Login   |  Register
[mepr-login-link]   |  Register

Author: SME Chamber

Malta Chamber of SMEs organises a consultation meeting on EU Funding 2022-2027

Posted on by SME Chamber

Over 100 members participated during this consultation meeting with the participation of Parliamentary Secretary Hon Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi

The Malta Chamber of SMEs organised an online consultation meeting with members in collaboration with Hon Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Parliamentary Secretary responsible for EU funding.

The consultation focused on the next round of funds, which will take us beyond the 5 years to come.

The Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027, through the ERDF, CF and JTF funds, provides an opportunity for Malta to invest in a number of areas, including research and innovation (R&I), competitiveness and digitalisation, natural resources and the environment, transport, education, employment, health, tourism and urban development, which are of significant importance in the socioeconomic development of the country

The consultation meeting was attended by 100 attendees from the private sector and members expressed their opinions on how the funds should be disbursed. Members also mentioned the main difficulties they face when applying for such funds.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs took note of all the comments and suggestions made by its members during this consultation meeting and submitted its feedback for the consultation document to the Strategy and Consultation Division within the EU  Funds section.

Malta Chamber of SMEs meets Prime Minister ahead of the 2022 Budget

Posted on by SME Chamber

The 2022 Budget will be announced on Monday

This coming Monday we will be following the Minister for Finance Clyde Caruana while he reads the Budget speech.

Budget time is always a busy time for SME Chamber officials as we work to put forward fiscal and policy proposals and follow these proposals with meetings with the Prime Minister Robert Abela and relevant Ministers.

Following the Budget speech we cooperate on the implementation of the measures announced. We will get back to members to explain the most important points for businesses as announced in the Budget.

The Industrial Property Registrations Directorate will start shifting its services online

Posted on by SME Chamber

The Industrial Property Registrations Directorate announced that as from the 1st of October 2021 will start shifting its services online. Eventually the Industrial Property Registrations Directorate will be moving to a fully remote environment.

While the online services will still be available 24/7, the Directorates office will still be offering the possbility of clients going physically to Lascaris Offices.

In addition, their clients may also utilise the services at the Business 1st offices at Ċentru Joseph Grech, 2nd Floor, Cobalt House, Notabile Road, Mriehel, Birkirkara (website www.businessfirst.com.mt) should they have any queries regarding the filing of Trademarks, Patents or Designs applications.

The Directorates correspondence address for postal mail or mail delivered by hand remains the same namely:

Industrial Property Registrations Directorate, Commerce Department

Daħlet Gnien is-Sultan, Lascaris Bastions

Valletta, VLT 2000

 

Should you wish to get in touch with the directorate via phone or email please note the following:

Trademarks                       2569 0232 / 2569 0213 / 2569 0330

Patents & Designs            2569 0109 / 2569 0230 / 2569 0224

General enquires              2569 0340

E-mail address                  

Most serious approach expected in Rfp process for the National Lottery

Posted on by SME Chamber

Many livelihoods depend on the well-functioning of the concession agreement

The Lotto Receivers Union (LRU) and the Gaming and Lotteries Agents Association (GLAA), both part of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, emphasise, as direct stakeholders in the National Lottery system, how important it is to ensure the highest standards in governance and diligence in the evaluation process that will choose the next concessionaire.

The last concession lasted 10 years and therefore once the bidder is confirmed a long-term track record is expected. The concession is a contract of significant importance, with tens of millions in commitment, and therefore there is no room for error.

Lotto Agents have been present since the very beginning of the process, when the National Lottery was still directly run by the then Public Lotto, well before it was issued in the form of a concession, some ten years ago. Till today over 210 Lotto Receivers and Sellers, 465 seller assistants and their families depend on this concession for their livelihoods.

In the run up to the concession the LRU, the GLAA and the SME Chamber have presented proposals to the government with the aim of learning and improving on the past experience and we are pleased to note that the Rfp reflects a number of important improvements. An important point highlighted in the proposals is to give significant weight to the seriousness and repute of the bidders and for these to have an already proven track record.

In Malta’s situation, the country does not afford mistakes and the life of businesses has already become overly difficult due to the impact of the FATF Greylisting and the AML requirements. The government must do everything in its power to ensure that the sector is not overshadowed by additional bad light and that choices are based on a healthy functioning sector.

SME Chamber organises its first ever virtual networking with Tunisian businesses

Posted on by SME Chamber

Other virtual business networking will take place with businesses in Abu-Dhabi and Ankara

The SME Chamber organised the first virtual networking forum with Tunisia for its members.

During this virtual forum, our members had the opportunity to explore direct business collaborations and common interests with other businesses based in the area.

This online forum was first addressed by the Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr Paul Abela and the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Center of Tunisia Mr Nejib Mellouli, the forum was then addressed by his Excellency Mr. Yassine Eloued, Ambassador of Tunisia to Malta.

Following these introduction, both countries presented their business environment and all businesses were split into rooms according to sectors and interests.

We hope to have more similar opportunities for our members as we’re currently planning other business forums with Ankara and Abu Dhabi.

Online Meeting – EU Funding 2022 – 2027 What’s in it for businesses?

Posted on by SME Chamber

The online consultation meeting will be held on the 7th of October

The Chamber of SMEs would like to invite you to an online consultation meeting on this important topic.

The government is currently closing on its plans of how the next set of funds that will take us beyond the coming 5 years will be allocated. Government officials will explain the plans currently in place in full.

How can you benefit from this meeting?

  • Ensure that EU funds allocated for Businesses are sufficient, adequate and reflect the actual needs of businesses.
  • Understand and be able to prepare for the funding opportunities that will become available for the private sector
  • Highlight your funding needs for projects you are foreseeing or general support

It is important to take full-advantage of this window of opportunity that we have.

The online meeting will be held as follows:

Registration is required to be sent the meeting link.

This meeting is only open for SME Chamber paid-up members, those not currently members will still be allowed to join the meeting once their membership position is updated.

European SDG Summit 2021: For Climate Action & a Just Transition – Registrations Open

Posted on by SME Chamber

You can now register to have access to all the 30 sessions in programme

CORE Platform, as a member of CSR Europe is pleased to invite you to CSR Europe’s virtual European SDG Summit “For Climate Action & A Just Transition”, taking place on 11-14 October 2021.

The Summit will bring together 5000+ Sustainability Leaders in 30 virtual sessions to accelerate the journey towards climate neutrality and the adoption of an inclusive approach to the green and digital transition.

Highlight of the event will be the inauguration of the first-ever European Sustainable Industry Barometer at the opening plenary on the 11th of October, with Commission Executive Vice-President, Frans Timmermans, CEOs, and industry federation leaders. The event is open and free for everyone.

You can register here to have access to all the 30 sessions in programme.

Together with other NGOs from Italy, Hungary and Croatia, CORE Platform will be hosting a NATIONAL SDG ROUNDTABLE – Advancing Corporate Sustainability Reporting, on Tuesday, 12 October 2021, from 16:00 17:30. You can register here.

This National SDG roundtable, will address the sustainability reporting scenario: what to expect – opportunities and challenges for companies.

Feel free to extend this invitation not only to your colleagues but also to your network.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT

· Solution-driven dialogues between business leaders, industry federations, EU policymakers, and civil society organisations.

· High-level speakers from a wide variety of sectors and industries.

· The best digital formats for highly interactive discussions and quality networking via the SDG Summit virtual platform.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

The Summit is co-organised in collaboration with CSR Europe’s network of 100+ organisations and will include

· 4 HIGH-LEVEL PLENARIES (11:30-13:00 CET) with guest speaker from the European Commission such as Didier Reynders, European Commissioner for Justice, Mairead Mcguinness, European Commissioner for Financial Affairs, Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs & Social Rights.

· 19 EUROPEAN SDG ROUNDTABLES (09:30-11:00 | 14:00-15:30 CET).

· 7 NATIONAL SDG ROUNDTABLES (16:00-17:30 CET). You can download the full programme here and view here the confirmed high-level speakers.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs participated in the launch of the Implementation plan of a number of National Strategies

Posted on by SME Chamber

In particular the SME Chamber represents a number of Licensed Service Providers in the Adult learning environment which as explained during the launch is built on four pillars

The Malta Chamber of SMEs participated in the launch of the Implementation plan of a number of National Strategies related to the various phases of educational pathways which include;

  • National Policy Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care;
  • Early Leaving from Education and Training Strategy;
  • National Literacy Strategy;
  • MCAST Strategic Plan 2022-2027; and
  • National Strategy for Adult Learning

In particular the SME Chamber represents a number of Licensed Service Providers in the Adult learning environment which as explained during the launch is built on four pillars:

  1. Improving educational opportunities for the low-skilled and low-qualified
  2. Diversifying methods and opportunities for learning – Access to online learning mainly
  3. Quality in life-long learning course provision
  4. Support adults to make informed decisions through guidance

The presentation of Adult Learning was delivered  by Mr Alex Farrugia. The private sector did not feature in this presentation.

During this Conference, the SME Chamber highlighted the essential role that licensed private service providers play. When it comes to adult education, many individuals that distance themselves from the public educational system find their way back in through private education due to vast variety, high quality and flexible courses provided.

The Chamber of SMEs called on the ministry on the importance of injecting funds and resources through greater cooperation and support to the private sector should be in place in order not to compete but to support the private sector.

Private service providers are subject to onerous licensing system and regular audits. Additionally, the public sector should not be there to duplicate efforts and carry out activities which are not sustainable but support those that are licensed and are capable of carrying out viable and high-quality activities and services.

The SME Chamber will be keeping a close contact with the Minister for Education Hon. Justine Caruana and Licensed service providers in order to ensure that the private sector forms an integral part of the implementation of these strategies.

Press Release: Pharmacies opening on Sunday

Posted on by SME Chamber

The Chamber of SME’s will continue consulting its members

The Chamber of SME’s, along with the Chamber of Pharmacies, have been in discussions with Government to enhance the Pharmacy Service even on Sundays.

This is no easy task. There are large logistical and other costs involved, and any enhancement of the service must take this into account. There is also a human cost in the equation to consider.

It is a known fact that the pharmacy service in Malta is one of the best, however, times change, and necessary tweaking is essential in order to improve an already excellent service.

The Chamber of SME’s will continue consulting its members and work towards an equitable solution that will ensure a fair compromise.