Nurturing a Thriving Workplace at AX Group

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“In a company with over 1,000 employees, maintaining personal connections might seem challenging, but at AX Group, we prioritise creating an environment where every team member feels respected, appreciated, and integral to the company’s success”, commented Josephine Grima, Head of Human Resources at AX Group. Josephine shared her insights during a captivating panel discussion on employee retention at the Malta Chamber of SMEs Conference 2023.

As a family-run business, diversity and inclusivity are firmly embedded in AX Group’s values, a commitment reflected not only in our business portfolio but also in our multicultural workforce. Our open-door policy, extending from top executives to management, promotes transparent communication and interaction among all staff members.

 

Cultivating Open Communication and Celebrating Achievements

We believe that communication is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. Through various channels such as Quarterly Townhall meetings, regular staff meetings, and ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions, we strive to keep our employees informed about company-wide developments and encourage their valuable contributions. Acknowledging individual and team accomplishments is pivotal to maintaining a positive workplace culture at AX Group, and we take pride in initiatives such as the annual AX Awards Night, Employee of the Month recognition, and Employee Spotlights featured on our AX Careers and Knowledge Centre platforms.

 

Building Teams: Nurturing and Attracting the Right Fit

Josephine emphasises the importance of understanding our employees’ aspirations. “Through one-on-one sessions, we delve into their expectations for personal growth and development within the Group. Creating tailored development plans is instrumental in helping our people enhance their skills and forge meaningful career paths to reach their full potential.”

“Retaining our talented individuals is yet another important aspect; it is not a destination but a continuous journey whereby we remain dedicated to fostering a positive employee experience through regular feedback, ample growth opportunities, and an inclusive environment,” she continued. This commitment ensures that each team member feels valued from day one.

Addressing the challenge of finding individuals with the right practical skills and cultural fit in today’s labour market is a priority across the Group. We tackle this challenge through a multifaceted approach, including strengthening our employer branding, leveraging employee referrals, utilizing various recruitment channels, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions, including MCAST, ITS, and the University of Malta.

 

Extending a Helping Hand Beyond the Office

Our commitment to giving back to society and extending that sense of community beyond the office is evident in the diverse social activities we organise. The annual calendar of events is designed to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and offer a platform for employees to share experiences and forge meaningful connections. Whether it’s social activities, cultural celebrations, team building events or CSR initiatives, these activities contribute to a vibrant and supportive work culture, fostering interaction among employees beyond their immediate work circles.

In embracing these principles, here at AX Group, our dedication remains firm in creating a workplace that truly values every team member, appreciates our diverse strengths, and empowers each individual to contribute their best. Josephine concludes that “in essence, nurturing a thriving work environment is not just a goal—it’s who we are. It’s about creating a place where you matter, where your unique contribution is celebrated, and where our collective success is built on the strength of each one of us”.

 

Internships at AX Hotels Sliema.

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In this article, we invite you to explore the world of interns at AX Hotels, Sliema. Through the first-hand experiences and stories of our interns, you’ll gain valuable insights into the dynamic work culture at AX Hotels. Dive into the enriching narratives that lie ahead and discover more about these interns’ unique experiences.

Charlotte Acton – Events Department intern at AX The Palace

“My 3-month internship at AX Hotels Sliema was an experience as rich in learning as it was in emotions, working with my exceptional team and dedicated colleagues, Zsolt and Victoria, was an invaluable experience. They have been essential to my professional and personal development. They have been with me throughout this period of discovery and learning. Indeed, Zsolt, with his expertise and his patient, understanding attitude, was able to guide me throughout, at my own pace. I was able to learn from his skills in operational management and leadership, which enabled me to discover the right profile for an event manager and inspired me to develop further in these areas. Victoria also offered me invaluable support in my day-to-day tasks. Her warm and collaborative approach fostered a positive working environment where I was able to flourish and give the best of myself.

Secondly, the events organised by our team have been unique opportunities for me to learn and grow in the luxury hotel industry. From large receptions to conferences to beautiful weddings, I never stopped learning about every detail and complexity that an event requires, and I have very fond memories of them today. The many projects I’ve been involved in have given me a wealth of experience in event management and real-time problem-solving.

What’s more, in a warm and pleasant working environment, the AX hotel staff, from all departments, are always there to help you when you’re at a learning curve, as I was, and so I’d like to thank all the AX Hotels Sliema hotel staff for their help, which at the time seemed simple but which, for me, was a great help and made all the difference in carrying out my daily tasks and my unusual assignments.

All in all, my work placement at AX The Palace, AX The Victoria Hotel and The Palazzo Capua was an enriching experience that gave me important professional skills that I intend to develop and perfect in the future. I am very grateful to my team and colleagues for everything they have given me, and I am convinced that what I have learnt will stay with me throughout my career.”

 

Sietze Idenburg –  Front Office intern at AX The Victoria

“For the last 20 weeks, I worked as an intern at The AX Victoria Hotel as a Front Office Agent. From the moment I stepped through the hotel’s doors on my very first day, I embarked on a journey of learning and personal growth that has left an indelible mark on me. I’ve learned so much since my first day here, from practising my initial check-in with role-play with my fellow colleagues to handling 20 guest check-ins per day on my own. I would like to express my gratitude to all my colleagues who made my time here even more enjoyable. I wish all my colleagues the best of luck in the future, and I would like to thank Mr. Charles Portelli for sharing his knowledge and experience with me. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the AX Victoria team, and I’m certain that I will visit again in the near future!”

 

Audrey Guilloux – Sales Department Intern at AX The Palace

“I am grateful for the opportunities, growth, and wonderful memories I had during my internship.

From day one I felt welcomed and supported by his AX Sliema team. The positive and friendly atmosphere at work made me fit in quickly and made me feel like a valued member of the team. I am grateful for the guidance of my colleagues who have generously contributed their knowledge and expertise to help me grow both personally and professionally.

One of the highlights of my internship was the relationships I developed with my fellow interns and colleagues. The camaraderie and teamwork made every day enjoyable and memorable. You made AX Hotels Sliema feel like a safe workspace for me, made me feel heard, and gave me the confidence to come up with new ideas.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to gain hands-on skills and valuable industry knowledge. Working in different departments has given me a comprehensive understanding of the hotel industry. I learned how to deal with real situations and improved my communication skills. My experience at AX Sliema has definitely contributed to my personal and professional growth and strengthened my desire to work in the hospitality industry.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone at AX Sliema for their warm welcome, support and encouragement during my internship. It is an honour to be part of the AX Sliema team and I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me.”

 

In conclusion, the internships at AX Hotels Sliema have been transformative experiences, illuminating the path of success for these individuals in the dynamic world of hospitality. These intern stories highlight the value of dedicated colleagues and mentors who nurture growth in a collaborative work environment. Throughout their journey, these interns have gained valuable insights, learned to manage various events, and discovered the power of teamwork. We extend our heartfelt best wishes to Charlotte, Sietze, and Audrey as they embark on their promising futures!

VELICHE Chocolate Exposure program in Belgium

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I attended this exposure program with many other Pastry Chefs from Malta.  The experience was just amazing!

It was a 3 day exposure program whereby all participants were given a tour around the chocolate factory and we were given a lot of information with regards to the product itself, the chocolate grain, the supply and the process towards making the chocolate itself.  Veliche have 12 types of chocolates all with their unique style.  Needless to say, we were waiting for the opportunity to tickle our taste buds of course and the moment actually arrived! We all love chocolate but THIS was the ultimate experience.

Their Executive Pastry Chef delivered a lot of demonstrations regarding the variety of chocolate cakes and we also had the opportunity to work in small groups and experience the same type of cakes with their products.  Every group had a specific task with different types of chocolate and we had to deliver the final product to the Executive Pastry Chef.  The pressure was on!  We found our team members and engaged towards this challenge.  This involved lots of team work, discussion, creativity, sharing of ideas and product knowledge and needles to say the adrenaline rush that we as Pastry Chefs are presenting a final product to the Executive Pastry of of Veliche Company was on another level. 

We were given lectures related to the different type of Chocolate techniques for garnishes of which I will proudly display and deliver at AX Sliema. At the end of our stay, we were treated to a luxurious restaurant which complimented the experience especially when it came to the dessert! 

I must say this was an amazing opportunity, not only to experience such an exposure in Belgium but to also network with Maltese Pastry Chefs also and gain more knowledge which will surely help me become more successful in my line of duty. 

 

I am very grateful towards Executive Chef Joseph Xuereb and the Sliema Management for allowing me this opportunity.  An unforgettable experience indeed!

International Chefs Day 2023

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On International Chefs Day, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the culinary talent within AX Group. Our professional chefs are the heartbeat of our kitchens, infusing passion and creativity into every dish they create. On this day we recognise the dedication and artistry of these talented individuals. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the chefs who bring flavour and innovation to our dining experiences, each with their unique story and style. Join us as we celebrate the unsung heroes behind our delicious meals and gain a glimpse into their culinary world.

 

 

Chef Victor Borg – AX Hotels Valletta

Chef Victor Borg embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 15 in Malta and included prestigious stints in Switzerland and London, culminating in the opening of his own renowned restaurant ‘Mange Tout’ before joining Rosselli – AX Privilege. Inspired by the ’80s tourism boom in Malta, Chef Borg’s dedication and resolve led to a fulfilling culinary career. Chef Borg finds it rewarding to see the joy on customers’ faces and in witnessing his student’s progress and growth. With a philosophy rooted in ingredient-driven, seasonal cooking, Chef Borg has created signature dishes like Lasagne ‘Nera’ and White Chocolate Cheesecake. For him, when designing menus, seasonality, ingredient research, diverse choices, and complex flavour layers are paramount factors. His advice to the next generation underlines responsibility, continuous improvement, and enthusiasm for the craft.

For the full story, click here.

 

 

 

 

Chef Steven Pisani – AX Care

Chef Steven Pisani’s culinary journey began with formal education, progressing from Food Preparation and Production certification to a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts. His studies at I.T.S. and the Paul Bocuse Institute in France opened doors to opportunities in various hotels and restaurants in Malta and abroad, including the prestigious Michelin-starred “Lympstone Manor.” Inspired by his mother’s home-cooked meals from a young age, Chef Pisani considers customer feedback as the source to achieve work satisfaction. His cooking philosophy emphasises the art of creating multisensory meals, transforming simple ingredients into surprising dishes. His signature dish, chicken liver parfait with cider jelly, reflects his attention to precise timing and detail. In the process of designing a menu, his focus is on finding his market niche using local, seasonal ingredients. Chef Pisani’s advice for aspiring chefs is to cultivate their passion and aim high.

 

Read more.

 

 

 

 

Chef Joe Xuereb – AX Hotels Sliema

Chef Joe Xuereb’s culinary journey began during his childhood at home, assisting family members at baking sessions and learning along the way. Inspired by baking and early experimentation, he pursued culinary education and interned at the Jersey Channel Islands. He further perfected his skills by working alongside renowned chefs in London and returned to Malta to become an Executive Chef. Joining AX The Palace in 2007, he played a vital role in establishing a new 5-star hotel, heading an Asian restaurant. By cooking with simplicity, he allows natural flavours to really shine through his dishes. When designing a menu he considers various important factors ranging from special requests, seasonality to culture and more. His advice for aspiring chefs is to pursue their culinary dreams with passion and resilience.

 

For his full story, read here.

 

 

 

Chef Paul Borg – AX Hotels Qawra

Chef Paul Borg’s culinary journey began as a kitchen helper 35 years ago during a summer job, leading to his passion for cooking. He pursued formal culinary education and spent the last two decades leading kitchen teams in various hotels and resorts. His inspiration came from combining passion and creativity. Chef Borg finds daily satisfaction in achieving culinary goals with his team’s support. His cooking philosophy revolves around passion and seasonal ingredients, letting the food inspire the dishes. When designing menus, he considers guest demographics, seasonality, and budget. Summer is his preferred cooking season, and outside the kitchen, he enjoys gardening and caring for his pets. His advice to future chefs: master the fundamentals, stay open to culinary trends, trust your own taste, and be prepared for the demanding yet rewarding culinary journey.

 

For the full story, click here.

 

 

 

 

We are truly privileged to hold such talent within our culinary team that takes our valued customers’ and residents’ dining experience to new heights. The delivery of exquisite dining experiences is made possible by the enthusiasm, creativity and perseverance our chefs bring to the table. But we must not forget the talented teams that stand beside them every day – the sous chefs, kitchen staff, and front-of-house teams. Without their team’s steadfast support, our chefs’ gastronomic visions would remain unfulfilled. We extend our appreciation to all who help make our dining experiences possible, from the talented chefs to the dedicated teams behind them. Together, we continue to create signature dishes and memorable dining moments for our guests and residents.

 

 

AX Hotels Sliema FO Agents take on The Silent City

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On September 16th, we had a chance to explore and learn more about Mdina. Despite living in Malta for a while and having previously visited this popular tourist spot, I was excited to gain deeper insights to better inform our guests.

We gathered at Mdina Gate to start our journey through this ancient city surrounded by imposing walls. Known as “The Silent City” and once the capital of Malta before Valletta took over, Mdina has a unique history.

Even though I had visited many times, I couldn’t help but appreciate the stunning views that continue to attract tourists and even served as a backdrop for productions like “Game of Thrones.” Our guide shared stories about St. Paul’s Cathedral, the famous well, the Roman Villa, and various statues commemorating saints and St. Paul. What fascinated me the most were the noble houses with their distinctive red windows, courtyards, and historic wells. The panoramic views of the nearby cities were truly breathtaking and serene.

We also embraced tradition by visiting the renowned pastizzi shop in Rabat, The Serkin, to savour this Maltese treat.

I’d like to thank the management of AX The Palace and the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) for this opportunity. Apart from making new friends, we received valuable information that will help us better serve our guests and, hopefully, exceed their expectations, which is our top priority.

Tourists for the Day: Enhancing Guest Experiences

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They say the more you grow, the more you learn. This familiar saying holds true for our front office shift leader at AX Hotels Sliema, Kerr Floyd Subere and his team members. They recently had the opportunity to participate in the MTA cultural tour, and in the upcoming read, we’ll get a glimpse of Kerr’s reflections and takeaways from this intriguing experience.

Here’s what Kerr Floyd had to say:

“The MTA cultural tour proved to be an informative and enjoyable experience for our team. We received a wealth of insights into the history of the three cities and going beyond their architecture to understand their importance in Malta’s history.

Our tour guide made the learning process engaging and fun, and we had the opportunity to meet and connect with new people, allowing us to expand our professional network and form friendships along the way.

 

One aspect of the tour that particularly stood out was the insight it offered into the various modes of travel in Malta. The ferry, in particular, emerged as an excellent option for exploring the island. This is something we’ll certainly recommend to our hotel guests, especially those interested in learning more about the island’s heritage and resilience.

I want to extend my recommendation for this cultural tour to all my colleagues at AX. It not only enhances our ability to provide a better service but also allows us to go above and beyond in offering guests a richer understanding of Malta’s culture.”

As our employees continue to learn, we enhance the experiences we provide to our guests who visit our beautiful island and stay at our hotels.

 

Internship Journey: Nurturing Growth & Learning at AX Hotels Sliema

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Melissa Ventimiglia, a former Front Office intern at AX The Victoria Hotel, expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to complete her internship. In her reflections, she shared the enriching experiences and valuable lessons gained during her time there.

 

“Malta is a beautiful, welcoming, multiethnic and dynamic island, in which is not possible to be bored. Valletta, Rabat and Mdina are full of History in their small streets; Sliema, St. Julians and Paceville with all the shops, pubs and restaurants that make Malta a place of pleasure and fun. Blue Lagoon, Blue Grotto, Golden Bay, and Mellieha Beach give a wide range of choices of beautiful sea views!

When I arrived at the AX The Victoria Hotel I did not know what was waiting for me but a few days later I already knew I was in the right place with the right people. The workplace atmosphere was extremely positive and inclusive. Since the first day, my colleagues warmly welcomed and accompanied me on my training path. Day by day they taught and showed me the procedures and organization to follow to do my job to the best of my ability, encouraging and inspiring me to bring out the best in me. Thanks to them, I was able to improve my skills and acquire new ones. This experience was formative both from a professional and personal point of view. One of the things that impressed me and that I will always remember is the unity and strength that my team has. Despite having different cultures and ages, they are united and solid as a family.

Over the past three months, my colleagues have transformed into genuine friends with whom I can share significant moments with. AX Hotels is undoubtedly the perfect company to undertake your internship with. I will cherish this experience for both personal and professional reasons, for years to come.”

 

To Melissa, we extend our best wishes and hopes for a bright and fulfilling professional journey ahead.

Meet our Interns at the AX Business Centre!

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In today’s ever-changing business environment, the role of interns has evolved significantly. This transformation is particularly noticeable at the AX Group Business Centre, where interns are not just participants in day-to-day operations but active contributors to innovation, growth, and success. Meet our interns below!

 

Shaun Aquilina

I am Shaun Aquilina, a 16-year-old student currently working as an intern with AX Group, part of the IT team at Head Office. In my role, I provide assistance to my colleagues within the IT department, both with hardware and software tasks. This includes maintaining inventories such as the storage room and printer data. I recently completed my secondary education at Maria Regina, where I studied Computing for three years. I aspire to pursue my passion for video game development by furthering my studies in Computing at an Advanced Level at Giovanni Curmi Higher.

 

 

Monica Teuma

I am Monica Teuma, a 22-year-old student, currently undergoing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Enterprise at MCAST. Presently, I am fulfilling an internship role in the marketing department at AX Group. Within AX Group, I am primarily responsible for providing support to the marketing team in various tasks and projects.

My role involves assisting in the organisation of marketing photography and assets, contributing to marketing campaigns, conducting market research, assisting with content creation, and staying updated on industry trends. Upon completing my degree, my intention is to pursue a master’s degree in marketing, with the aim of further advancing my career and personal growth.

 

 

Joan Petit

My name is Joan Petit, and I am from Barcelona, Spain. I worked with AX Group, undertaking an Erasmus program during June and July. The main objective of my internship is to digitalize the company’s documents, making it more efficient to search for them using the program Therefore. Additionally, I provide support to my colleagues beyond this project, assisting them with any reported issues.

I am currently pursuing an IT degree at STUCOM Centre in Barcelona, which is a two-year program. Upon my return to Spain, I will start the second year of my studies. As I look ahead to my future, I intend to continue studying subjects related to computers, such as programming, networks, and databases, which are my primary areas of interest.

 

 

We believe in the potential of every intern who has been part of our team, and we are confident that they will go on to achieve remarkable success in their future careers. To our interns, we extend our best wishes and hopes for a bright and fulfilling professional journey ahead.

Can a CEO’s personal brand pose a threat to a business?

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MaltaCEOs.mt speaks to Employer Branding & Employee Communications Strategist Vanessa Camenzuli, and various business leaders about a personal brand’s impact on a business. Read the article here.

The article discusses the importance of personal branding for CEOs and business leaders. Personal branding is based on how others perceive an individual’s actions and behaviours over time. CEOs’ personal brands can positively or negatively impact their companies, depending on whether they align with the company’s values. Successful CEOs often develop their personal brands, which can complement the company’s image. However, if a CEO’s personal brand overshadows the company’s brand, it may pose risks. Striking a balance between personal and company branding is crucial for a successful CEO.

Mr. Michael Warrington, the CEO of AX Group, shares his insights on the topic of personal branding for CEOs.

Effective and Efficient Communication: The Key to Successful Project Management

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As a business transformation manager, the primary objective is to facilitate the transformation of systems and processes in alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and objectives.

This position necessitates close collaboration with various stakeholders, including business leaders, IT teams, and external vendors, to drive and implement changes that enhance operational efficiency, increase productivity, and improve the overall performance of the IT function.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous individuals, and my involvement in a major IT project within AX Group p.l.c. has allowed me to work closely with diverse people across all sectors and departments. I have come to realize that every person is unique, possessing distinct personalities, characters, moods, experiences, and emotions. Recognizing and appreciating these differences is crucial for establishing effective communication. As a project leader, the ability to tailor communication to each individual is valuable. Personalized communication holds great importance and significantly influences both daily work and the overall success of a project.

Understanding Uniqueness

Effective communication begins with acknowledging and understanding that each person has their own unique set of preferences and communication styles. Some individuals may thrive on face-to-face interactions, appreciating personal connections and gestures like a friendly pat on the shoulder. Others may prefer a more formal approach, desiring direct and concise conversations that lead to quick decisions. There are also those who enjoy engaging in lengthy discussions, requiring a high level of attention, while others may respond better to a briefer communication style. We encounter these diverse communication needs daily, whether interacting with loved ones or engaging in formal work-related conversations. Recognizing these differences allows us to adapt our communication methods to convey messages in the most efficient and effective manner.

 

The Power of Personalized Communication

Personalized communication holds tremendous power. By tailoring our approach to suit individual preferences, we establish rapport, build trust, and create a positive work environment. When team members feel understood and respected, they are more likely to be motivated, engaged, and productive. Personalized communication also helps mitigate misunderstandings, enhances clarity, and reduces conflicts that may arise due to miscommunication. By catering to the unique needs of individuals, we foster stronger relationships and encourage open and honest dialogue. This leads to improved collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making, ultimately benefiting the project as a whole.

 

Benefits for Day-to-Day Work

Effective communication greatly facilitates the day-to-day responsibilities. It enables seamless information sharing, ensuring that all team members are well-informed and aligned with project goals, timelines, and expectations. Clear and personalized communication minimizes the chances of errors, delays, and rework. It also promotes efficient task delegation, allowing to assign responsibilities based on team members’ strengths and preferences, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. Moreover, effective communication helps address challenges and obstacles promptly, keeping projects on track and avoiding potential bottlenecks.

 

Enhancing Project Success

The impact of effective communication extends beyond daily operations. It plays a crucial role in the overall success of a project. When project leaders establish a culture of open communication, team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and suggestions. This fosters innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement, driving the project forward. Effective communication also aids in stakeholder management by ensuring clear and consistent messaging to all stakeholders. When stakeholders feel well-informed and involved, they are more likely to support the project and provide necessary resources and assistance.

 

Navigating the Challenges of Multicultural Communication in the Hotel Industry

The diverse workforce and international service providers make effective communication a crucial aspect of successful project management. While these challenges may seem daunting, they can be embraced as opportunities for growth and improvement. By recognizing and harnessing the potential of multicultural individuals in an IT project, project leaders can tap into a rich resource of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration. This not only improves project outcomes but also cultivates an inclusive and dynamic work environment that celebrates diversity and fosters continuous growth and innovation.

 

The ability to adapt our communication style to different preferences enables us to navigate day-to-day work smoothly and contributes to the overall success of the project. Embracing effective communication practices not only benefits us as project leaders but also creates an environment conducive to growth, innovation, and achievement.