A solution is always available for Aaron Axiaq, Chairman and Director of Operations at Uniplural Group. It is just a matter of looking hard enough and finding it. It is perhaps a testament to his problem-solving mindset which allowed him to grow in his personal career and later as he ventured into the corporate world.

A nurse by profession, Aaron has always been on the lookout for knowledge and experience. “Working as a nurse for 16 years at the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), leading teams through the most challenging times, meant I quickly learnt the value of thorough planning, and unquestionable dedication to the vocation,” Aaron explains. “It was like working on a battlefield on the daily, never really knowing what was going to roll in through the door, and always having to be ready to respond to the best of our capabilities.”

Aaron however also made sure that his experience was not limited to the hospital wards, but also ventured out into the vastly different, yet equally challenging world of community nursing – a strong passion of his. “In community nursing, it is where the profession meets the people who need your help in their most vulnerable state. It is making a difference in the lives of people, which is most satisfying.”

Perhaps, it was this stage in Aaron’s professional life that inspired him to establish Uniplural Group (formerly Apex Group), a collective of companies that aspires to provide a sterling portfolio of services and create value within the community. Uniplural Group operates six companies, and employs some 400 workers, dedicated to providing vital community services, from childcare and cleaning to education and hospitality.

“When we started, community care was scant at best. However, the need for specialised professional services in the field started to become more apparent. Through persistent advocacy and demonstration of its value, community nursing today is thankfully recognised as a crucial component of the entire healthcare system,” Aaron notes.

Uniplural Group was bound to continue growing in all directions though. Yet, in all the steps it takes, whatever the field, Aaron’s passion and life-or-death determination is evident. Developing their reason d’être further into new fields of community care, Uniplural Group soon delved into the field of childcare, essential in today’s world.

“The group currently operates six childcare centres across Malta, with locations in Fgura, Għaxaq, Żebbuġ, St. Julian’s, Zejtun and Msida. The seventh centre is set to open in Mqabba soon. Through these centres we truly understand the value they bring to our young families, as they entrust us with their young children,” Aaron continues.

Furthermore, Uniplural Group is also active in the hygiene and cleanliness sector through a cleaning service it operates. “Like in any other field, we are committed to a quality service in this area as well. In fact, we are entrusted with significant contracts with leading companies, agencies, factories, offices, and anything in between. We also specialise in first-time cleaning services which can be rather daunting for the unprepared – but we can help there too!”

With the influx of international workers coming to Malta, Uniplural Group recognised the pressing need and opportunity to provide quality educational services in this area. “Often, international workers would need a brush up on specific standards required to work in certain fields, to come up to scratch with the local industry standards. Moreover, we also help workers adapt to local norms, making it easier for them to have a smoother transition. We offer adaptation courses and a comprehensive week-long orientation to Malta, covering the most practical elements such as public transport and other aspects of daily life.”

Uniplural Group’s academy is accredited by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority (MFHEA) and it focuses on developing interpersonal skills necessary for working in the community, ensuring a smooth integration for foreign workers.

Uniplural Group has also recently ventured into hospitality, as it has just opened its first boutique hotel, appropriately called ‘The Beach House’, since it is literally right across the road from the beach, in Birżebbuġa.

“In line with our commitment to excellence, we look to providing our guests with a great experience, during every second they spend with us on the island. This adventure has just been joined by another ambitious project we have embarked on, in the same locality – il COVO, a restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine, promising a special dining experience.”

Looking beyond Malta’s shores, Aaron’s ambitions and vision extend far and beyond. “As a group we are exploring opportunities to export our business model to regions such as North Africa and South America. No matter what, at the core of what we do, remains our commitment to quality and dedication to community well-being. This philosophy is the common denominator across all of Uniplural Group’s efforts,” Aaron concludes.