Author: SME Chamber

Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomed an Italian delegation of food and wine producers and importers. The aim is to build a relationship and assist our members in creating new business opportunities.

President Mr Paul Abela, expressed the Malta Chamber of SMEs pride in actively supporting its members to forge valuable business connections.

The companies which formed part of the delegation included, DERI Food, Mosca, Maruzzella, La Piadina del Contadina, 4RU Impex wine export company, Ca’tullio, Cantina di Carpi e Sorbara, Caffe’ Molinari, OPI Frutta, Vitavigor dal 1958, ReModena & Fondo Montebello

In today’s dynamic and highly competitive consumer landscape marketers need to adopt a broader perspective that goes beyond traditional metrics such as marketing spend and sales figures in their efforts to boost business. While these metrics provide valuable insights into short-term success, they often fail to capture the holistic picture of a brand’s performance and its long-term growth potential.

There is evidence that data-driven decisions pay off. Businesses who make decisions based on data analysis and insights are more profitable and successful in acquiring and retaining customers. Additionally, investing in data analytics and market research can uncover invaluable insights that enable marketers to make informed decisions and identify untapped opportunities.

Customer satisfaction surveys, brand research, campaign testing, just to mention a few types of market research, and engaging directly with customers and potential consumers provide a wealth of valuable information. However, market research tends to receive less attention compared to other marketing aspects like SEO and paid media. This is mainly due to the availability of new and efficient ways to gather insights rapidly and cost-effectively. Moreover, the lengthy timescale associated with traditional market research may discourage some, but it shouldn’t.

By reaching out to people and understanding market trends, consumer behaviour, and economic changes, businesses can obtain valuable insight to create improved products, enhance user experience, and develop effective marketing strategies that attract high-quality leads and increase conversion rates. Market research goes beyond surface-level information, offering insights into the reasons behind consumer actions rather than just what they do. While technologies like big data analytics focus on answering “what” questions, market research provides insights into the “why” behind consumer behaviour. Remarkably, market research surpasses assumptions and provides precise solutions for various business needs.

Additionally, market research offers valuable advantages such as reducing investment risks and identifying potential opportunities and threats. Allocating a relatively small portion of your investment towards researching and testing the market, product, concept, or idea is a wise business decision.

Furthermore, gaining insights into the competitive landscape, their target audience, and their marketing campaigns enables you to shape or refine your own strategies for success. For instance, analysing competitor audience demographics and the distribution of their audiences might reveal that they excel in attracting younger demographics, presenting a clear opportunity for you to focus more on reaching that audience segment.

Market research is a critical factor in driving the growth of companies. When research is integrated into a firm’s strategic plans, it enhances the company’s ability to navigate the ever-changing operating environment.

The Seed Investment Scheme (SIS) is designed to assist startups in raising equity finance. It aims to provide locally-based startups with access to funding by offering tax credits as incentives, thereby reducing risks for investors. The scheme specifically targets entrepreneurs and startups with innovative and high-risk digital ventures.

For more information about the scheme, please visit the following link

In order to improve and extend the Seed Investment Scheme (SIS), which is set to expire at the end of 2023, MIMCOL has initiated a targeted consultation process. This consultation seeks feedback and suggestions from stakeholders regarding potential enhancements to the scheme. The consultation will be open until July 31st, 2023.

If you have any comments or feedback, please send them to the email address before the deadline of July 31st, 2023.

The Minimum Energy Performance Requirements for new and renovated buildings are being revised in compliance with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (10/31EU and 844/18EU). These proposed requirements have undergone thorough studies as mandated by EU directives. The proposed requirements are divided into three parts.

Part 1 and Part 2 pertain to dwellings and non-dwellings respectively. They establish the overall energy performance standards for new buildings and those undergoing significant renovations. Part 3 encompasses requirements for Technical Systems within Buildings, which include energy efficiency standards for cooling, heating, domestic hot water, lighting systems, and more.

For access to the documents regarding Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, please visit the following link.

Send the feedback related to the updated Minimum energy performance requirements for new and renovated requirements in buildings by email to . Submissions must be sent to the Authority by not later than the 26th July 2023.

On Friday the 8th of July the Malta Chamber of SMEs celebrated its 75th anniversary during a reception organised at Villa Bighi, Kalkara.

During this event, among members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, entities and other stakeholders, a documentary about the history and achievement of the Malta Chamber of SMEs (formerly GRTU) was aired which included the participation of various key persons within the Chamber and former Prime Ministers Alfred Sant and Lawrence Gonzi.

The event was addressed by H.E President Dr George Vella, Parliamentary Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Hon. Andy Ellul, Opposition Spokesperson for Social Dialogue Hon. Claudette Buttigieg and Malta Chamber of SMEs President Paul Abela.

During the event, Malta Chamber of SMEs  recognised the Malta Chamber of SMEs (GRTU) former President’s and current Executive council members.

The President of Malta George Vella said that the 75 years of history of the Malta Chamber of SMEs are years of history not only of this Chamber but also of our country.

Addressing an event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, President Vella stated that despite the small size of our country, the 7,000 members of the Chamber representing around 12,000 different businesses show that there are many Maltese residents with an entrepreneurial spirit who are ready to take on risk and invest in themselves and in Malta. He then saluted the thousands of small businesses that, despite all the hardships of the last few years, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, were “sensible enough to stay afloat and are now getting back on their feet.”

President Vella expressed his appreciation that over the last four years, the Malta Chamber of SMEs has kept him informed about all the issues faced by Maltese entrepreneurs.

President Vella stressed once again the importance of sustainability. “I believe that we can use transversal economic models that while allowing the economy to grow, they help protect the environment and also ensure the strengthening of the social aspect”, stated President Vella.

The President referred to the role of the Malta Chamber of SMEs as a mediator between entrepreneurs and policymakers. He explained that it is “necessary to continue to teach small business owners about new and effective methods and the measures that they are bound to implement; to give more visibility to all local products and to encourage the public to use Maltese products, with the conviction that they are of the same quality as foreign goods.”

President George Vella concluded by wishing the Malta Chamber of SMEs well as it continues to work hard for the economic, social and environmental strengthening of our country in the coming years.

Through an initiative that is being spearheaded by the Southern Regional Council, the SME Chamber has embarked on campaign to educate commercial entities to abide by the waste recycled schedule for a cleaner and safer environment

Following the introduction of the new regulations on the collection of household waste, as of May 2023, the Regional Councils have included a new provision in order to be able to collect Recycled Waste (Grey Bag).

Although up till recently, the collection of recycled waste for commercial entities was not eligible under such collection, we have held various meeting and put forward complaints on behalf of businesses. Through a new arrangement reached, commercial entities can now dispose of Recycled waste (Every Thursday).

Important: Please note that Recycled waste needs to be disposed of ONLY IN grey bags or in the case of multiple cardboard boxes, these must be flattened and piled together.

The amount of recycled waste that will be collected is not being limited, it is essential that it follows the above directions because otherwise it will not be collected.

Other waste (black bag): Recycled waste and organic waste cannot be placed in black bag. Those caught disposing of such waste in this manner are liable to fines. Only black bags with waste that cannot go in any other bag (recycling/organic) will be collected. The number of black bags cannot be more than what is comparable to a household.

MITA through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-MT) has launched CYBER+ALT – Agħżel Li Tipproteġi, a Grant Scheme specifically targeted to locally established SMEs. This Scheme intends to assist by part-financing up-to 80% of the cost for investment that will enhance their overall level of security and resilience, capped at a maximum grant of €60,000.

This scheme is co-funded through the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and National funds (50-50).

The CYBER+ALT Grant Scheme landing page is: https://ncc-mita.gov.mt/cyber-alt whereby one can find all the accompanying documentation including the link to apply.

Click here to download further information Cyber+Alt Grant Scheme .

An Information Session on this Scheme will be held on Friday, 7^th July 2023 between 10:00 and 11:00. Anyone interested can find all details in the respective landing page. This online session is intended to give more practical information on the scheme whilst also giving the opportunity to ask direct questions.