Malta Chamber of SMEs holds its 75th Annual General Meeting

The Malta Chamber of SMEs held its 75th Annual General Meeting.

The AGM was held at Trident Park, Central Business District and all members of the SME Chamber were invited.

During the opening address at the 75th Annual General Meeting, SME Chamber President Mr Paul Abela marked the achievements by the SME Chamber throughout 2023, such as events, lobbying abd high-level meetings.

Following Mr Abela’s address, Mr Marcel Mizzi read and approved the minutes for the 2022 Annual General Meeting.

Malta Chamber of SMEs CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo presented the annual report and highlighted the main points.

During the AGM amendments to the SME Chamber statutes were approved, followed by the auditors’ report and appointment of auditors.

Following the Annual General Meeting, an election was held to elect 6 members to the council. During this election Mario Ciantar, Beppe Muscat, Joseph Zerafa, Carmel Zammit, Joan Haber and Noel Gauci were elected.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participates during an SME Chamber event

On Thursday, March 28th, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participated in the MEP Business Dialogue organised by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with the European Parliament in Malta.

During his opening speech, SME Chamber President Mr. Paul Abela highlighted the importance of the European Parliament elections and how EU legislation impacts Maltese businesses, especially SMEs. Mr. Abela thanked President Metsola for her open dialogue throughout this term and encouraged Malta’s MEPs, who will be elected in June’s election, to support small businesses within European fora.

MEP Josianne Cutajar also participated virtually during a panel discussion with business people. The panelists, Mr. Marcel Mizzi, Dr. Claire Shoemake, and Mr. Michael Galea, along with MEP Josianne Cutajar, discussed the impact of EU legislation on businesses in Malta, the effect of Brexit, and other issues such as EU Funds.

During the second part of the event, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola participated in a Fireside chat with the Malta Chamber of SME CEO Ms. Abigail Agius Mamo.

Among other topics, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola responded to questions related to businesses, Brexit, shipping, EU environmental tax on shipping, and the EU market and SMEs.

Roberta Metsola also addressed questions from business owners who attended the event.

Micro Invest scheme – Deadline extended to 10th April 2024

Did you know that you may be entitled to claim between €50,000 and €70,000 or 45% of costs incurred during 2023, in Tax Credits?
The upcoming deadline (PRIMARY DEADLINE) for Self-Employed (submitting tax return in June) to submit your application by Noon, 27th March 2024.
Eligible costs include, amongst others:
* Increase in Wage Costs (Year on Year)
* Furbishing and refurbishing of Business Premises
* Investment Costs (such as Computer hardware, equipment or development costs)
* Motor Vehicle Costs (commercial type vehicles)
* Security Systems
* Shop Signage
* Point of Sale Upgrades
* Websites
How can we help?
The Malta Chamber of SMEs can take care of all the paperwork for you and make sure your application is submitted correctly.
Should you wish further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch by email on or call 21232881

SME Chamber organises 2 information sessions in collaboration with EWA on how to reduce water and electricity bills

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with the Energy & Water Agency organised 2 information sessions, one for Pharmacies and one for Childcare Centres with the aim to provide specific recommendations on how Pharmacies and Childcare Centres can reduce their water and electricity bills and what schemes they can benefit from in order to achieve even larger savings.

Should you need any further information or a copy of the recommendations, contact us on .

Over 150 women participate in a successful women in business event

Organised by SME Chamber and SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs organised a successful Women in business event at the breath-taking interior of Teatru Manoel, a half day event full of value entitled “Creative Diversity: Empowering Business through inclusion and innovation.

The all-women event featured 2 panel discussions which addressed the International Women’s Day 2024 theme “ Inspire Inclusion”, the first panel tackled “Innovative minds: Cultivating creativity for business success” and the second panel focused on “Building Bridges: Embracing diversity for Business innovation”.

The panellists discussed creativity in business and inspired attendees with their own stories.

The event included a stimulating creativity Workshop run by Take//Two and included entertainment by Soprano Dorothy Baldacchino accompanied by Concert Pianist Veronika Heinle and The New Victorians.

Attendees networked over a delicious breakfast spread by Neriku Catering featuring Tettiera speciality teas and a wholesome lunch spread by Neriku Catering accompanied with a variety of FINA Sicilian wines.

Special thanks to our main sponsors, Melita, Joi Gaming, FIMBank plc, FINA Wines, Mvintage, People & Skin and Zero Bubble.

€150,000 Research Fellowship Scheme launched

MCAST and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR) in partnership with Malta Chamber of SMEs launched the Research Fellowship Scheme.

The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support for Research Fellowships fostering joint Research & Innovation Projects between economic stakeholders and MCAST
By encouraging the exchange of expertise and resources, the programme seeks to contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of Malta’s educational and financial sectors.

The scheme shall be providing a maximum €150,000 financial aid for research projects and each researcher will benefit from up to a maximum of 30,000 Euros.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti explained how, “This scheme created through consultation with the Malta Chamber of SMEs not only proves our dedication to academic excellence but also highlights the innovative collaboration between academia and the industry. We are providing financial aid for Research Fellowships to create a dynamic ecosystem where knowledge and resources guide the growth of our educational and financial sectors aimed at fostering economic growth. Together, we can embark on a transformative journey where schemes like this one guide collaboration, and advancements which will help Malta move forward toward excellence in research and innovation.”

At MCAST, research and innovation significantly advance knowledge and address real-world challenges. The College is actively involved in various research areas and initiatives, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and practical solutions.

Read more via the link below:

Speaking during the event launch MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “At MCAST collaboration with the industry has a central role, as it helps advance innovation, solves practical problems and unearths knowledge in diverse areas. Fostering a culture of excellence in research together with the industry helps the College contributing toward quality education and the betterment of society. This new fund will help us move forward. MCAST is not only an educational institution but also a centre of creativity, and progress”.

The Applied Research & Innovation Centre (ARIC) oversees research projects, planning, monitoring and evaluation. The Centre’s annual Research Expo has become a prestigious yearly event highlighting and showcasing applied research that generates new knowledge, solves real-world problems, facilitates learning processes, and fosters collaboration for disseminating findings and solutions.

The National Employee Engagement Survey: A study that offers invaluable insights into the sentiments of employees across various industries

A first of its kind – The misco National Employee Engagement Survey is a study that offers invaluable insights into the sentiments of employees across various industries in Malta, providing a comprehensive overview of their workplace experiences, perceptions of corporate culture, and overall job satisfaction.

Employee engagement needs to be considered as an important pillar of success for organisations. It goes beyond mere job satisfaction, impacting productivity, innovation, and ultimately, the economic growth of the country.

When employees feel engaged, they are more likely to invest themselves fully in their work, leading to increased productivity. This dedication translates into tangible results, driving businesses forward. Moreover, engaged employees are key drivers of innovation. By fostering a culture where ideas are freely exchanged and collaboration is encouraged, organisations can tap into the creativity and problem-solving skills of their workforce. Employee engagement is not just about business success; it is also about the well-being of individuals. Engaged employees tend to experience higher levels of job satisfaction. On the other hand, disengagement can lead to burnout and stress, negatively impacting both the individual and the organisation.

Recognising the growing demand among companies for comparative data on employee engagement within the local market, misco is able to provide employers with a benchmark to assess and enhance employee engagement within their organisations. The survey covers employees’ perception of overall corporate culture, trust and team spirit, communication at work, their relationship with management, the work environment and wellness, opportunities for work-life balance, skills and abilities, learning and development. Organisations can utilise this insight to benchmark their current engagement and identify areas where they excel or need improvement.

The survey revealed several key findings. Firstly, a significant majority of respondents (85%) felt a strong connection between their work and their company’s outcomes, demonstrating a sense of purpose among employees. Additionally, an overwhelming majority (89%) understood the company’s core values, indicating alignment with its mission. However, demographic trends showed slight variations in work prioritisation based on gender and age, with males and older employees exhibiting slightly higher levels of prioritisation. The findings suggest a generally positive work environment, with employees feeling connected to the company’s mission and values.

The survey findings indicate that employees prioritise factors such as salary, working conditions, and opportunities for growth when considering employment options. However, communication within the workplace emerged as a notable area for improvement, with only 40% of employees feeling adequately informed about matters directly affecting them.

When considering growth and development opportunities within companies, there appears to be a disconnect between perceived support from employers and actual experiences. While most respondents believed their company provided adequate support for career development, fewer felt that their workplace actively promoted staff retention. Furthermore, concerns regarding job stress and workload were prevalent, particularly among employees in leadership roles and those with longer tenures. Despite these challenges, a significant proportion of respondents had not actively sought alternative employment in the past three years.

These findings highlight the importance of effective communication within organisations. Clear and transparent communication fosters trust, engagement, and a sense of belonging among employees. Additionally, it is important for employers to bridge the gap between perceived and actual support for growth and development. By aligning organisational practices with employees’ expectations, employers can enhance retention rates and create a more positive work environment.

Reflecting on the survey’s implications, it emphasises the importance of fostering an engaged workforce and creating a contributing culture. Employers are encouraged to leverage the survey data as a reference point and leverage this insight as a nationalbenchmark facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing overall job satisfaction.

The misco National Employee Engagement Survey offers valuable insights into the dynamics of the Maltese workforce. By addressing communication gaps, providing supportive work environments, and offering opportunities for growth, we can further enhance employee engagement and drive organisational success.

Get your copy by following this link – https://miscomalta.com/business-advisory/business-reports-tools/

*Sponsored article by Misco Malta

SME Chamber part of MCESD delegation in Brussels

Malta Chamber of SMEs Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech was part of an MCESD – Malta Council for Economic and Social Development delegation in Brussels visiting the European Economic and Social Committee and other EU institutions to discuss the most important issues currently on the EU and national agenda.

SME Chamber holds a consultation meeting in relation to the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Malta Chamber of SMEs held a consultation meeting in relation to the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

Officials from ERA – Environment & Resources Authority explained the discussions taking place at EU level and gathered feedback passed on by SME Chamber members.

During the consultation the  following issues were highlighted:

  • Packaging minimisation and increased recycling targets
  • Providing re-use and refill options to customers
  • Elimination of certain plastic waste through bans
  • Space in outlet devoted to refilling stations and
  • Reporting obligations

For further information or should you wish to follow the consultation recording, kindly contact us on