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#Newsmaker: Marcus Brewster on moving to and making it in Malta
As such, Brewster will be taking part in the countywide ‘Invest in Malta’ conference starting in Cape Town tomorrow.
The introductory talks take place in Cape Town on 31 May-1 June, Johannesburg on 4-5 June, Bloemfontein on 7 June and Durban on 8 June. Acting as emcee, Brewster will accompany four Maltese speakers representing various links in the value chain. “Effectively we’re talking up the business and lifestyle case and why South Africans should be considering these sunny islands with the highest growth rate in the EU,” explains Brewster.
The event serves to create awareness and provide information on moving to Malta. “Most people (and not just South Africans) don’t even know where Malta is on the map and are unaware of the phenomenal economic trajectory the island has been blazing over the past five years. Apart from the public seminars, which I must stress are free, we will also be scheduling one-on-one meetings.”
I asked Brewster what everyone else is asking him: why he chose to establish an office in Malta, and how he’s managed to immerse himself in the Maltese market and mindset…
How do you feel about coming back to SA as a Maltese representative?
Although my PR function on this national roadshow is as a facilitator opening private sector doors for Maltese/SA engagement, I am extremely evangelical about this little Mediterranean island and EU member state having had the good fortune to settle on the archipelago a year ago.
What do you plan to speak about at the event?
The question everybody asks me: ‘Why did you choose Malta?’ Without stealing my own thunder, I spent five years researching and visiting various Mediterranean jurisdictions from the Eastern-most stretch of the Turkish Riviera all the way out to Madeira in the wide Atlantic! I hope to tell people what boxes Malta ticks.
So, with the launch of Marcus Brewster International, why did you decide to establish an office in Malta?
It was a lifestyle choice first and foremost. However, because of the burgeoning economy, there is a lot of opportunity here in Malta: new launches, new campaigns, even new industries (hello Blockchain!). English is widely spoken and the de facto language of business. Plus, ‘the rock’ is in the absolute middle of the middle of the Med which makes it equally quick to get anywhere in the EMEA region. Once you’ve digested all the salient points, you’ll wonder why you haven’t opened an office here!
What have been your greatest challenges and opportunities since making the move?
The tender process for marketing-related RFP’s is absolutely brilliant. The evaluation deadline is often set within 48 hours of your submission deadline and client notifies all participants immediately of the outcome (supplier and quantum awarded). It’s completely invigorating to work with such transparent procurement protocols – an outcome of being in the EU. (As an EU member state, each country has to meet European business standards.)
The biggest challenge – if you can call it that – is getting used to the odd hours – we may be on the same time-zone as South Africa but Southern European time, i.e. the siesta needs as much cultural adjustment as African time!
Next steps for the business?
After having accumulated 30-plus years of SA PR expertise and media connections, I came to Malta ready to acquire new IP. My first year here has been so instructive, so rewarding and fulfilling in terms of different ways of seeing, that I believe there’s an opportunity in assisting South Africans to get into in the Maltese market and mindset and vice versa.
What are you most proud of in terms of your career?
Three things: That I birthed half of Cape Town’s PR industry having employed and mentored many young professionals who went on to launch their own successful consultancies.
Secondly, I am enormously proud of my former staffers who now run global communications portfolios for multi-national companies.
And finally, whether it’s pride or luck, I now look back in some awe at my 30+ years professional longevity – not many agencies have gone the distance that I have and maintained consistency over the long-haul.
Comment on the current state of PR and what the future of PR looks like to you.
Many industry buzzwords like ‘content creation’ or ‘influencer marketing’ are just the new names for services that PR has traditionally excelled in. The PR rose still smells as sweet…
What do you love most about Malta and miss most about SA? I have too much moment-by-moment appreciation of Malta to miss much about my old South African routines.
Tell us something about yourself not generally known.I plan to write a bestselling series of Malta mysteries!
Don’t miss Brewster’s ‘A South African's guide to moving to and making it in Malta’ series on Bizcommunity every Friday at 1:30pm. More info on the event series can be found at these city-specific links:
About Jessica Tennant
Jess is Senior Editor: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com. She is also a contributing writer. moc.ytinummoczib@swengnitekram
