Consultation on the Minimum Energy Performance Requirements in Building

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.

Highlights from the 75th anniversary celebration

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 journey over the years of the Malta Chamber of SMEs is reflected in Malta’s economic and social development” – President George Vella

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.

Malta Chamber of SMEs officials meets a delegation from IMF

The Malta Chamber of SMEs officials met a delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of their quarterly consultation.

The primary focus of the meeting centered around discussions on the economic challenges and opportunities facing the country.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs was represented by the Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech, council members Marthese Micallef and Chris Vassallo, CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo, Ms Miriam Camilleri (member) and Mr Jamie Tanti.

Collection of recycled waste generated by SMEs

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.

Up tp 80% financing for SMEs on investment in Cybersecurity solutions

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, 7th 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.

SME Chamber organises a webinar for its members in collaboration with Identity Malta

This morning, over 200 members of The Malta Chamber of SMEs gathered for a webinar in partnership with Identity Malta

During this session, our members were provided with valuable insights into the new procedures for the single work permit and student VISA.
Our guests included top officials from Identity Malta, who answered questions posed by our attendees.
Webinar was moderated by Malta Chamber of SMEs CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo and included the participation of Identity Malta CEO Col. Mark Mallia

We are proud to facilitate such knowledge-sharing opportunities and empower our members with the latest updates in immigration regulations.

Members that wish to follow the webinar recording may get in touch by sending an email to

SME Chamber and SHE join forces once again to support female entrepreneurs

This Malta Chamber of SMEs and SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs joined forces once again in order to support Female Entrepreneurs.
This time focusing on the numerous funds and schemes that are available, specifically on the new ones that have just opened starting this June. Funds and Schemes can greatly support business investments and these have never been accessible as they are today.
What will the grants support?
Building Business Plans and Systems Reviews
– Growth, diversification and innovation
– Purchase of tools necessary to run the business
– Hardware, software, eCommerce website, cybersecurity, cloud, subscriptions
– Apertures, insulation, heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting and hot water​
Those interested are engouraged to get in touch with us for support.

SME Chamber organises a conference on skills and re-skilling

This conference was organised as part of Crosswork project

The Malta Chamber of SMEs earlier today organised a conference as part of Crosswork project entitled ‘Aligning Human Resources with Organisational needs’.

The conference focused on skills and solutions to lack of skills with the participation of various key government entities.

The conference ‘Aligning human resources with organizational needs was held – contextualized to the ‘EU cross-border mobility initiative Crosswork promoted within the Interreg Italy-Malta programme’ – whose main topic was the search for specific skills in the world of work.

Through the words of the speakers, as well as the main project partner, Abigail Agius Mamo – CEO of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, Rosario Alescio and Cristina Dragoi, respectively President and Senior Expert of Logos Cooperative Society, Clayton Cutajaw – Director of Strategy and Lifelong Learning of the National Skills Council,  shed light on the virtuous mechanism that can be achieved by promoting the 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 platform to companies with staff shortages and unemployed job seekers.

𝐈𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐲 and 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐚 are actively working to support each other by establishing a synergistic collaboration that aims to nourish the whole sector of active labor policies, especially in the Sicilian and Maltese territories.