Category: Articles

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with MISCO has today published the results of the SME Barometer® for Quarter 1, 2023

The representative survey conducted amongst 415 businesses in Malta found that the majority of businesses are still facing issues related to Employee Shortages (19%) and also an increase in Inflation (14%) . Other issues highlighted include Issues related with late payments (9%), unfair competition (9%), skills mismatch (7%) and Banking Information & Compliance Requirements (6%) amongst others. Issues highlighted in earlier surveys such as Processing of TCN VISA Applications scored lower (4%), demonstrating an improvement in the processing of applications.

Businesses also noted that the Increase in Inflation and the need for more Good Governance are the two main concerns they businesses would like the government to improve upon and address.

The SME Chamber notes that businesses are giving priority to quality in all aspects of their business operation. Additionally, the barometer also reflected that the international situation is still leading to a high level of uncertainty, given its volatility. This was clearly evident in the appetite level of businesses to invest during the next 12 months, with 55% stating they are not sure.

Inflation also ranked as a top most issues faced by businesses both in their day to day running of their business but also when it comes to serving their consumers. Finally, businesses acknowledge the important role the government plays in shifting economic trajectory and in attracting new sectors.

Click here to access the full presentation of the SME Barometer^®  results for Q1 2023.

2023 is the European Year of Skills.  As part of this year’s plans, the Foundation for Transport is reaching out to business players to define the skills gaps in their respective sector to be able to work out solutions.

The solutions may be various and may include training or retraining but, definitely, private stakeholders need to be part of the solution. Moreover, high employee turnover and difficulties to recruit require matching of skills and occupational standards. The urge for a digital and green transition in the transport industry mandates a long term planning of resources.

This particular survey is aimed at companies whose main activity is transportation of cargo/goods and all sorts of logistics.  It can be accessed through the below link and will take only a few minutes to complete.

Click here for survey

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with Business Doctors Malta organised a webinar on the challenge that most business owners face, that businesses are not free at all.
The webinar focused on helping business owners understand how they can remove themselves from day-to-day business operation, see how things look holistically, and to have more time of greater value.

Malta Chamber of SMEs welcomes the appointment of Mr Jonathan Borg as new CEO of Transport Malta.

The SME Chamber is certain that the years of experience and expertise of Mr Borg will serve the Authority and Malta well.

As an organisation we are looking forward to start dealing with this person of great integrity on behalf of the many sectors that we represent.

Wishing Mr Borg well in his new role!

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Then you won’t want to miss Flow 23 – The Digital Transformation Event! This exciting event is the perfect opportunity for you to learn about the latest trends and innovations in digital transformation, and discover how you can apply them to your business.

At Flow 23, you’ll have the chance to hear from industry experts and thought leaders who will share their insights and strategies for success. You’ll learn about the latest technologies, such as AI and automation, and how they can help you streamline your operations and improve efficiency. You’ll also have the chance to network with other business leaders and learn from their experiences.

But Flow 23 isn’t just about learning – it’s also about taking action. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops and sessions where you can work on real-world challenges and come up with solutions that you can implement in your business.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and connections you need to take your business to the next level. Register for Flow 23 today and be part of the digital transformation revolution!

Click here to register

The SME Chamber today participated in the online conference jointly organised by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade. on the subject of Regional Integration and Value Chain Transition.

SME Chamber CEO emphasised on the need to shift from buzz-words and high level direction into an implementation plan and national and transnational partnerships. Sustainability and being more environmentally friendly is something we all agree with but we need to make sure that this is accessible to all in order to implementable by a large percentage of SMEs.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs participated in a very interesting discussion organised by Fondazzjoni Ideat on Strengthening the National Minimum Wage. SME Chamber CEO Abigail Agius Mamo emphasised that safeguarding our most vulnerable is a common concern on which social partners cooperate regularly and actively together, including the latest initiative by Hon. Andy Ellul of the Low Wage Commission.

Ms Agius Mamo said that the SME Chamber believed in targeted and focused action that understands the reason behind the vulnerability and provides assistance that will really make a difference.

At the same time this work must go hand in hand with increasing productive efficiency and competitiveness.

Sitting with SME Chamber CEO Abigail Agius Mamo on the panel were also Mr Josef Bugeja, Secretary General of the General Workers’ Union GWU, Mr Brendan Zerafa, Consultant with the Parliamentary Secretary Andy Ellul and Anthony Gatt Director at Caritas.

Thanks to Stanley Mifsud for his able moderation and Fondazzjoni IDEAT Chairperson Elaine Degiorgio for organising the activity.