Director and Chief Finance Officer for Agora Group, Audrey Hughes, Non-Executive Director, Isabella Vella, and Chief Finance Officer for Zammit Holdings Group, Raisa Zammit, under whose auspices the firm falls, all agree that the benefits of including women to the upper echelons of the company have boosted the firm’s potential in the market. 

From L-R: Isabella Vella, Non-Executive Director; Raisa Zammit, Chief Finance Officer, Zammit Holdings; and Audrey Hughes, Director and Chief Finance Officer, Agora Group

Ms Vella states that “Companies possessing strong female leadership teams, such as Agora Estates p.l.c., benefit from enhanced decision-making processes as well as a better corporate governance structure and an improved understanding of the market”. Ms Vella iterated that “all this will result in a positive reputation which leads to an augmented financial performance.”

Audrey Hughes, Director and Chief Finance Officer, Agora Group

Agora Estates Plc is the holding company and financing arm of the Agora Group. The Agora Group was founded in 2011 by James Zammit, with the goal of developing properties for sale as well as managing select real estate for long-term rental investment. “We believe that affordability, quality and open communication are key factors contributing to the growth which the company has enjoyed over the last years,” Ms Hughes explains, adding that equitable gender representation has been crucial in this regard.

“Gender diversity enriches Agora Group’s potential in a highly competitive property sector; this is a result of the different approaches and life experiences each of the members of its team bring to the table,” Ms Hughes states.

Ms Vella concurs, saying that “Female representation on our board and management level, has allowed us to acknowledge and build upon our deeper understanding of the needs and preferences of all our customers, irrespective of gender. This allows us to develop competitive strategies, services and products which administer the right offering, at the right time.”

With respect to the services and products offered to the customers, Ms Zammit explained that “Nowadays customers and companies are more aware of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and therefore developing properties in line with these principles result in a better sense of health and well-being to those who decide to invest and live in these properties. We develop real estate in accordance with sustainable and energy-efficient systems, to promote lower energy consumption, cheaper utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint.”

Isabella Vella, Non-Executive Director

Ms Vella asserts that “Properties developed by Agora utilise green technologies, including rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels while at the same time prioritising natural light as well as the flow of ventilation throughout the property. These climate-resilient design elements equip the property with future-looking technologies which can also mitigate any negative impact arising from climate change”. Ms Vella continues to state that “The priority here is three-fold: to create an efficient, calm and comfortable space which guarantees a high quality of life as well as provides better return on investment, while, at the same time, practising our commitment to environmental sustainability.”

“Sustainability is one of the most significant factors currently driving decisions in the real estate market; we take this seriously” Ms Hughes explains, adding that “investing in sustainable properties, such as those on offer at Agora, can be seen as a strategic move. We continually strive to maximise resources such as going the additional mile to ensure that properties withstand elements such as rain and excessive heat giving customers peace of mind, while at the same time minimising waste produced by the industry through repurposing material wherever possible.”

Raisa Zammit, Chief Finance Officer, Zammit Holdings

Ms Zammit concludes by stating that, “Agora Group does not only focus on providing high quality services and products to its customers, but it also aims to make a positive contribution across communities on the island, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy.” Indeed, she explains, “the firm has over the years embarked on various projects and works with several foundations, including helping people with special needs, helping charities that provide care and support for families with children who need to travel abroad for medical treatment as well as helping foundations whose aim is to support people who suffer from chronic diseases.” The team at Agora feels engaged with the needs of the community, and this can provide a real sense of purpose,” she says.