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HSBC’s Operations Centre in Qormi was officially opened this week by Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, following the completion of a Lm5 million refurbishment project. HSBC’s Operations Centre now houses a total of 16 different departments with approximately 500 employees, meaning that all of HSBC’s back-office functions are being carried out at this central location.
Also present for the official opening of the Operations Centre were HSBC Bank Malta’s Chairman, Mr Albert Mizzi and HSBC Holdings plc’s Executive Director, Mr Bill Dalton together with other senior HSBC executives, the Finance Minister, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Shadow Finance Minister, the British High Commissioner and the Ambassadors of the United Stares and China. Following the opening, the invited guests were also given a tour of the premises.
“The complete redesign and refurbishment of our Operations Centre has been by far HSBC’s biggest infrastructural project in Malta. The Centre can also be seen as a significant investment in HSBC Malta’s network. It will also serve as a direct benefit to our customers, in the sense that following the centralisation of all of HSBC’s back-office functions in this building, staff in HSBC’s branch network will be able to devote much more of their time to serving customers,” said HSBC Chief Executive Officer Chris Hothersall.
HSBC’s Administration, Banking Services, Card Products, Cash Centre, Centralised Operations, Call Centre & Internet Banking, Group Audit, Home Loans, HUB Department, IT Services, Operations Support Services, Security, Property and Purchasing Departments are now all housed in Qormi. Apart from all the different departments located within the Operations Centre, HSBC has also taken care to ensure the highest security, fire, health and safety as well as environmental standards. The building has also been designed to meet the requirements of the Equal Opportunities Act. Parking facilities for 200 cars have also been provided.
Acting Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said that HSBC in Malta have taken a lead with respect to competitiveness especially where work practices are concerned. The emphasis laid on productivity together with the provision of excellent working conditions are key issues which need to be addressed on a national level. This is coupled with HSBC’s strong sense of corporate social responsibility demonstrated in their continuous involvement in the social sector.
“Moreover, this Lm5 million investment also reflects HSBC’s confidence in Maltese companies and workers to deliver work to the highest international standards and within a short time frame. This is another aspect of competitiveness which shall become even more relevant with Malta’s accession into the EU and from which it is imperative that we do not miss any opportunities,” Gonzi added.
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