creeped slowly towards its climax that one slip here and there by iGamingPlatform led to an advantage for Gamon Solutions. They took the third and final set, and the Tournament Trophy, accepting their prizes of two pro Padel rackets with sweat still cascading from their brows.

What an amazing day of Padel it was, enjoyed by all the players, and savoured by the viewing throng, treated to a meeting of four of the best players on the island! Well done to iGaming NEXT and Enteractive for organising, and we look forward to another thrilling event in 2023.

THE RUN CLUB

Words by Chris Looney

Like many in our industry, we have packed work schedules and work long hours to reach our commercial goals. In reaching those goals, it’s easy to neglect our physical and mental health and that’s where our involvement in the iGaming Next Run Club was first formed.

The idea came to life last year at iGaming Next’s fantastic conference in New York. Bragg sponsored the inaugural Run Club which saw 30+ industry executives take in a 5K loop of Central Park and with a hearty breakfast and good coffee thrown in for good measure. It was a terrific occasion and was such a success that Bragg decided to sponsor the same event at iGaming Next Valletta.

The main premise here is to connect with peers in different surroundings and to provide a networking platform that wasn't a bar, restaurant or awards dinner. There are shared interests in the industry that people don’t always realise and the success of the Run Club has shone a light on the benefits of expanding this. We started with two aims - connect with industry folk in a new setting and have some fun whilst doing so. Without doubt we achieved this.

The mix of people was great to see. CEOs run, that’s a thing! And many participants have exercise as part of their regular schedule which inturn delivers a great message for colleagues on the importance of physical exercise in a successful, healthy lifestyle. I’m a firm believer that essential time away from the screen is often where the best ideas spawn from, and you can plan your daily tasks while the endorphins kick in, away from an office setting

The event has proved popular - in person and on social media - and it is certainly something we’re looking to continue our involvement in. This platform allowed us to enjoy the buzz of exercise while taking in Malta’s best sights with friends old and new - a mix that we don’t often see in our busy events calendar.

2point3, the boutique graphic design studio, was born in 2011 after Luke Caruana and Nigel Anastasi graduated from MCAST, where they first met. Fast forward to just over a decade later, they have established themselves as leaders in the creation of visual identities for companies, projects, publications and ideas.

Words by Maria Eileen Fsadni Photography by Christian Sant Fournier

Luke and Nigel’s creative office overlies il-lokal, the gift shop which collects Maltese or Malta-based creators under one roof, on Old Bakery Street. The road is no stranger to creativity. Curiously, it was home to the studio of the 20th century artist Antoine Camilleri who is a protagonist in the story of Maltese modern art.

They too aim to push the limits in their own field. 2point3 champions a unique philosophy, approaching each project in a holistic manner. Their singular focus is to clearly communicate the vision of the teams they collaborate with. For Luke and Nigel, it is important that they offer a visual language which is sensitive to the individual voice, values and personality of each of their clients.

In fact, embedded in their design philosophy is a keen awareness that good design also involves a collaborative approach. They explain, ‘collaboration with other professionals from different backgrounds opens up so many possibilities. We get to learn from each other and absorb information about ideas and materials which perhaps we might have overlooked in the past.’

A quick glance at their catalogue of work reveals that they have taken the time to tailor-make each project. Their studio has designed for a number of household names which are vastly different from one another, including Camilleri Paris Mode, Forward Architects and Sara Grech. Equally, they have designed for exhibitions, hotels and magazines, patiently finding the best way to visually communicate.

Of course, a strong sense of creative freedom lies at the heart of what they do. That is why they established an online shop which houses their own artwork. Many of 2point3’s prints touch on topics such as climate change and social injustice. These topics are approached with a sense of wit and humour which aims to highlight their gravity. Browsing their prints in person is also possible. Luke and Nigel’s work can also be found at il-lokal and Valletta Contemporary’s gallery shop.

Teasing us with what’s coming up, Luke and Nigel inform us that they're currently working with many exciting individuals and organisations. More recently, they've been experimenting with reimagining their 2-dimensional designs into physical objects.

 @2point3 www.2point3.com

Everhouse

Those keeping up to date with the latest trends in architecture and interior design might have already heard of Everhouse. What started as an Instagram account showcasing the best local architectural design work has now evolved into a growing YouTube channel with a global reach. The team behind Everhouse is composed of two guys, long time friends and collaborators Jon Calleja and Ken Chircop, a creative and a filmmaker respectively.

Konrad Buhagiar's house - Sliema, Malta

Photo - Julian Vassallo, AP Architects

We’ve been hearing this a lot lately, but Everhouse is a by-product of the pandemic. The two were brainstorming ideas and they identified a need to shine a better light on quality local architecture, so they started an Instagram account to test the concept. As the account grew, the project eventually progressed into longer video content hosted on YouTube. Originally, the content centred firmly around architecture from the point of view of the architects and designers, but after a few videos, they recognised the need to also tell the houses’ stories from their owners’ perspective. This led to the series called ‘People of Interest’, featuring interviews describing the owners’ journeys to design and build the houses they call their homes. We have all learnt to turn to inspiration online when we get to design or decorate our own spaces, using apps like Pinterest and Instagram, so having other owners open their doors to their own spaces can be of great help. “When the owners are also interesting characters, this makes for entertaining content, too.” says Jon.

They explain that not everyone appreciates that design and architecture play an important role in society’s well-being, as good design helps shape our surroundings and environments. Professionals in the field are already familiar with design practices for healthier and more sustainable design - such as natural ventilation and lighting, and a good choice of materials and furniture - but not everyone has an understanding of how to achieve this. Ken explains that since they both love the subject, himself having worked in the industry for fifteen years, it made sense to work towards creating better content surrounding the topic. “Many times, it’s the small things like reusing and restoring furniture, scouring flea markets for a bargain, and using known common materials in different ways, that make a difference in a project. We are trying to create videos that, without being too technical, showcase these homes and how they’re lived in from the home owners’ perspectives. Hopefully, this will help the casual viewer eventually make better decisions when working on their own spaces.”

Emma & Matthew Demarco's house - Birkirkara, Malta

Tammy Fenech's house - Attard, Malta

The YouTube channel launched in January of this year, and with 15 episodes released, their current subscribers total 16,000, with total views well surpassing half a million. Jon confesses that since it is notoriously hard to grow on YouTube, their original goal was to have 1000 subscribers by the end of 2022, so this faster growth has taken them by surprise. “We know Everhouse has the potential to become something special, but we were not expecting such positive reactions from the community.” For those wondering, YouTube pays their creators by giving them a percentage of the revenue from the adverts that are shown before, after and during the videos we watch. Jon explains that to create a second income stream, they are now producing a second series that meets product designers, entitled ‘Meet the Makers’. The intention is to feature talented creatives and promote their products to give them the exposure they deserve, while also collaborating to create original home products and accessories which will then be available on their website. The first episode featured Thiss Ceramics, a young duo

of ceramicists based in Malta with a very distinct style of pottery, with the first drop of products dropping very soon. Other plans for the future include featuring more houses from around the world, following their first that featured a costume maker’s home in The Netherlands, and collaborating with more artists and creatives to create “beautiful products that we ourselves would want to own.” While video content creation is becoming an essential element in any business, it is the very cornerstone of Everhouse. Ken admits that the schedule of launching an episode every fortnight can be exhausting. “Apart from filming and editing the episodes, which takes days, there’s a lot of work being done before that to make sure we're always on the right path, especially since this is still our side hustle.” Asked if they consider themselves YouTubers yet, Jon replies “No, not yet, but if we keep it up we should get there eventually.” To watch Everhouse episodes, look them up on YouTube, or visit their website at www.everhouse.co.

 @everhouse.co www.everhouse.co

Konrad Buhagiar's house - Sliema, Malta

PhotoJulian Vassallo, AP Architects

Sarah & Richard Muscat Azzopardi's house - Mosta, Malta

Emma & Matthew Demarco's house - Birkirkara, Malta

Thomas Camilleri's houseGżira, Malta

Laura Steenge's houseUtrecht, Netherlands

Emma & Matthew Demarco's house - Birkirkara, Malta

Sarah & Richard Muscat Azzopardi's house - Mosta, Malta

Konrad Buhagiar's house - Sliema, Malta

PhotoJulian Vassallo, AP Architects

Autumn Soul

by Mattia & Hayley Busuttil Murphy

The last time Mattia had cooked for us, he was still a Busuttil, but after tying the knot with his long-time partner Hayley, he is now a Busuttil Murphy. We caught up with the newlyweds to discover what gastronomic promises they have in store for us this autumn.

Words by Nicolà Abela Garrett Photography by Julia Boikova

After an eventful summer, Hayley and Mattia have nested in their home in Sliema. Both of them are now ready for the colder weather, which is a prompt for heart-warming roasts, seasonal veggies and autumnal spices.

A lot has happened since we last spoke to Mattia. Since our last issue, Mattia has moved up in the world of business, but you’ll still find him cooking up a new venture or event idea event idea on the side. Meanwhile, Hayley will be taking a leap of faith after some time at Catena Media and Betsson Group, focusing on her own venture of savvy talent acquisition. Despite both being ambitious professionals, they truly believe that home is where the heart is, and food and family are key to a joyful life.

So, who’s the head chef? “Me!” they both reply, and laugh at their twinned response. With Autumn right around the corner, they’ve combined Mattia’s Maltese pride and love for local produce with Hayley’s hearty British heritage. This time, we spent the day in the kitchen overloading our senses, as we listened to the sound of herbs being chopped, soup bubbling in the pan, oils and ingredients crackling and spitting, while their toddler Amelia sang in the background.

Whenever Mattia and Hayley cook, it’s safe to say that it’s an event in its own right. We’re talking hours of roasting, with plenty of side dishes to dress the mains, and a decadent dessert to finish off on a sweet note. They take their time to carefully select contrasting yet complementary flavours, but always with the end result in mind; a mouthful of flavour! Of course, all their effort brings us back to their love of hosting friends and family, and bringing people together. Their home is your home.

For this edition, Mattia and Hayley have foraged flavours of the Fall, with a selection of excellent ideas for a Thanksgiving meal or a family gathering on a cold evening. Soups are back in season, so be sure to give their cauliflower and parmigiano-reggiano soup a try. We’re mightily impressed with the Porchetta they’ve presented, and they’ve also given us a tasty tip for its leftovers. Of exceptional note, however, is their Dauphinoise. Nothing says luxury and comfort like this side dish. Read on for more inspiration:

INGREDIENTS

1 large head of cauliflower

200 grams of Parmigiano-Reggiano

30 grams salted butter

270ml single cream

Sprinkle of grated nutmeg

Fresh sage leaves

Salt Pepper

Half teaspoon smoked paprika

Extra virgin olive oil

50 grams pine nuts

Cauliflower and Parmigiano-Reggiano Soup

Serves 8

METHOD

Trim and chop the cauliflower into chunks (save a few small pieces to roast)

Boil the cauliflower in salted water until soft

Drain and set aside

In a separate pan melt the butter over a low heat add the drained cauliflower and mash roughly

Toss the small cauliflower pieces in olive oil, salt and paprika and roast in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes

Add in the cream and blend until smooth

Add nutmeg, salt, pepper, paprika and Parmigiano-Reggiano

In a small skillet, toast pine nuts for 30 seconds, keep them moving.

Taste, add seasoning to taste and serve

For a garnish sprinkle the pine nuts, sage leaves and toasted pine nuts on top with a drizzle on olive oil

INGREDIENTS

1kg Pork Shoulder

2.5kg Pork Belly

Zest of 2 Oranges

½ Nutmeg seed (finely grated)

Handful of Rock salt

Handful of Pepper

Handful of Thyme

Handful of Garlic

Handful of Rosemary Handful of Fennel

Handful of Sage

Handful of Fine salt

METHOD

Chop all the herbs in preparation for seasoning, and grate the orange zest.

Lay the pork belly skin side up and score the skin, making sure to go about 0.5cm deep.

Butterfly the pork shoulder and season one side with rock salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, rosemary, orange zest, fennel, and sage, then roll it up, keeping the herbs inside. Set it aside for it to soak up the flavours.

Moving onto the pork belly, turn it over skin side down, and generously spread the remaining rock salt, pepper, thyme, garlic, rosemary, orange zest, fennel, and sage, making sure to cover the meat entirely.

Place the pork shoulder in the centre of the pork belly horizontally.

Depending on the size, roll the pork belly around the shoulder and tie together. You can either tie section by section, or, using one long piece of butcher's string, tie a knot at one end, go from one side to the other and pull tight at the end and tie.

Place on a tray with the skin side up, and leave it in the fridge overnight.

Bring out the Porchetta around 30 minutes before cooking, and apply a light layer of salt to help withdraw the moisture from the skins (this helps to create crackling).

Preheat the oven to 210 degrees, and wipe off the salt from the skin.

Place in the oven for around 4 hours (rule of thumb is 30 minutes cooking time per 500 grams).

If you see the skin start to catch and burn, cover with foil and lift off 5 minutes before the end of the roast to finish the crackling.

Always check if the porchetta is cooked using a meat thermometer.

INGREDIENTS

2 whole octopus

1 large glass red wine (good quality)

20ml olive oil

700ml chopped tomatoes

Handful of capers

Handful of olives

5 sundried tomatoes (sliced)

Zest of 1 lemon

200ml kunserva

Salt and pepper to taste

INGREDIENTS

Bag of Brussel sprouts

5 slices streaky bacon

2 slices of smoked back bacon

1 white onion

1 red onion

2 tablespoons of honey

25ml bullet bourbon whiskey

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons dark balsamic vinegar

100ml water

Salted butter

Octopus Stew

Serves 8

METHOD

In a large pan of water, boil the frozen octopus until soft (usually around 20 minutes) and drain.

Heat a large casserole, pour in olive oil and sauté the garlic and onions until golden brown.

Add in the freshly chopped tomatoes and cook them down slightly, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Add in the polpa, red wine and octopus, and stir together.

Then add the capers, olives, kunserva, sun dried tomatoes and lemon zest, and leave to simmer for as long as you like!

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve in a bowl with local Maltese bread on the side.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Jam

Serves 8

METHOD

Slice the bacon into smaller pieces and cook in a pan.

When the bacon is cooked, add the sliced onions and soften slowly.

When the onions have softened and started to turn brown, add all the other ingredients and cook down slowly.

When the jam has reduced, pour into a heat proof jar and leave to the side.

Trim and slice the sprouts in half.

Boil in salted water and drain when cooked through.

Toss in a pan with salted butter and serve with the bacon jam.

Dauphinoise Potatoes with Gruyère and Chive

INGREDIENTS

6 large local Maltese potatoes

500ml single cream

300ml full fat milk

4 cloves of garlic

2 sprig on rosemary

Handful of chopped chives

Rock salt Pepper

100 grams Gruyère cheese

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200c (180c fan).

Peel the potatoes and thinly slice with a mandolin.

In a pan, add the cream, milk, garlic, rosemary, chives, salt and pepper and warm through.

Then add the sliced potatoes and cook until they start to soften slightly, but still hold their shape.

Use a slotted spoon to sift the potatoes out of the mixture and into an oven proof dish.

Lift out the garlic and rosemary, and pour the mixture over the potatoes until it just covers the top.

Sprinkle the gruyère cheese on top and place in the oven.

Cook for 30 minutes and until golden brown on the top. Slice and serve.

METHOD

In a pan, add the wine, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves and orange, and warm on a low heat.

Peel the pears and add to the mixture.

Cook on a low heat for 30 minutes.

Test the pears are cooked through with a knife.

Lift out to cool slightly.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Porchetta and Red Wine Reduction

INGREDIENTS

Juice from the porchetta Splash of red wine

10 grams salted butter 10 grams corn flour

METHOD

Save the juice from the porchetta after it has rested.

Add to a pan by clarifying the liquid through a sieve.

Add the salted butter and stir through.

Add the corn flour through a sieve to thicken the reduction (add more corn flour if needed).

Finish with a splash of red wine.

Cook until it's at the required consistency and serve.