The mayor of the St Paul’s Bay, Paul Bugeja nominated Isabelle Debattista, a 47-year-old mother of two, as the best businesswoman in the locality. She is the company director of Mirabelle Enterprises Ltd that operates the Mirabelle Restaurant and Fat Harry’s Pub in Bugibba. She employs an average of 50 employees and is administrative and financial controller.

Isabelle is one of the founders of the St Paul’s Bay Bars and Restaurants Association and a member of MHRA and GRTU. Despite her busy schedule she works voluntarily, helping to organise the Heart of Gold Festival, which is held annually at Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija.

She also hosts in her restaurant persons with special needs for a free of charge lunch on a regular basis. This is in addition to sponsoring complimentary meal vouchers to help other societies in their fund-raising.

Rosanne Galea, president of the Malta Association of Women in Business, made the presentation of the Best Business Woman of the Locality award to Ms Debattista.

The Malta Association of Women in Business encourages women to go into business and provides a platform for businesswomen to network. It supports initiatives that encourage female entrepreneurship.

It can be contacted on 2122 5884 / 2122 1371 or on their website: www.mawb.org