SkyParks: Reaching the top of the corporate ladder | Alan Borg

How does SkyParks Business Centre differ from other similar concepts that exist on the Maltese islands? What kind of services and facilities is it offering?
"We're very proud to finally announce that we have obtained a BREEAM certification, which is the leading environmental assessment methods used for buildings. This has confirmed SkyParks Business Centre as the island's first Grade A office park to have been recognised by this global entity.
"Above all, this proves our commitment to green practices and also to providing tenants with a high quality environment while minimising waste of energy. This would obviously contribute to a business' bottom line, enabling tenants to save more on their utility bills.
"As for the setup of the building, we make sure we are as flexible as possible to accommodate tenants according to their specific requirements. For this reason, tenants move into a fully finished office with full services installed, all set on an open-plan basis so the internal layout can be modulated as one wishes to have it.
"Rather unique is also the availability of up to 2,100 sqm on a single floor, which is especially attractive to larger companies, as in fact was the case with Vodafone and Air Malta.
"One of our prerogatives is to offer a tenant-friendly setting, and I believe we do this on two counts. First of all, this is reflected in our policies on rental facilities, whereby the tenant is not charged any extra fees relating to maintenance or cleaning of the common areas and security of the building. This means that we take on the responsibility of managing these costs ourselves, while the tenant has the benefit of knowing what his fixed rental costs are for each year.
"Secondly, we provide a tenant-friendly environment through the range of facilities which are found in-house and within the airport terminal, making it more convenient for the company's employees and clients alike. The proximity to the airport is surely an advantage to our tenants, given the availability of amenities including a post office, a pharmacy and a food court.
"We'll be having possibly the largest child care centre on the island, as well as a fitness centre within the building, the latter still to be adjudicated. A medical clinic will also be offering GP services, check-ups and cosmetic treatments during business hours, providing companies with in-house doctor services."
 
Brief us about SkyParks' tenants. Do you foresee the business centre as a major contributor to Malta International Airport's revenues?
"Particularly in recent years, MIA's strategy has been focused on increasing its non-aviation related revenues, and we expect SkyParks Business Centre to contribute significantly to such revenue streams.
"The commercial areas on level zero and level one will generate more foot fall to the business centre, creating a dynamic atmosphere which complements the business activity going on within. The retail element has been especially chosen to address the daily needs of tenants.
"The Matrix, a Forestals outlet, will be selling digital lifestyle products and IT-related items, whilst Headlines Newsagent and Booksellers will cater for the daily reads and small gifts ideas, greeting cards as well as photocopying services. Banking services are also available on site with BOV opening a branch and ATM on level 1.
"As for food and beverages, Talbot & Bons have already set up a concept café and fine food retail outlet, and we plan to secure more F&B outlets in the external terrace on level zero."

What initiatives are being taken in terms of quality, environment, health and safety of the people working in this centre?
"The comfort and safety of our tenants has always been a top priority at SkyParks. The necessary measures have been taken to adhere to health and safety requirements, with the proper structures placed within and outside the building to cater for emergency situations.
"A high level of security will be in place with 24/7 security monitoring through CCTV cameras and on-site security guards. Moreover, each office floor will be access controlled, allowing only tenants to access the lift and go up to their respective floors, for more security enhancement.
"The building envelope as well as the building services have all been purposely designed with the highest level of comfort in mind. The glass on the perimeter wall is triple-insulated and is of an anti-glare quality, whereas lighting and ventilation will be adjusted automatically through an Integrated Building Management System, hence maximising efficiency."

And how do you intend to attract businesses to set up shop within the state-of-the-art facility? Is it targeting foreign companies as well?
"Recently we've seen an increase in demand from aviation companies who are setting up in Malta. Besides Hangar 8, Hyperion Aviation has confirmed take-up at the business centre. Moreover, Momentum, a local corporate consultancy firm will be moving in later this year.
"Furthermore, a newly set-up UK IT software company will also be operating from SkyParks.
"To attract foreign businesses, we have  been promoting the business centre overseas through various initiatives, including participation in international conferences and property expos. Next in line is the Private Jets expo EBACE in Geneva, followed by Expo Italia Real Estate which will be held in June.
"We are also in talks with some consultancy firms based abroad, who can act as intermediaries between us and clients seeking to relocate or base themselves in Malta. "We are mainly focusing our efforts on such a strategy as we believe, through these front liners, we can target our markets better and be more effective in highlighting the advantages of operating from Malta."

What benefits do companies get by choosing a business centre rather than having their own premises? Is there any cost advantage you can provide?
"We believe that in today's fast-changing world, the option of leasing space, as opposed to owning a property provides the most convenient, reliable and cost-effective solution for commercial entities.
"The main advantages would be: the possibility of deducting the leasing expense from profits; no or a little capital investment is required; and a company's capital is not tied in real estate, so it can be used for other business investments.
"Beyond the financials, when leasing, maintenance or upkeep of the building is taken care of, and there is room for flexibility allowing for up and downsizing of the company.
"A business address ultimately goes beyond that which is printed on one's letterhead. It can contribute greatly to the company's image and prestige. Unlike any block of apartments, choosing a property which exudes a positive and reliable image of the company and its brand to its customer is extremely important. Operating within a well-managed property which shows professionalism, is in itself a major selling point."
 Harnessing the collective power of business and society-driven change, SkyParks is enabling thought leadership and generating sustainable models of care.

Could you tell me more about the YoYo day care centre concept being set up within the centre to host children of working parents?
"YoYo Child Care is a new venture set up by MiChild, which is the latest project Gianni Zammit and Josef Gafa, Directors of JUGS Malta, have embarked upon. Taking up more than 80 children at once, YoYo Kids will be opening its first centre at SkyParks.
"We have recognised the need to cater for working parents who are in search of child-care facilities which are close to their workplace, during and after office hours. The centre aims to give children the opportunity to grow and learn through play in a fun, a safe and healthy environment under the supervision of qualified carers. It is a new and innovative concept which we believe will add even more value to the building, and which already sets us apart from other business centres."

Hangar 8 - the newly-registered aviation company is relocating its business to SkyParks. The agreement offered must have been a flexible and attractive one.  How is SkyParks promoting itself to reaching the top of the corporate radar?
"Every tenant is a different story. We are flexible in our approach, addressing the individual requirements of each company. Companies can choose their area on plan, and we amend layouts accordingly. We are open to their requests and prepare tailor-made proposals based on each company's requirements.
"We are open to various models for commercial proposals, especially when it comes to the retail and services areas. Above all, we try to go beyond the landlord-lessee traditional relationship and invest in a partnership between us and our tenants."

How will SkyParks help provide information and support to companies setting up shop within the centre?
"The Facilities Department, headed by Philip Bonnet, has been set up specifically as a sole point of contact for tenants.
"Currently, discussions are ongoing with confirmed tenants for the progression of works within their office areas. We will make sure to give our full support to the tenants during the move and the fit-out stage for the process to run as smooth as possible.
"We have also prepared a tenant's handbook which will provide the tenant with all the information required in relation to the building, its operations and regulations. Such guidelines will come in handy throughout the lease term, as tenants are aware of procedures on how to get immediate support and get things done in the most efficient way."

How will you personally contribute to expanding the centre and keeping it on its feet?
"Coming from a hospitality background, I have learned to appreciate the challenges and the importance of upholding customer satisfaction at all times.
"Moreover, my experience in airline marketing - which I've gained over the last five years with MIA - has taught me the true value of integrity and open communication when building relationships with people from all around the world.
"While I acknowledge that SkyParks Business Centre was a new and challenging project, I hope to bring all these values together and have them reflected within the business centre environment."

Any new services you are planning to add and what are your future plans?
"Our efforts are currently directed towards getting the business centre up and running whilst ensuring our tenants have a hassle-free transition.
"We have recently updated our master plan, and intend to hone the concept of the business centre. We have clear guidelines on what we would like to achieve, with a way forward which ultimately has to make sense within the over-all context of the airport and the wider demand on a local level."