/* SB Connect — Home page styles */
:root {
      --navy: #2B3C7A;
      --navy-2: #24336A;
      --red: #78A10C;
      --ink: #102D4E;
      --muted: #526477;
      --pale: #F7F8F3;
      --line: #E3E9EF;
      --white: #FFFFFF;
      --radius: 13px;
      --shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(43, 60, 122, .08);
    }
    * { box-sizing: border-box; }
    html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }
    body { margin: 0; font-family: Inter, Arial, sans-serif; color: var(--ink); background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 1.55; }
    img { display: block; max-width: 100%; }
    a { color: inherit; text-decoration: none; }
    .container { width: min(1160px, calc(100% - 48px)); margin-inline: auto; }
    .section { padding: 64px 0; }
    .eyebrow { color: var(--red); text-transform: uppercase; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .06em; display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 10px; margin: 0 0 7px; }
    .eyebrow::before { content: none; display: none; }
    h1, h2, h3, p { margin-top: 0; }
    h1 { font-size: clamp(2.45rem, 5vw, 4.15rem); line-height: 1.04; letter-spacing: -.045em; margin-bottom: 15px; }
    h2 { font-size: clamp(2.0rem, 3.2vw, 3.55rem); line-height: 1.12; letter-spacing: -.035em; margin-bottom: 12px; }
    h3 { line-height: 1.25; margin-bottom: 8px; }
    .lead { color: #324C66; max-width: 570px; }
    .btn { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 9px; padding: 12px 20px; border-radius: 999px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700; border: 1px solid transparent; transition: .2s ease; cursor: pointer; }
    .btn:hover { transform: translateY(-2px); }
    .btn-red { background: var(--red); color: #FFFFFF; }
    .btn-red:hover { background: #5F800A; }
    .btn-navy { background: var(--navy); color: #FFFFFF; }
    .btn-outline { border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .65); color: #FFFFFF; }
    .arrow { font-size: 17px; line-height: 1; }

    /* Header */
    .site-header { min-height: 82px; display: flex; align-items: center; background: #FFFFFF; position: sticky; top: 0; z-index: 50; box-shadow: 0 2px 12px rgba(0, 0, 0, .04); }
    .header-inner { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 24px; }
    .brand { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 9px; min-width: 180px; }
    .brand-mark { color: var(--navy); font-size: 31px; font-weight: 900; letter-spacing: -5px; line-height: 1; position: relative; padding-right: 5px; }
    .brand-mark::after { content: none; }
    .brand-name { font-size: 20px; line-height: 1; font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: -.04em; }
    .brand-tag { display: block; font-size: 6px; letter-spacing: .11em; font-weight: 700; margin-top: 4px; }
    .nav { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: clamp(12px, 2vw, 25px); font-size: 11px; font-weight: 600; }
    .nav a { white-space: nowrap; padding: 9px 0; }
    .nav a:hover, .nav a.active { color: var(--red); }
    .header-cta { font-size: 10px; padding: 11px 16px; white-space: nowrap; }
    .menu-toggle { display: none; background: none; border: 0; font-size: 28px; color: var(--navy); cursor: pointer; }

    /* Hero */
    .hero { min-height: 600px; width: 100%; display: flex; align-items: center; background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(248, 251, 236, .48) 0%, rgba(248, 251, 236, .28) 28%, rgba(248, 251, 236, .08) 52%, rgba(248, 251, 236, 0) 72%), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=2000&q=85') center center / cover no-repeat; }
    .hero-content { padding: 62px 0 44px; max-width: 600px; }
    .hero .eyebrow { color: #78A10C; }
    .hero h1 span { color: var(--red); }
    .hero-actions { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 12px; margin: 23px 0 34px; }
    .trust-row { display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; gap: 22px; color: #425A72; font-size: 11px; font-weight: 500; }
    .trust-item { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 8px; }
    .mini-icon { width: 24px; height: 24px; border: 1px solid #CBD8E4; border-radius: 7px; display: inline-grid; place-items: center; color: var(--navy); font-size: 13px; flex: 0 0 auto; }

    /* Why Malta */
    .why-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1.2fr; align-items: center; gap: 54px; }
    .why-copy p { max-width: 440px; color: var(--muted); }
    .why-copy > p.eyebrow { color: #78A10C !important; }
    .benefits-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 28px 24px; }
    .benefit { display: flex; gap: 14px; align-items: flex-start; }
    .benefit-icon { flex: 0 0 54px; width: 54px; height: 54px; display: grid; place-items: center; color: var(--red); font-size: 25px; border: 1px solid #EDF0F4; border-radius: 50%; box-shadow: 0 4px 18px rgba(20, 40, 60, .04); }
    .benefit h3 { font-size: 15px; margin: 2px 0 5px; }
    .benefit p { font-size: 12px; color: var(--muted); margin: 0; }

    /* Service cards */
    .service-panels { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 16px; padding-bottom: 12px; }
    .service-card { min-height: 340px; border-radius: 5px; overflow: hidden; position: relative; display: flex; align-items: center; background-size: cover; background-position: center; isolation: isolate; }
    .service-card::before { content: ""; position: absolute; inset: 0; z-index: -1; background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .03) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .90) 43%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .96) 100%); }
    .service-card.student { background-image: url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523240795612-9a054b0db644?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=85'); }
    .service-card.worker { background-image: url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504307651254-35680f356dfd?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=85'); }
    .service-copy { width: 57%; margin-left: auto; padding: 28px 24px 28px 10px; }
    .service-label { font-size: 10px; color: var(--red); font-weight: 800; letter-spacing: .07em; margin-bottom: 7px; }
    .service-copy h2 { font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.4vw, 2.1rem); margin-bottom: 8px; }
    .service-copy p { font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 12px; color: #3C4D5E; }
    .check-list { list-style: none; padding: 0; margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 12px; }
    .check-list li { margin: 5px 0; display: flex; gap: 8px; align-items: flex-start; }
    .check-list li::before { content: "✓"; display: inline-grid; place-items: center; background: var(--red); color: #FFFFFF; border-radius: 50%; width: 15px; height: 15px; font-size: 10px; font-weight: 800; flex: 0 0 auto; margin-top: 2px; }

    /* Stats band */
    .stats-band { color: #FFFFFF; background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(5, 39, 72, .97), rgba(5, 39, 72, .82)), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1800&q=80') center/cover; padding: 42px 0 34px; }
    .stats-top { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 28px; }
    .stats-band .eyebrow { color: #D9E8F5; }
    .stats-band h2 { color: #FFFFFF; margin-bottom: 9px; }
    .stats-band p { max-width: 600px; color: #E0EAF3; margin-bottom: 0; font-size: 14px; }
    .video-link { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 14px; flex: 0 0 auto; }
    .play { display: grid; place-items: center; background: #FFFFFF; color: var(--navy); border-radius: 50%; width: 54px; height: 54px; font-size: 19px; }
    .video-link strong { display: block; font-size: 13px; }
    .video-link span:last-child { display: block; color: #D8E5F0; font-size: 12px; }
    .stats-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr); gap: 20px; margin-top: 34px; }
    .stat { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 13px; border-right: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .16); padding-right: 12px; }
    .stat:last-child { border: 0; }
    .stat-icon { width: 45px; height: 45px; border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .25); border-radius: 50%; display: grid; place-items: center; font-size: 21px; flex: 0 0 auto; }
    .stat strong { display: block; font-size: 25px; line-height: 1.1; }
    .stat span { color: #E0EAF3; font-size: 11px; }

    /* Process */
    .process-section { text-align: center; }
    .process-section .eyebrow { justify-content: center; }
    .process-section .section-intro { color: var(--muted); margin-bottom: 35px; }
    .process-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(5, 1fr); gap: 16px; position: relative; }
    .process-grid::before { content: ""; position: absolute; top: 26px; left: 9%; right: 9%; border-top: 1px dashed #B8C6D4; }
    .process-step { position: relative; }
    .step-icon { width: 52px; height: 52px; display: grid; place-items: center; margin: 0 auto 13px; background: var(--navy); border: 5px solid #E9EFF5; color: #FFFFFF; border-radius: 50%; font-size: 19px; position: relative; z-index: 1; }
    .step-number { font-size: 10px; font-weight: 800; color: var(--red); letter-spacing: .05em; }
    .process-step h3 { font-size: 14px; margin: 4px 0; }
    .process-step p { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); max-width: 160px; margin: 0 auto; }

    /* Advantages */
    .advantage-section { background: #F4F7F9; padding: 0; }
    .advantage-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; min-height: 420px; }
    .advantage-copy { padding: 56px max(24px, calc((100vw - 1160px)/2)) 56px 24px; align-self: center; }
    .advantage-copy .container-inner { max-width: 570px; margin-left: auto; }
    .advantage-copy > p { color: var(--muted); }
    .advantage-list { display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0,1fr)); gap: 12px; margin-top: 22px; }
    .advantage-item { display: flex; gap: 12px; align-items: flex-start; background: #FFFFFF; border: 1px solid #E8EDF1; padding: 15px; border-radius: 6px; }
    .advantage-item .symbol { color: var(--red); font-size: 23px; }
    .advantage-item h3 { font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 4px; }
    .advantage-item p { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); margin: 0; }
    .advantage-image { min-height: 420px; background: linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(6, 36, 65, .05), rgba(6, 36, 65, .05)), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1523906834658-6e24ef2386f9?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1400&q=85') center/cover; }

    /* Success stories: review-style horizontal carousel */
    .testimonials-heading { display: flex; justify-content: flex-start; align-items: end; gap: 20px; margin-bottom: 24px; }
    .text-link { color: var(--red); font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; white-space: nowrap; }
    .testimonial-carousel { position: relative; padding: 0 34px; overflow: hidden; }
    .testimonial-grid { display: flex; gap: 18px; overflow: visible; scroll-snap-type: none; scroll-behavior: auto; scrollbar-width: none; padding: 2px 0 6px; overscroll-behavior-x: contain; will-change: transform; transform: translate3d(0,0,0); transition: transform 650ms cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1); }
    .testimonial-grid::-webkit-scrollbar { display: none; }
    .testimonial-grid.is-jumping { transition: none !important; }
    .testimonial-grid:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid var(--red); outline-offset: 4px; }
    .testimonial { flex: 0 0 calc((100% - 36px) / 3); min-width: 0; min-height: 265px; scroll-snap-align: start; border: 1px solid #D9DFE5; border-radius: 12px; padding: 24px; background: #FFFFFF; box-shadow: none; display: flex; flex-direction: column; }
    .story-controls { position: absolute; inset: 0; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; pointer-events: none; z-index: 2; }
    .story-control { pointer-events: auto; width: 32px; height: 48px; border: 0; border-radius: 0; background: transparent; color: var(--red); font-size: 36px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1; display: grid; place-items: center; cursor: pointer; transition: transform .2s ease, color .2s ease; padding: 0; }
    .story-control:hover:not(:disabled) { color: var(--navy); transform: scale(1.12); }
    .story-control:disabled { opacity: .35; cursor: default; }
    .person { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; margin-bottom: 22px; }
    .avatar { width: 48px; height: 48px; flex: 0 0 48px; border-radius: 50%; background: #E9EEF3; display: grid; place-items: center; font-size: 22px; overflow: hidden; }
    .avatar img { width: 100%; height: 100%; object-fit: cover; }
    .quote { font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.65; color: #34485C; margin: 0; }
    .person h3 { font-size: 15px; margin: 0 0 3px; }
    .person p { font-size: 11px; color: var(--muted); margin: 0; }

    /* FAQ */
    .faq-section { padding-top: 20px; }
    .faq-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: .85fr 1.5fr; gap: 28px; align-items: stretch; }
    .faq-image { min-height: 330px; background: url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1000&q=85') center/cover; border-radius: 4px; }
    .faq-content { padding: 8px 0; }
    .faq-heading { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 12px; align-items: end; margin-bottom: 14px; }
    .faq-heading h2 { font-size: clamp(1.55rem, 2.8vw, 2.2rem); margin-bottom: 0; }
    details { border: 1px solid #E1E7ED; border-bottom: 0; background: #FFFFFF; }
    details:last-child { border-bottom: 1px solid #E1E7ED; }
    summary { cursor: pointer; list-style: none; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; padding: 10px 13px; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; }
    summary::-webkit-details-marker { display: none; }
    summary::after { content: "+"; color: var(--navy); font-size: 17px; line-height: 1; }
    details[open] summary::after { content: "−"; }
    details p { color: var(--muted); font-size: 12px; padding: 0 13px 12px; margin: 0; }

    /* CTA and footer */
    .final-cta { color: #FFFFFF; text-align: center; padding: 38px 0; background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(176, 219, 25, .93), rgba(176, 219, 25, .88)), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1800&q=80') center/cover; }
    .final-cta .eyebrow { justify-content: center; color: #F5F9EA; }
    .final-cta h2 { margin-bottom: 7px; }
    .final-cta p { color: #F5F9EA; max-width: 590px; margin: 0 auto 18px; font-size: 13px; }
    .final-cta .btn { color: var(--navy); background: #FFFFFF; }
    .site-footer { background: #F3F7FA; color: #17365D; padding: 38px 0 24px; }
    .footer-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1.5fr .8fr 1fr; gap: 40px; align-items: start; max-width: 1100px; }
    .site-footer .brand { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; width: fit-content; margin-bottom: 14px; }
    .site-footer .brand-mark, .site-footer .brand-name { color: #2B3C7A; }
    .site-footer .brand-tag { color: #52657A; }
    .footer-about p { max-width: 270px; color: #52657A; font-size: 13px; }
    .socials { display: flex; gap: 9px; }
    .socials a { width: 30px; height: 30px; display: grid; place-items: center; border: 1px solid rgba(43, 60, 122, .22); border-radius: 50%; font-size: 12px; color: #2B3C7A; }
    .footer-col h3 { font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 3px 0 14px; color: #17365D; }
    .footer-col a, .footer-col p { display: block; color: #52657A; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 8px 0; text-decoration: none; }
    .footer-col a:hover { color: #78A10C; }
    .footer-contact p { overflow-wrap: anywhere; }
    .footer-contact .btn { margin-top: 12px; }
    .copyright { border-top: 1px solid rgba(43, 60, 122, .16); padding-top: 16px; margin-top: 28px; color: #52657A; font-size: 12px; }

    @media (max-width: 980px) {
      .nav { gap: 12px; font-size: 10px; }
      .brand { min-width: auto; }
      .header-cta { display: none; }
      .hero { background-position: 58% center; }
      .why-grid { gap: 30px; grid-template-columns: .9fr 1.1fr; }
      .service-card { min-height: 370px; }
      .service-copy { width: 64%; padding-right: 15px; }
      .stats-top { align-items: flex-start; }
      .advantage-copy { padding: 45px 24px; }
      .footer-grid { gap: 25px; max-width: 100%; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 760px) {
      .container { width: min(100% - 32px, 560px); }
      .site-header { height: 68px; }
      .menu-toggle { display: block; }
      .nav { display: none; position: absolute; top: 68px; left: 0; right: 0; padding: 14px 24px 22px; background: #FFFFFF; box-shadow: 0 12px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, .08); align-items: stretch; flex-direction: column; gap: 0; }
      .nav.open { display: flex; }
      .nav a { border-bottom: 1px solid #EDF0F4; padding: 12px 0; font-size: 13px; }
      .hero { min-height: auto; background-image: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(248, 251, 236, .62), rgba(248, 251, 236, .40)), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80'); background-position: center; }
      .hero-content { padding: 55px 0 36px; }
      .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.45rem, 10vw, 3.6rem); }
      .trust-row { gap: 12px 18px; }
      .section { padding: 46px 0; }
      .why-grid, .faq-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 28px; }
      .benefits-grid { gap: 20px 14px; }
      .benefit { gap: 10px; }
      .benefit-icon { width: 44px; height: 44px; flex-basis: 44px; font-size: 21px; }
      .service-panels { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
      .service-card { min-height: 330px; }
      .stats-top { flex-direction: column; }
      .stats-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr); gap: 22px 12px; }
      .stat:nth-child(2) { border-right: 0; }
      .stat strong { font-size: 22px; }
      .process-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; text-align: left; }
      .process-grid::before { top: 22px; bottom: 22px; left: 25px; right: auto; border-top: 0; border-left: 1px dashed #B8C6D4; }
      .process-step { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 52px 1fr; column-gap: 15px; align-items: center; }
      .step-icon { grid-row: span 3; margin: 0; }
      .process-step h3, .process-step p { max-width: none; margin-left: 0; }
      .process-section .eyebrow { justify-content: flex-start; }
      .process-section { text-align: left; }
      .advantage-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
      .advantage-copy { padding: 44px 16px; }
      .advantage-copy .container-inner { max-width: 560px; margin: auto; }
      .advantage-image { min-height: 300px; }
      .testimonial-grid { grid-template-columns: none; }
      .testimonial-carousel { padding: 0 25px; }
      .testimonial { flex-basis: 88%; min-height: 0; padding: 20px; }
      .testimonials-heading { align-items: center; flex-direction: row; }
      .story-control { width: 24px; height: 40px; font-size: 30px; }
      .quote { min-height: 0; }
      .faq-image { min-height: 230px; }
      .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr)); gap: 26px 22px; max-width: 100%; }
      .footer-about { grid-column: 1 / -1; }
      .footer-col a, .footer-col p { overflow-wrap: anywhere; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 420px) {
      .brand-name { font-size: 18px; }
      .hero-actions { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; }
      .hero-actions .btn { min-width: 190px; }
      .benefits-grid, .advantage-list { grid-template-columns: 1fr; }
      .service-card { min-height: 390px; background-position: 32% center; }
      .service-card::before { background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .35), rgba(255, 255, 255, .96) 38%); }
      .service-copy { width: 73%; padding-right: 14px; }
      .stats-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; }
      .stat { gap: 8px; }
      .stat-icon { width: 36px; height: 36px; font-size: 17px; }
      .stat strong { font-size: 19px; }
      .testimonials-heading, .faq-heading { align-items: flex-start; flex-direction: column; }
      .footer-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 22px; }
      .footer-about { grid-column: auto; }
      .site-footer { padding: 30px 0 20px; }
      .copyright { margin-top: 24px; }
    }
  

    /* Animated statistics: count-up and staggered reveal */
    .stats-band .stat {
      opacity: 0;
      transform: translateY(18px);
      transition: opacity .65s ease, transform .65s ease;
    }
    .stats-band.stats-visible .stat {
      opacity: 1;
      transform: translateY(0);
    }
    .stats-band.stats-visible .stat:nth-child(2) { transition-delay: .12s; }
    .stats-band.stats-visible .stat:nth-child(3) { transition-delay: .24s; }
    .stats-band.stats-visible .stat:nth-child(4) { transition-delay: .36s; }
    .stats-band .stat-icon { transition: transform .5s ease, border-color .5s ease; }
    .stats-band.stats-visible .stat-icon { animation: sb-stat-icon-pop .65s ease both; }
    @keyframes sb-stat-icon-pop {
      0% { transform: scale(.76); }
      65% { transform: scale(1.1); }
      100% { transform: scale(1); }
    }
    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      .stats-band .stat, .stats-band .stat-icon {
        opacity: 1 !important;
        transform: none !important;
        transition: none !important;
        animation: none !important;
      }
    }




/* Corrected alignment: line up the left content with the main site container */
.advantage-copy {
  box-sizing: border-box;
  padding: 56px 40px 56px max(40px, calc((100vw - 1384px) / 2)) !important;
}

.advantage-copy .container-inner {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 570px;
  margin-left: 0 !important;
  margin-right: auto;
}

@media (max-width: 1200px) {
  .advantage-copy {
    padding: 44px 32px !important;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 980px) {
  .advantage-copy {
    padding: 40px 32px !important;
  }

  .advantage-copy .container-inner {
    max-width: 100%;
    margin-inline: auto !important;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 700px) {
  .advantage-copy {
    padding: 36px 24px !important;
  }
}


/* FINAL FIX — align the Why Choose SB Connect content with the site's main container */
.advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy {
  box-sizing: border-box !important;
  min-width: 0;
  padding-top: 56px !important;
  padding-bottom: 56px !important;
  padding-left: max(24px, calc((100vw - 1384px) / 2)) !important;
  padding-right: clamp(24px, 4vw, 64px) !important;
  align-self: stretch;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
}

.advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy > .container-inner {
  box-sizing: border-box;
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 570px;
  margin: 0 !important;
}

/* Keep comfortable gutters when the layout changes to a single column */
@media (max-width: 980px) {
  .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy {
    padding: 44px 32px !important;
  }

  .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy > .container-inner {
    max-width: 680px;
    margin-left: auto !important;
    margin-right: auto !important;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .advantage-section .advantage-grid {
    grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) !important;
  }

  .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy {
    padding: 36px 24px !important;
  }

  .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy > .container-inner {
    max-width: 560px;
  }
}


    .brand { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 0; min-width: 0; flex: 0 0 auto; }
    .brand-logo { display: block; width: 250px; height: 68px; max-width: 100%; object-fit: contain; object-position: left center; }
    @media (max-width: 760px) { .site-header { min-height: 76px; } .site-header .brand-logo { width: 190px; height: 60px; } }


    .site-footer .brand { display: inline-flex; align-items: center; width: fit-content; margin-bottom: 18px; }
    .site-footer .brand-logo { width: 190px; height: 142px; object-fit: contain; object-position: left center; }
    @media (max-width: 760px) {
      .site-footer .brand-logo { width: 150px; height: 112px; }
    }
    

    /* Header logo alignment fix */
    .site-header { min-height: 116px; height: auto; padding: 8px 0; }
    .site-header .header-inner { min-height: 100px; align-items: center; }
    .site-header .brand { display: flex; align-items: center; flex: 0 0 auto; min-width: 0; margin: 0; }
    .site-header .brand-logo { display: block; width: 132px; height: 100px; object-fit: contain; object-position: center; max-width: 100%; }
    @media (max-width: 760px) {
      .site-header { min-height: 92px; padding: 4px 0; }
      .site-header .header-inner { min-height: 82px; }
      .site-header .brand-logo { width: 104px; height: 82px; }
    }
    

    /* SB Connect service cards: interactive hover animation */
    .service-card {
      border: none;
      transform: translateY(0);
      box-shadow: 0 5px 18px rgba(5, 39, 72, 0);
      transition:
        transform .38s cubic-bezier(.2,.75,.25,1),
        box-shadow .38s ease,
        border-color .3s ease,
        background-position .55s ease;
    }
    .service-card:hover,
    .service-card:focus-within {
      transform: translateY(-8px);
      border-color: transparent;
      box-shadow: 0 18px 38px rgba(5, 39, 72, .18);
      background-position: 43% center;
    }
    .service-card .service-copy {
      transition: transform .38s cubic-bezier(.2,.75,.25,1);
    }
    .service-card:hover .service-copy,
    .service-card:focus-within .service-copy {
      transform: translateX(-4px);
    }
    .service-card .btn {
      transition: transform .28s ease, box-shadow .28s ease, background-color .28s ease;
    }
    .service-card:hover .btn,
    .service-card:focus-within .btn {
      transform: translateX(4px);
      box-shadow: 0 7px 16px rgba(176, 219, 25, .18);
    }
    .service-card .check-list li::before {
      transition: transform .25s ease, background-color .25s ease;
    }
    .service-card:hover .check-list li::before,
    .service-card:focus-within .check-list li::before {
      transform: scale(1.12);
      background-color: #78A10C;
    }
    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      .service-card,
      .service-card .service-copy,
      .service-card .btn,
      .service-card .check-list li::before {
        transition: none !important;
      }
      .service-card:hover,
      .service-card:focus-within,
      .service-card:hover .service-copy,
      .service-card:focus-within .service-copy,
      .service-card:hover .btn,
      .service-card:focus-within .btn {
        transform: none !important;
      }
    }

  
    /* Remove the static border line around the Study / Work cards */
    .service-card {
      border: 0 !important;
      outline: 0;
    }
    .service-card:hover,
    .service-card:focus,
    .service-card:focus-within {
      border: 0 !important;
      outline: 0;
    }

  
    /* Make the full Study / Work feature cards feel clickable */
    .service-card[role="link"] { cursor: pointer; }
    .service-card[role="link"]:focus-visible {
      outline: 3px solid #78A10C;
      outline-offset: 3px;
    }

  
    /* Process timeline hover animation, matching the Study / Work card interaction */
    .process-step {
      border-radius: 14px;
      padding: 8px 8px 12px;
      transform: translateY(0);
      transition: transform .38s cubic-bezier(.2,.75,.25,1),
                  background-color .3s ease,
                  box-shadow .38s ease;
      cursor: default;
    }
    .process-step .step-icon {
      transition: transform .38s cubic-bezier(.2,.75,.25,1),
                  box-shadow .35s ease,
                  background-color .3s ease,
                  border-color .3s ease;
    }
    .process-step .step-number,
    .process-step h3,
    .process-step p {
      transition: color .3s ease, transform .38s cubic-bezier(.2,.75,.25,1);
    }
    .process-step:hover,
    .process-step:focus-within {
      transform: translateY(-7px);
      background-color: rgba(176, 219, 25, .055);
      box-shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(17, 48, 83, .08);
    }
    .process-step:hover .step-icon,
    .process-step:focus-within .step-icon {
      transform: scale(1.1);
      background-color: #78A10C;
      border-color: rgba(176, 219, 25, .18);
      box-shadow: 0 0 0 5px rgba(176, 219, 25, .12);
    }
    .process-step:hover .step-number,
    .process-step:focus-within .step-number {
      color: #78A10C;
    }
    .process-step:hover h3,
    .process-step:focus-within h3 {
      transform: translateY(-2px);
    }
    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      .process-step,
      .process-step .step-icon,
      .process-step .step-number,
      .process-step h3,
      .process-step p {
        transition: none !important;
      }
      .process-step:hover,
      .process-step:focus-within,
      .process-step:hover .step-icon,
      .process-step:focus-within .step-icon,
      .process-step:hover h3,
      .process-step:focus-within h3 {
        transform: none !important;
      }
    }

.site-header {
    min-height: 84px !important;
    height: 84px !important;
    padding: 0 !important;
  }
  .site-header .header-inner {
    min-height: 84px !important;
    height: 84px !important;
    align-items: center !important;
  }
  .site-header .brand-logo {
    display: block !important;
    width: 150px !important;
    height: 76px !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: left center !important;
  }
  .site-header .header-brand-lockup {
    display: inline-flex !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    gap: 10px !important;
    width: auto !important;
    min-width: 0 !important;
    flex: 0 0 auto !important;
    text-decoration: none;
    white-space: nowrap;
  }
  .header-brand-monogram {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    width: 44px;
    height: 44px;
    border-radius: 11px;
    background: #2B3D85;
    color: #78A10C;
    font-size: 25px;
    font-weight: 900;
    letter-spacing: -3px;
    padding-right: 3px;
    line-height: 1;
  }
  .header-brand-copy {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 4px;
    color: #123052;
    line-height: 1.1;
  }
  .header-brand-copy strong {
    font-size: 20px;
    font-weight: 800;
    letter-spacing: -.035em;
  }
  .header-brand-copy small {
    font-size: 9px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: .07em;
    color: #78A10C;
    text-transform: uppercase;
  }
  .site-header .nav {
    font-size: 13px !important;
  }
  .hero {
    min-height: 640px !important;
    width: 100% !important;
    background-image: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .97) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .90) 34%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .62) 62%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .08) 100%), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=2200&q=90') !important;
    background-position: center center !important;
    background-size: cover !important;
    background-repeat: no-repeat !important;
  }
  .hero-content {
    max-width: 820px !important;
    padding: 62px 0 52px !important;
    text-shadow: none !important;
  }
  /* Hero typography styled to match the supplied reference */
  .hero h1 {
    max-width: 820px !important;
    margin: 0 0 22px !important;
    color: #123052 !important;
    font-size: clamp(3.4rem, 4.5vw, 5.5rem) !important;
    font-weight: 850 !important;
    line-height: 1.08 !important;
    letter-spacing: -.045em !important;
  }
  .hero h1 span { color: #78A10C !important; }
  .hero p, .hero .lead {
    color: #2B3C7A !important;
  }
  .hero .eyebrow {
    color: #78A10C !important;
  }
  .hero .lead {
    max-width: 520px !important;
    margin-top: 0 !important;
    font-size: clamp(1.05rem, 0.5vw, 0.25rem) !important;
    line-height: 1.55 !important;
    font-weight: 400 !important;
  }
  @media (max-width: 760px) {
    .site-header, .site-header .header-inner {
      min-height: 72px !important;
      height: 72px !important;
    }
    .site-header .brand-logo { width: 126px !important; height: 64px !important; }
    .header-brand-monogram {
      width: 38px;
      height: 38px;
      font-size: 22px;
    }
    .header-brand-copy strong { font-size: 17px; }
    .header-brand-copy small { font-size: 8px; }
    .site-header .nav { top: 72px !important; }
    .hero { min-height: 560px !important; background-image: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, .94) 0%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .82) 65%, rgba(255, 255, 255, .42) 100%), url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=85') !important; background-position: center center !important; background-size: cover !important; }
    .hero-content { max-width: 100% !important; padding: 54px 0 42px !important; }
    .hero h1 { font-size: clamp(2.8rem, 10vw, 4.1rem) !important; line-height: 1.08 !important; letter-spacing: -.04em !important; }
    .hero .lead { max-width: 100% !important; font-size: 1.05rem !important; }
  }

/* Staggered slide-in animation for the four Why Malta benefit items. */
  .js-motion .benefits-grid .benefit {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateX(-100px);
    transition: opacity 1500ms ease, transform 1500ms cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1);
    transition-delay: var(--benefit-delay, 0ms);
    will-change: opacity, transform;
  }
  .js-motion .benefits-grid .benefit:nth-child(even) { transform: translateX(100px); }
  .js-motion .benefits-grid.is-visible .benefit { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(0); }
  .benefits-grid .benefit:nth-child(1) { --benefit-delay: 0ms; }
  .benefits-grid .benefit:nth-child(2) { --benefit-delay: 400ms; }
  .benefits-grid .benefit:nth-child(3) { --benefit-delay: 800ms; }
  .benefits-grid .benefit:nth-child(4) { --benefit-delay: 1200ms; }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    .js-motion .benefits-grid .benefit,
    .js-motion .benefits-grid .benefit:nth-child(even) {
      opacity: 1; transform: none; transition: none; will-change: auto;
    }
  }

/* Staggered slide-in animation for the four Why Choose SB Connect cards. */
  .js-motion .advantage-list .advantage-item {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateX(-100px);
    transition: opacity 1500ms ease, transform 1500ms cubic-bezier(.22,.61,.36,1);
    transition-delay: var(--advantage-delay, 0ms);
    will-change: opacity, transform;
  }
  .js-motion .advantage-list .advantage-item:nth-child(even) { transform: translateX(100px); }
  .js-motion .advantage-list.is-visible .advantage-item { opacity: 1; transform: translateX(0); }
  .advantage-list .advantage-item:nth-child(1) { --advantage-delay: 0ms; }
  .advantage-list .advantage-item:nth-child(2) { --advantage-delay: 400ms; }
  .advantage-list .advantage-item:nth-child(3) { --advantage-delay: 800ms; }
  .advantage-list .advantage-item:nth-child(4) { --advantage-delay: 1200ms; }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
    .js-motion .advantage-list .advantage-item,
    .js-motion .advantage-list .advantage-item:nth-child(even) {
      opacity: 1; transform: none; transition: none; will-change: auto;
    }
  }

/* Refined Success Stories layout: balanced spacing, consistent cards, same brand palette */
    #stories {
      background: linear-gradient(180deg, #F6F9FB 0%, #FFFFFF 100%);
      overflow: hidden;
    }
    #stories > .container { max-width: 1240px; }
    #stories .testimonials-heading {
      align-items: flex-end;
      justify-content: space-between;
      margin-bottom: 28px;
    }
    #stories .testimonials-heading h2 {
      margin-bottom: 0;
      color: var(--ink);
      letter-spacing: -.04em;
    }
    #stories .testimonials-heading .eyebrow {
      margin-bottom: 8px;
    }
    #stories .testimonial-carousel {
      padding: 0 42px;
      overflow: hidden;
    }
    #stories .testimonial-grid {
      align-items: stretch;
      gap: 20px;
      padding: 5px 2px 12px;
    }
    #stories .testimonial {
      flex: 0 0 calc((100% - 40px) / 3);
      min-height: 286px;
      padding: 25px 25px 23px;
      border: 1px solid #E0E7ED;
      border-radius: 15px;
      background: #FFFFFF;
      box-shadow: 0 7px 22px rgba(16, 45, 78, .055);
      transition: border-color .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease, transform .25s ease;
    }
    #stories .testimonial:hover {
      border-color: rgba(176, 219, 25, .45);
      box-shadow: 0 12px 28px rgba(16, 45, 78, .09);
      transform: translateY(-3px);
    }
    #stories .person {
      align-items: center;
      gap: 13px;
      min-height: 52px;
      margin-bottom: 20px;
      padding-bottom: 17px;
      border-bottom: 1px solid #EDF1F4;
    }
    #stories .avatar {
      width: 50px;
      height: 50px;
      flex-basis: 50px;
      border: 2px solid #F0F4F7;
      background: #EAF0F5;
      font-size: 23px;
    }
    #stories .person h3 {
      margin: 0 0 4px;
      font-size: 15px;
      line-height: 1.3;
      font-weight: 700;
      color: var(--ink);
    }
    #stories .person p {
      font-size: 11px;
      line-height: 1.4;
      color: #64768A;
    }
    #stories .quote {
      font-size: 13.5px;
      line-height: 1.72;
      color: #40566B;
      overflow-wrap: anywhere;
    }
    #stories .story-controls {
      left: 0;
      right: 0;
    }
    #stories .story-control {
      width: 34px;
      height: 44px;
      border: 1px solid #E1E9EF;
      border-radius: 50%;
      background: #FFFFFF;
      color: var(--navy);
      font-size: 29px;
      box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(16, 45, 78, .09);
    }
    #stories .story-control:hover:not(:disabled) {
      color: #FFFFFF;
      background: #78A10C;
      border-color: #78A10C;
      transform: scale(1.06);
    }
    @media (max-width: 980px) {
      #stories .testimonial { flex-basis: calc((100% - 20px) / 2); min-height: 270px; }
      #stories .testimonial-carousel { padding: 0 38px; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 760px) {
      #stories { padding-top: 44px; padding-bottom: 44px; }
      #stories .testimonials-heading { margin-bottom: 20px; }
      #stories .testimonial-carousel { padding: 0 30px; }
      #stories .testimonial { flex-basis: 100%; min-height: 0; padding: 22px; }
      #stories .person { margin-bottom: 16px; padding-bottom: 14px; }
      #stories .quote { font-size: 13.5px; }
      #stories .story-control { width: 27px; height: 38px; font-size: 25px; }
    }
    /* Updated slide navigation: teal pill buttons positioned outside the cards. */
    #stories .testimonial-carousel { padding-left: 54px; padding-right: 54px; }
    #stories .story-controls { left: 0; right: 0; pointer-events: none; }
    #stories .story-control {
      width: 44px;
      height: 40px;
      border: 1px solid #78A10C;
      border-radius: 999px;
      background: #78A10C;
      color: #FFFFFF;
      font-size: 24px;
      font-weight: 600;
      line-height: 1;
      box-shadow: 0 5px 14px rgba(176, 219, 25, .22);
      padding: 0;
      display: grid;
      place-items: center;
      pointer-events: auto;
      transition: background .2s ease, border-color .2s ease, transform .2s ease, box-shadow .2s ease;
    }
    #stories .story-control:hover:not(:disabled) {
      color: #FFFFFF;
      background: #5F800A;
      border-color: #5F800A;
      transform: translateY(-1px);
      box-shadow: 0 7px 17px rgba(176, 219, 25, .28);
    }
    #stories .story-control:focus-visible { outline: 3px solid rgba(176, 219, 25, .35); outline-offset: 3px; }
    #stories .story-control:disabled { opacity: .65; cursor: pointer; }
    @media (max-width: 980px) {
      #stories .testimonial-carousel { padding-left: 46px; padding-right: 46px; }
      #stories .story-control { width: 40px; height: 38px; font-size: 22px; }
    }
    @media (max-width: 760px) {
      #stories .testimonial-carousel { padding-left: 40px; padding-right: 40px; }
      #stories .story-control { width: 34px; height: 34px; font-size: 20px; }
    }
    @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
      #stories .testimonial { transition: none; }
      #stories .testimonial:hover { transform: none; }
    }

/* Refined SB Connect footer: deep navy, teal accents, and a clear logo panel */
  .site-footer {
    position: relative !important;
    overflow: hidden;
    background: linear-gradient(120deg, #071F3A 0%, #0A3154 100%) !important;
    color: #F5FAFF !important;
    padding: 48px 0 24px !important;
    border-top: 4px solid #78A10C;
  }
  .site-footer .container { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
  .site-footer .footer-grid {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 1180px !important;
    margin: 0 auto;
    grid-template-columns: minmax(250px, 1.25fr) minmax(150px, .7fr) minmax(240px, 1fr) !important;
    gap: clamp(28px, 5vw, 76px) !important;
    align-items: start !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about { display: flex; align-items: flex-start; }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
    display: inline-flex !important;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    width: 250px !important;
    max-width: 100%;
    min-height: 120px;
    margin: 0 !important;
    padding: 10px 16px;
    background: #FFFFFF;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .7);
    border-radius: 14px;
    box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, .12);
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
    display: block;
    width: 220px !important;
    height: 100px !important;
    max-width: 100%;
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: center !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3 {
    margin: 3px 0 17px !important;
    color: #FFFFFF !important;
    font-size: 16px !important;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: .01em;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3::after {
    content: "";
    display: block;
    width: 34px;
    height: 3px;
    margin-top: 9px;
    border-radius: 4px;
    background: #78A10C;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col a,
  .site-footer .footer-col p {
    color: #D6E4F0 !important;
    font-size: 14px !important;
    line-height: 1.65 !important;
    margin: 9px 0 !important;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: color .2s ease, transform .2s ease;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col a:hover {
    color: #B0D345 !important;
    transform: translateX(3px);
  }
  .site-footer .footer-contact p { overflow-wrap: anywhere; }
  .site-footer .copyright {
    max-width: 1180px;
    margin: 36px auto 0 !important;
    padding-top: 18px !important;
    border-top: 1px solid rgba(220, 238, 250, .18) !important;
    color: #B8CDDF !important;
    font-size: 12px !important;
    line-height: 1.6;
  }
  @media (max-width: 760px) {
    .site-footer { padding: 34px 0 20px !important; }
    .site-footer .footer-grid {
      grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) !important;
      gap: 28px !important;
    }
    .site-footer .footer-about { justify-content: flex-start; }
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand { width: 220px !important; min-height: 105px; }
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo { width: 190px !important; height: 84px !important; }
    .site-footer .copyright { margin-top: 28px !important; }
  }

/* Teal gradient footer; keep the original logo, content, and layout intact. */
  .site-footer {
    background: linear-gradient(125deg, #78A10C 0%, #5F800A 48%, #5F800A 100%) !important;
    color: #062D4D !important;
    border-top: 4px solid #2B3C7A !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3 {
    color: #062D4D !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3::after {
    background: #2B3C7A !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col a,
  .site-footer .footer-col p {
    color: #073B58 !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col a:hover {
    color: #FFFFFF !important;
  }
  .site-footer .copyright {
    border-top-color: rgba(6, 45, 77, .28) !important;
    color: #073B58 !important;
  }
  @media (max-width: 760px) {
    .site-footer .footer-col h3 { color: #062D4D !important; }
  }

/* Refined footer palette: deep navy gradient with teal accents */
  .site-footer {
    background: linear-gradient(120deg, #101D3A 0%, #172B52 52%, #203D68 100%) !important;
    color: #F5F8FC !important;
    padding: 42px 0 24px !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
    background: #FFFFFF !important;
    padding: 9px 13px !important;
    border-radius: 12px !important;
    box-shadow: 0 5px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, .12) !important;
    margin-bottom: 14px !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo { object-fit: contain !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3 { color: #FFFFFF !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a,
  .site-footer .footer-col p,
  .site-footer .footer-about p { color: #DCE6F3 !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a { transition: color .2s ease, transform .2s ease; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a:hover { color: #B9D85A !important; }
  .site-footer .socials a {
    color: #FFFFFF !important;
    border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .34) !important;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, .06) !important;
  }
  .site-footer .socials a:hover { background: #78A10C !important; border-color: #78A10C !important; }
  .site-footer .copyright {
    color: #C7D5E8 !important;
    border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .2) !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-contact .btn { background: #78A10C !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; border-color: #78A10C !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-contact .btn:hover { background: #5F800A !important; }
  @media (max-width: 760px) {
    .site-footer { padding: 34px 0 22px !important; }
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand { padding: 7px 10px !important; }
  }

.site-footer {
    background: linear-gradient(125deg, #262626 0%, #303030 52%, #3A3A3A 100%) !important;
    color: #F5F5F5 !important;
    border-top: 4px solid #78A10C !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
    background: transparent !important;
    border: 0 !important;
    box-shadow: none !important;
    padding: 0 !important;
    border-radius: 0 !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
    background: transparent !important;
    object-fit: contain !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3 { color: #FFFFFF !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a,
  .site-footer .footer-col p,
  .site-footer .footer-about p { color: #E2E2E2 !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a:hover { color: #78A10C !important; }
  .site-footer .copyright {
    color: #D0D0D0 !important;
    border-top-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .18) !important;
  }

/* More visible travel-inspired illustration with a light overlay for readable footer text. */
  .site-footer {
    background-color: #EAF2F5 !important;
    background-image: linear-gradient(110deg, rgba(248, 251, 252, .22) 0%, rgba(176, 219, 25, .18) 48%, rgba(176, 219, 25, .14) 100%), url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20width=%221600%22%20height=%22520%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201600%20520%22%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3ClinearGradient%20id=%22sky%22%20x1=%220%22%20y1=%220%22%20x2=%221%22%20y2=%221%22%3E%3Cstop%20stop-color=%22#E7F3F7%22/%3E%3Cstop%20offset=%22.55%22%20stop-color=%22#F5F7F8%22/%3E%3Cstop%20offset=%221%22%20stop-color=%22#EAEFDC%22/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient%20id=%22sea%22%20x1=%220%22%20y1=%220%22%20x2=%220%22%20y2=%221%22%3E%3Cstop%20stop-color=%22#CDE389%22/%3E%3Cstop%20offset=%221%22%20stop-color=%22#DBE3C4%22/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3Crect%20width=%221600%22%20height=%22520%22%20fill=%22url%28#sky%29%22/%3E%3Ccircle%20cx=%221320%22%20cy=%2295%22%20r=%2264%22%20fill=%22#FFFFFF%22%20opacity=%22.55%22/%3E%3Cpath%20d=%22M0%20335%20Q220%20285%20430%20340%20T850%20330%20T1250%20315%20T1600%20335%20V520%20H0Z%22%20fill=%22url%28#sea%29%22%20opacity=%22.72%22/%3E%3Cpath%20d=%22M0%20405%20Q260%20360%20520%20410%20T1050%20395%20T1600%20410%20V520%20H0Z%22%20fill=%22#E4E9D7%22%20opacity=%22.8%22/%3E%3Cg%20fill=%22#FFFFFF%22%20opacity=%22.35%22%3E%3Cpath%20d=%22M0%2070q45-35%2090%200t90%200t90%200v35H0z%22/%3E%3Cpath%20d=%22M530%20115q38-28%2076%200t76%200t76%200v26H530z%22/%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E") !important;
    background-size: cover, cover !important;
    background-position: center, center 55% !important;
    color: #2B3C7A !important;
    border-top: 4px solid #78A10C !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-col h3 { color: #18365B !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a, .site-footer .footer-col p, .site-footer .footer-about p { color: #344A62 !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-col a:hover { color: #5F800A !important; }
  .site-footer .copyright { color: #526579 !important; border-top-color: rgba(43, 60, 122, .18) !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand { background: transparent !important; border: 0 !important; box-shadow: none !important; padding: 0 !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo { background: transparent !important; object-fit: contain !important; }

/* Restore the decorative wave as a separate lower layer, without covering footer content. */
  .site-footer { position: relative !important; isolation: isolate; overflow: hidden; }
  .site-footer::before {
    content: ""; position: absolute; z-index: 0; pointer-events: none;
    left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 46%;
    background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 1600 220' preserveAspectRatio='none'%3E%3Cpath d='M0 65 Q210 10 430 68 T850 62 T1240 50 T1600 66 V220 H0Z' fill='%23CDE389' fill-opacity='.48'/%3E%3Cpath d='M0 125 Q250 80 520 130 T1050 116 T1600 126 V220 H0Z' fill='%23E4E9D7' fill-opacity='.72'/%3E%3C/svg%3E");
    background-size: 100% 100%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-position: center bottom;
  }
  .site-footer > .container, .site-footer .footer-grid, .site-footer .copyright { position: relative; z-index: 1; }
  .site-footer .footer-contact { background: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; }
  @media (max-width: 700px) { .site-footer::before { height: 34%; } }

/* Slightly enlarge only the footer logo; preserve the rest of the footer. */
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
    width: 225px !important;
    height: 100px !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: left center !important;
  }
  @media (max-width: 768px) {
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
      width: 195px !important;
      height: 88px !important;
    }
  }

/* Explicitly enlarge both the footer logo slot and image height so the graphic itself is visibly larger. */
  .site-footer .footer-about { min-width: 0 !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
    width: 290px !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    min-height: 180px !important;
    flex: 0 1 290px !important;
    display: inline-flex !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    justify-content: flex-start !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
    width: 270px !important;
    height: 170px !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: left center !important;
  }
  @media (max-width: 768px) {
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand { width: 250px !important; min-height: 150px !important; flex-basis: 250px !important; }
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo { width: 235px !important; height: 145px !important; }
  }

/* Balanced footer logo size; preserve the complete logo artwork including its tagline. */
  .site-footer .footer-about { overflow: visible !important; }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
    display: inline-flex !important;
    width: 220px !important;
    min-height: 0 !important;
    height: auto !important;
    flex: 0 1 220px !important;
    align-items: center !important;
    justify-content: flex-start !important;
    overflow: visible !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
    display: block !important;
    width: 205px !important;
    height: auto !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    max-height: none !important;
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: center center !important;
    overflow: visible !important;
  }
  @media (max-width: 768px) {
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand { width: 190px !important; flex-basis: 190px !important; }
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo { width: 180px !important; height: auto !important; }
  }

/* Slightly increase the footer logo while keeping the full tagline visible. */
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
    width: 180px !important;
    flex: 0 1 180px !important;
    min-height: 0 !important;
    height: auto !important;
    padding: 0 !important;
    background: transparent !important;
    border: 0 !important;
    box-shadow: none !important;
    overflow: visible !important;
  }
  .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
    display: block !important;
    width: 165px !important;
    height: auto !important;
    max-width: 100% !important;
    max-height: none !important;
    object-fit: contain !important;
    object-position: left center !important;
  }
  @media (max-width: 768px) {
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand {
      width: 155px !important;
      flex-basis: 155px !important;
    }
    .site-footer .footer-about .brand-logo {
      width: 145px !important;
    }
  }

.hero { position: relative !important; }
  .hero-scroll-down {
    position: absolute; left: 50%; bottom: 34px; transform: translateX(-50%);
    z-index: 5; display: flex; flex-direction: column-reverse; align-items: center; justify-content: center; gap: 8px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: nowrap; padding: 8px 14px;
    color: #FFFFFF; text-decoration: none; font-size: 22px; font-weight: 500;
    letter-spacing: .14em; text-transform: none; text-shadow: 0 1px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, .5);
    transition: opacity .2s ease;
  }
  .hero-scroll-circle {
    width: 44px; height: 30px; border: 0; border-radius: 0;
    background: transparent; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center;
    box-shadow: none; transition: transform .2s ease;
  }
  .hero-scroll-chevron {
    width: 28px; height: 28px; border-right: 1px solid #FFFFFF; border-bottom: 1px solid #FFFFFF;
    transform: rotate(45deg) translate(-3px,-3px); animation: heroScrollBounce 1.5s ease-in-out infinite;
    filter: drop-shadow(0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, .45));
  }
  .hero-scroll-down:hover { opacity: .78; }
  .hero-scroll-down:hover .hero-scroll-circle { transform: translateY(3px); }
  @keyframes heroScrollBounce { 0%,100% { transform: rotate(45deg) translate(-3px,-3px); } 50% { transform: rotate(45deg) translate(0,0); } }
  @media (max-width: 640px) {
    .hero-scroll-down { bottom: 24px; font-size: 18px; gap: 7px; padding: 6px 12px; }
    .hero-scroll-circle { width: 38px; height: 25px; }
    .hero-scroll-chevron { width: 23px; height: 23px; }
  }
  @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) { .hero-scroll-chevron { animation: none; } }

.hero { position: relative !important; overflow: visible !important; }
  .hero .hero-scroll-down {
    position: absolute !important; left: 50% !important; bottom: 42px !important;
    transform: translateX(-50%) !important; z-index: 50 !important;
    display: flex !important; flex-direction: column-reverse !important;
    align-items: center !important; justify-content: center !important;
    gap: 8px !important; padding: 10px 18px 12px !important;
    min-width: 100px; color: #FFFFFF !important; background: rgba(18, 48, 82, .78) !important;
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, .72) !important; border-radius: 999px !important;
    font-size: 18px !important; line-height: 1.15 !important; font-weight: 600 !important;
    letter-spacing: .14em !important; text-decoration: none !important; white-space: nowrap !important;
    text-shadow: 0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, .45) !important; opacity: 1 !important;
    visibility: visible !important; pointer-events: auto !important;
    box-shadow: 0 5px 18px rgba(10, 35, 60, .18) !important;
  }
  .hero .hero-scroll-circle { width: 38px !important; height: 26px !important; display:flex !important; align-items:center !important; justify-content:center !important; background: transparent !important; }
  .hero .hero-scroll-chevron { width: 22px !important; height: 22px !important; border-right: 1.5px solid #FFFFFF !important; border-bottom: 1.5px solid #FFFFFF !important; filter: drop-shadow(0 1px 2px rgba(0, 0, 0, .4)) !important; }
  .hero .hero-scroll-down:hover { opacity: 1 !important; background: rgba(176, 219, 25, .95) !important; }
  @media (max-width: 640px) {
    .hero .hero-scroll-down { bottom: 24px !important; font-size: 15px !important; padding: 8px 14px 9px !important; gap: 5px !important; }
    .hero .hero-scroll-circle { width: 32px !important; height: 22px !important; }
    .hero .hero-scroll-chevron { width: 19px !important; height: 19px !important; }
  }

.hero .hero-scroll-down {
    background: transparent !important;
    border: 0 !important;
    border-radius: 0 !important;
    box-shadow: none !important;
    color: #2B3C7A !important;
    text-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(255, 255, 255, .75) !important;
    padding: 8px 12px !important;
  }
  .hero .hero-scroll-circle {
    background: transparent !important;
    border: 0 !important;
    box-shadow: none !important;
  }
  .hero .hero-scroll-chevron {
    border-right-color: #2B3C7A !important;
    border-bottom-color: #2B3C7A !important;
    filter: drop-shadow(0 1px 1px rgba(255, 255, 255, .65)) !important;
  }
  .hero .hero-scroll-down:hover {
    background: transparent !important;
    color: #78A10C !important;
    opacity: 1 !important;
  }
  .hero .hero-scroll-down:hover .hero-scroll-chevron {
    border-right-color: #78A10C !important;
    border-bottom-color: #78A10C !important;
  }

/* Footer separator: a small plane flying along a dotted line */
.site-footer .copyright {
  position: relative !important;
  border-top: 0 !important;
  padding-top: 34px !important;
}
.site-footer .copyright::before {
  content: "";
  position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; top: 10px; height: 2px;
  background-image: radial-gradient(circle, rgba(43, 60, 122, .38) 1px, transparent 1.5px);
  background-size: 9px 2px; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left center;
  pointer-events: none;
}
.site-footer .copyright::after {
  content: "";
  position: absolute; left: 0; right: 0; top: 0; height: 22px;
  background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 24 24'%3E%3Cg transform='rotate(90 12 12)'%3E%3Cpath fill='%23102D4E' d='M21 16v-2l-8-5V3.5c0-.83-.67-1.5-1.5-1.5S10 2.67 10 3.5V9l-8 5v2l8-2.5V19l-2 1.5V22l3.5-1 3.5 1v-1.5L13 19v-5.5l8 2.5z'/%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E") no-repeat 0% 50% / 22px 22px;
  animation: sbPlaneFly 14s linear infinite;
  pointer-events: none;
}
@keyframes sbPlaneFly {
  0%   { background-position: 0% 50%; opacity: 0; }
  6%   { opacity: 1; }
  94%  { opacity: 1; }
  100% { background-position: 100% 50%; opacity: 0; }
}
@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
  .site-footer .copyright::after { animation: none; background-position: 50% 50%; }
}

/* ===== SB Connect brand layer (logo lime #B0DB19 + original navy #102D4E) ===== */
:root { --sb-navy: #102D4E; --sb-lime: #B0DB19; --sb-lime-hover: #C2EA35; --sb-lime-text: #78A10C; }

/* Header: navy bar, white links, lime for the current page */
.site-header { background: var(--sb-navy) !important; box-shadow: none !important; }
.site-header .nav a { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .85); }
.site-header .nav a:hover, .site-header .nav a.active { color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }
.site-header .menu-toggle { color: #FFFFFF; }
@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .site-header .nav { background: var(--sb-navy) !important; box-shadow: 0 12px 18px rgba(0, 0, 0, .25) !important; }
  .site-header .nav a { border-bottom-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .1) !important; }
}
svg.brand-logo { display: block; }
.site-footer svg.brand-logo { height: auto !important; aspect-ratio: 504 / 165; }

/* Lime buttons carry navy text */
.btn-red, .btn.btn-red { background: var(--sb-lime) !important; color: var(--sb-navy) !important; border-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }
.btn-red:hover, .btn.btn-red:hover { background: var(--sb-lime-hover) !important; }
.enquiry-submit .spinner { border-color: rgba(16, 45, 78, .3) !important; border-top-color: var(--sb-navy) !important; }

/* Tick bullets: lime disc, navy tick */
.check-list li::before { background: var(--sb-lime) !important; color: var(--sb-navy) !important; }

/* Accent words in headings (originally teal): logo lime */
.hero h1 span, .page-hero h1 span, .vm-heading-copy h2 span { color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }

/* Testimonial avatar for candidates without a photo: initials */
#stories .avatar.avatar-initials, .avatar.avatar-initials { font-size: 16px; font-weight: 800; color: var(--sb-navy); background: #EEF7CC; letter-spacing: .02em; }

/* Success-stories arrows: navy with lime chevrons */
#stories .story-control { background: var(--sb-navy) !important; border-color: var(--sb-navy) !important; color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }
#stories .story-control:hover:not(:disabled) { background: #1C4572 !important; color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }

/* Brand mark in the background — once per section */
/* Inner pages: mark sits in the section below the banner (not on the banner).
   Skipped where that section already carries one (contact card). */
.page-hero + .section:not(:has(.page-contact-card)) { position: relative; overflow: hidden; isolation: isolate; }
.page-hero + .section:not(:has(.page-contact-card))::after { content: ""; position: absolute; z-index: -1; right: -60px; top: 40px; width: 300px; height: 300px;
  background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22 viewBox=%22289.00 448.37 163.26 163.26%22 width=%22163%22 height=%22163%22 role=%22img%22 aria-label=%22SB Connect mark%22%3E %3Ctitle%3ESB Connect mark%3C/title%3E %3Cpath fill=%22%23B0DB19%22 fill-opacity=%220.22%22 d=%22M 451.25 610.62 L 427.07 610.62 C 427.07 579.45 401.80 554.18 370.62 554.18 L 302.09 554.18 L 302.09 530 L 370.62 530 C 393.17 530 413.57 539.26 428.19 554.18 C 442.46 568.73 451.25 588.65 451.25 610.62 %22/%3E %3Cpath fill=%22%23B0DB19%22 fill-opacity=%220.22%22 d=%22M 451.25 449.37 C 451.25 493.89 415.16 530 370.62 530 C 326.09 530 290 493.89 290 449.37 L 314.18 449.37 C 314.18 480.54 339.45 505.81 370.62 505.81 C 401.80 505.81 427.07 480.54 427.07 449.37 L 451.25 449.37 %22/%3E %3C/svg%3E ") center/contain no-repeat; opacity: .75; pointer-events: none; }
.page-contact-card { position: relative; overflow: hidden; isolation: isolate; }
.page-contact-card::after { content: ""; position: absolute; z-index: -1; right: -80px; bottom: -80px; width: 260px; height: 260px;
  background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22 viewBox=%22289.00 448.37 163.26 163.26%22 width=%22163%22 height=%22163%22 role=%22img%22 aria-label=%22SB Connect mark%22%3E %3Ctitle%3ESB Connect mark%3C/title%3E %3Cpath fill=%22%23B0DB19%22 fill-opacity=%220.10%22 d=%22M 451.25 610.62 L 427.07 610.62 C 427.07 579.45 401.80 554.18 370.62 554.18 L 302.09 554.18 L 302.09 530 L 370.62 530 C 393.17 530 413.57 539.26 428.19 554.18 C 442.46 568.73 451.25 588.65 451.25 610.62 %22/%3E %3Cpath fill=%22%23B0DB19%22 fill-opacity=%220.10%22 d=%22M 451.25 449.37 C 451.25 493.89 415.16 530 370.62 530 C 326.09 530 290 493.89 290 449.37 L 314.18 449.37 C 314.18 480.54 339.45 505.81 370.62 505.81 C 401.80 505.81 427.07 480.54 427.07 449.37 L 451.25 449.37 %22/%3E %3C/svg%3E ") center/contain no-repeat; pointer-events: none; }

/* Homepage: space between the Study/Work cards and the stats band */
.service-panels { padding-bottom: 64px !important; }

/* "Why Choose SB Connect": align with the site container (1160px) */
html body .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy { padding-left: max(24px, calc(100% - 580px)) !important; }
@media (max-width: 1200px) { html body .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy { padding-left: 24px !important; } }

/* Closing banner: navy over the photo, white text, lime button */
.final-cta {
  position: relative; overflow: hidden; isolation: isolate; color: #FFFFFF !important;
  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(16, 45, 78, .95), rgba(16, 45, 78, .88)),
              url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1800&q=80') center/cover !important;
}
.final-cta h2 { color: #FFFFFF !important; }
.final-cta p, .final-cta .eyebrow { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .82) !important; }
.final-cta .btn { background: var(--sb-lime) !important; color: var(--sb-navy) !important; }
.final-cta .btn:hover { background: var(--sb-lime-hover) !important; }

/* Homepage banner: navy wash on the left so the headline (and lime "Malta") stand out; photo stays clear on the right */
html body .hero {
  background-image: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(16, 45, 78, .74) 0%, rgba(16, 45, 78, .78) 34%, rgba(16, 45, 78, .42) 62%, rgba(16, 45, 78, .05) 100%),
    url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=2200&q=90') !important;
  background-position: center center !important; background-size: cover !important;
}
html body .hero h1 { color: #FFFFFF !important; }
html body .hero p, html body .hero .lead { color: rgba(255, 255, 255, .88) !important; }
/* Footer: light neutral, soft grey waves, lime top line, brand mark top-right */
.site-footer { background-color: #F4F5F8 !important; background-image: none !important; border-top-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }
.site-footer::before { background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 1600 220' preserveAspectRatio='none'%3E%3Cpath d='M0 65 Q210 10 430 68 T850 62 T1240 50 T1600 66 V220 H0Z' fill='%23DDE0EA' fill-opacity='.7'/%3E%3Cpath d='M0 125 Q250 80 520 130 T1050 116 T1600 126 V220 H0Z' fill='%23E9EBF2'/%3E%3C/svg%3E") !important; }
.site-footer::after { content: ""; position: absolute; z-index: 0; right: -40px; top: 24px; width: 260px; height: 260px;
  background: url("data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22 viewBox=%22289.00 448.37 163.26 163.26%22 width=%22163%22 height=%22163%22 role=%22img%22 aria-label=%22SB Connect mark%22%3E %3Ctitle%3ESB Connect mark%3C/title%3E %3Cpath fill=%22%23B0DB19%22 fill-opacity=%220.22%22 d=%22M 451.25 610.62 L 427.07 610.62 C 427.07 579.45 401.80 554.18 370.62 554.18 L 302.09 554.18 L 302.09 530 L 370.62 530 C 393.17 530 413.57 539.26 428.19 554.18 C 442.46 568.73 451.25 588.65 451.25 610.62 %22/%3E %3Cpath fill=%22%23B0DB19%22 fill-opacity=%220.22%22 d=%22M 451.25 449.37 C 451.25 493.89 415.16 530 370.62 530 C 326.09 530 290 493.89 290 449.37 L 314.18 449.37 C 314.18 480.54 339.45 505.81 370.62 505.81 C 401.80 505.81 427.07 480.54 427.07 449.37 L 451.25 449.37 %22/%3E %3C/svg%3E ") center/contain no-repeat; pointer-events: none; }

/* Lime shading: process circles (ring + hover) */
.process-step .step-icon { border-color: #E4F2B4 !important; }
.process-step:hover, .process-step:focus-within { background-color: rgba(176, 219, 25, .07) !important; box-shadow: 0 14px 30px rgba(176, 219, 25, .22) !important; }
.process-step:hover .step-icon, .process-step:focus-within .step-icon { background-color: var(--sb-navy) !important; border-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; box-shadow: 0 0 0 6px rgba(176, 219, 25, .22) !important; }

/* Lime hover shades on boxes */
#stories .testimonial:hover { border-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; box-shadow: 0 14px 30px rgba(176, 219, 25, .22) !important; }
.service-card:hover, .service-card:focus-within { box-shadow: 0 18px 38px rgba(176, 219, 25, .28) !important; }
.page-benefits .page-benefit:hover, .page-steps .page-step:hover { border-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; box-shadow: 0 18px 34px rgba(176, 219, 25, .25) !important; }
.page-benefits .page-benefit:hover .benefit-icon { background-color: rgba(176, 219, 25, .18) !important; box-shadow: 0 5px 15px rgba(176, 219, 25, .3) !important; }
.gallery-item:hover { border-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; box-shadow: 0 16px 30px rgba(176, 219, 25, .25) !important; }
.gallery-filter:hover { border-color: var(--sb-lime) !important; }

@media (max-width: 760px) {
  .service-panels { padding-bottom: 46px !important; }
  html body .advantage-section .advantage-grid > .advantage-copy { padding-left: 16px !important; padding-right: 16px !important; }
  .page-hero + .section:not(:has(.page-contact-card))::after { width: 180px; height: 180px; right: -60px; top: 20px; opacity: .6; }
  html body .hero { background-image: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(16, 45, 78, .80) 0%, rgba(16, 45, 78, .72) 60%, rgba(16, 45, 78, .50) 100%),
      url('https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1516483638261-f4dbaf036963?auto=format&fit=crop&w=1200&q=80') !important; }
  .site-footer::after { width: 180px; height: 180px; right: -50px; top: 30px; }
}