The Malta Independent on Sunday
Natalie Briffa Farrugia wins inaugural Malta Businesswoman of the Year Award
Natalie Briffa Farrugia is the winner of the first edition of the Malta Businesswoman of the Year Award, capping a remarkable journey from teaching primary students to tending to the vulnerable in Ethiopia and Guatemala to leading one of Malta’s largest homes for the elderly service providers, CareMalta Group Ltd.
Amanda Xuereb scooped the Young Businesswoman Award during a ceremony that saw a line-up of inspirational business leaders and pioneers at Verdala Palace celebrating the spirit of female entrepreneurship.
The Company Award for Excellence was presented to Tigné’ Mall plc for demonstrating a passion for inspiring, engaging, empowering, and furthering the success of women within its company and in the community.
Isabella Mifsud received a special mention for her inspiring commitment and for acting as a role model for others.
Natalie Briffa Farrugia said: “I am honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award. Heartfelt thanks goes to HSBC Malta and President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. My aim in life was always to make a difference to people’s lives and I am blessed that my work allows me to do just that. If I were to share one message it would be this: look into yourself to find your uniqueness. I hope this initiative leads the way for more women to reach their full potential and be given a chance to contribute at high levels on society’s platforms.’
With Natalie at the helm of CareMalta, the business has been transformed from six homes, with 437 employees in 2008, to nine state-of-the-art facilities, with over 1,000 employees and nearly €27 million in turnover as of 2017. When not busy implementing high-care standards at work, Natalie is involved in the lives of her two young girls, contributes to Living Waters Mission, and pre- pares for her next marathon run.
The Malta Businesswoman of the Year Awards were launched last year through a partnership between HSBC Bank Malta plc and the Office of the President of Malta, with the aim of highlighting outstanding female leaders in the business and economic world.
President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who is patron of the awards, conveyed her heartfelt congratulations to the winners and all the nominees of the Malta Businesswoman of the Year Awards, saying that “through these awards, we are not only celebrating the achievements of these remarkable women, but I am sure that we are also empowering our young women and girls to take up leadership roles across all strata of society”.
Women-owned and run businesses are the fastest growing economic segment in some countries, including the United States, however in Malta, the agenda to advance women’s entrepreneurship lacks momentum. In fact, 60 per cent of graduates from the University of Malta are female but only 8.5 per cent of all Board positions in Malta’s listed companies are held by women – the lowest in the EU.
Andrew Beane, CEO of HSBC Bank Malta plc said: “With the Malta Businesswoman of the Year Awards we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the achievements of women and celebrate their many contributions to the business world and beyond. I hope the amazing women who have won this year’s awards inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
Chair of the Judging Panel, Sonia Hernandez said: “I am proud of Vodafone for contributing to this relevant women empowerment agenda, and I am personally committed to make an impact and help more women be successful in Malta. I encourage Maltese business leaders to consider diversity part of their companies’ strategy and our powerful woman to take the risk and give it a try. I would love to see much more nominees next year and big congratulations to the winners this year. It has been a great privilege and honour to work together with our judges for the first time in this fabulous event and want to thank Her Excellency MarieLouise Coleiro Preca and HSBC Bank Malta for making it possible.” More information about the awards and future events are available on www.mbwya.com.mt