6 minute read
Working Better Together
Zak Borg and Benji Borg, co-founders of ANCHOVY. Plc, together with James Abela and Matthew Sammut, co-founders of NIU Ltd., recently announced the formation of a comprehensive technology and digital services group, Capital 9H Ltd. Through this collaboration, they aspire to create the largest digital services offering in Malta and pave the way for an international growth programme within this rapidly growing sector.
Capital 9H Ltd. will lead, own and manage both companies’ local market leadership position and technology talent base as an integrated digital offering, providing each client-base with end-to-end digital services that will support them throughout their digital transformation journey. 9H plc is a result of the converged vision of the four founders, strengthening the local market offering while embarking on an exciting roadmap to internationally expand the group’s operations.
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The group is set to become the natural digital transformation partner for local businesses irrespective of size or maturity.
The founders believe this merger to be a major milestone in the evolution of Malta’s digital economy, reflecting the transformation aspirations of the country. They also underline the group’s intention to grow further by attracting other ventures with similar aspirations into its structure. “In five years’ time, I see myself being part of a group of companies that works with great organisations that fit a purpose,” asserts Benji Borg, “Right now we are on a mission to consolidate the value chain, but our next phase will be purpose-driven. We want to be part of the solution and work with organisations that are driven by the same core Left to right: James Abela, Zak Borg, Matthew Sammut, Benji Borg
values that we have. Our biggest strength is that we are a founderdriven organisation, with a very clear mission. We are determined to consolidate and provide all services under one roof for a seamless client experience.” Zak Borg’s first job was as a sailing coach and a software engineer. He says that he always had a vision to do something big, and it all changed when he read one of Richard Branson’s books.
“Our biggest challenge so far has been achieving scale while maintaining service level quality in local and new international markets such as the Middle East. Scaling a service business internationally is no easy feat and we are still experimenting in order to find the best structure,” he explains. “Our biggest success stories, I would say, have been the mini milestones along the journey, from issuing a bond to building great business relationships.”
The employees are the heart of this organisation. Making them happy is important to ensure the company thrives, the founders say.
“One thing which I believe in is to prioritise work-life balance. Not every employee is happy with the same things, so listening and understanding what makes them happy is key in my opinion,” says Matthew Sammut. “There are various things that make teams successful: communication between the team members, the focus on goals and results, offering support to one another, being organised and also good leadership.” As for his own work ethic, Matthew says he finds inspiration in a variety of people and things:
“A big inspiration in my life is actually my baby boy who loves anyone that smiles at him. He is barely able to sit down on his own and yet he fills my life with joy whenever I spend time with him. I would also like to add that the person who has most greatly inspired me has been my mother. She always has a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loves everyone. She is well respected and always gave more than she received. I try to live like she did, as much as I can.”
Going back to employee satisfaction and happiness, James Abela shares his secret to motivating your employees to go the extra mile.
“Simple: being a leader and not a boss,” he states, “In practical terms, this means dedicating your time to coaching, giving credit where credit is due, owning up to leadership mistakes and providing a way forward, asking and getting to the bottom of the issue (not taking decisions on hearsay). Investing in employee wellbeing can lead to better employee engagement, reduced sick leave and higher performance and productivity. This includes a healthy work environment with balanced workload, as well as good and proper tools.” M+S
Zak Borg James Abela Benji Borg
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Matthew Sammut
“Our biggest challenge so far has been achieving scale while maintaining service level quality in local and new international markets such as the Middle East.” “Investing in employee wellbeing can lead to better employee engagement, reduced sick leave and higher performance and productivity.” “Our biggest strength is that we are a founder driven organisation, with a very clear mission. We are determined to consolidate and provide all services under one roof for a seamless client experience.” “The person who has most greatly inspired me has been my mother. She always has a smile on her face no matter how hard she worked, and she loves everyone… I try to live like she did, as much as I can.”
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