Six members from the third and fourth generations of the Vella family, the founders of Malta's leading logistics company Express Trailers, have successfully completed the EMCS Award in Leading a Family Business, marking a key milestone in the company's ongoing transition to the next generation of leadership.

The six-month accredited programme, developed and delivered by EMCS, focused on three critical pillars of successful family business management: ownership and structure, strategic planning, and professional governance.

The course was an opportunity to equip the company's next generation with the tools and knowledge to preserve the legacy of Express Trailers while driving it forward with renewed vision.

Express Trailers CEO Etienne Attard, a non-family executive with extensive experience in family-run enterprises, praised the family's proactive approach. "This course has helped align business goals with family values-an essential balance in any family business."

Martina Vella, Assistant Manager of Import/Export Operations and one of the third-generation members who completed the course added "Family businesses are complex, with emotions, relationships, and legacy all intertwined with strategy and operations. This programme helped us take a step back and look at our structure objectively, ensuring that we are in line with industry best practices."

Noel Vella, one of the second-generation family leaders and Head of Engineering at Express Trailers, welcomed the initiative. "Seeing our children and nieces prepare themselves formally for leadership roles gives us peace of mind. The foundation we built is in good hands."

Noel's daughter Melanie Vella, a fourth-generation family member, found the module on succession planning particularly valuable.

"The course helped me understand how structured governance and clear communication channels are essential to a smooth generational transition. It made me more confident about contributing to the company's future."

Silvan Mifsud, Director at EMCS explained how the course is tailored specifically for family businesses and commended the Vella family's commitment and willingness to evolve.

"Working closely with some of Express Trailers' family members allowed us to gain valuable insight into the company's unique dynamics. Express Trailers stands out for its deep commitment to legacy and relationships. Our course focused specifically on helping them balance emotional aspects with professional governance. It was a pleasure to see how open the Vella family was to learn and adapt."