Research: Perception of Governance Risk of Small-Family Owned Businesses: Issues and Considerations
My name is Corinne Deguara, and I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Insurance and Risk Management at the University of Malta. As part of my studies, I am conducting a research for my thesis titled “Perception on Governance Risks Relating to Small Family-Owned Businesses: Issues and Considerations.”
The aim of this study is to analyse the perceptions of governance risks in small, family-owned businesses, specifically those operating in the manufacturing industry as limited liability companies. The research focuses on identifying the key aspects that influence governance structures and practices. By gathering insights from various stakeholders and professional bodies, the study aims to provide practical recommendations that can help mitigate these governance risks.
HopeXchange Medical Centre in Kumasi, the second largest town of Ghana, is more than just a hospital; it is a symbol of Malta’s unwavering commitment to bringing hope, healing, and dignity to those in need. This project stands as a flagship initiative, demonstrating how a small nation with a big heart can make a profound impact on global healthcare.
This Hospital is an initiative of the ICPE (Institute for World Evangelisation) which was started here in Malta in 1985 by Maltese couple Mario and Anna Cappello. It aims to train people from all nations to become effective proclaimers of the Word of God. During one of Mario’s visits to Ghana, he saw a scene of a young girl in excruciating pain. There was nothing to do to alleviate her pain. This inspired him to do something for these people so dear to his heart – and thus the dream of a state-of-the-art hospital was born.
Thanks to donations collected mainly from Malta, the hospital is now operating and continues to be equipped with the best medical equipment on the market. Today, the HopeXchange Medical Center is enjoying the support of the Ghanaian Government as well as many foreign organizations that are willing to help and work at the hospital free of charge.
From its inception, HopeXchange was driven by a simple yet powerful vision: to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to access to quality medical care. In Ghana, where many communities struggle with inadequate healthcare facilities, this Center has become a beacon of hope – offering life-saving treatments, advanced medical solutions, and essential training for healthcare professionals.
Every single day of the year, our hospital is a source of hope. Daily patient attendance is steadily increasing with the current average of 150 patients per day. Thus, the HopeXchange Medical Center is a testament to the power of international collaboration and the impact we can make when we work together towards a common goal.
We are excited to announce that our upcoming fund-raising television marathon will be held on Sunday 27 th July 2025. We understand the challenges that you may face in allocating resources for charitable donations. However, we believe that even the smallest contribution can make a significant impact.
By supporting our television marathon, you will not only be helping us raise much-needed funds, but you will also be showcasing your commitment to giving back to the community. Your donation will be acknowledged on-air during the marathon, giving your business valuable exposure to a wide audience.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support our cause. Together, we can make a difference. Please contact me at 99491670 or by email at
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a vital part of the global economy, but many are struggling to keep up with the fast-paced changes of the digital age. Digital transformation is essential for SMEs to remain competitive and grow, but the process can be daunting.
Before embarking on digital transformation, it’s essential to have a clear strategy in place. This means identifying your business goals, understanding your customers and the market, and developing a plan for how digital technologies can help you achieve those goals. Without a clear strategy, you risk investing in the wrong technologies or implementing them in the wrong way.
One of the key benefits of digital transformation is the ability to improve the customer experience. By using digital tools to gather data and insights, you can better understand your customers’ needs and preferences and create a more personalised and convenient experience for them.
FLOW, The Digital Transformation Event explores the latest innovations in digital transformation and helps you discover how you can apply them to your business, understanding the challenges businesses face in today’s fast-paced digital environment.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a lot to gain by attending a digital transformation event. These events provide valuable insights into the latest technologies and strategies that can help SMEs optimise operations, improve customer engagement, and stay ahead of the competition.
Additionally, SMEs can network with other business leaders and industry experts to gain new perspectives on the digital landscape and find inspiration for their own digital initiatives. Attending a digital transformation event can also help SMEs stay current with the latest industry trends and developments, which can be vital for long-term growth and success. Overall, attending a digital transformation event is an excellent investment for SMEs looking to improve their digital capabilities and stay competitive in the modern business environment.
The event aimed to create a place to connect people who are enthusiastic about IT, creativity, innovation, and digital transformation and hear from industry experts and thought leaders their insights and strategies for success.
KPMG in Malta, through its Public Sector and EU Advisory team and in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs, organised two information sessions focused on EU funding and incentives. With the current EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) running until 2027, this is a timely opportunity for businesses to tap into EU funds, particularly via the Business Enhance Grant Schemes under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Key Takeaways from the Audience
Over 70 participants from a wide range of sectors attended the sessions. Kicking off with an interactive polling session led by Martina Spiteri (Advisor), it was revealed that while most attendees had some awareness of EU funding, many still felt unclear about how to access opportunities, where to begin, and the extent of the administrative process involved.
Overview of Available EU Grants
Dylan Felice (Manager) delivered a presentation on the Business Enhance Grant Schemes, including an overview of funding-specific rules and eligibility criteria, and how these grants can support digital transformation, new equipment investment, and service expansion, amongst other initiatives. The importance of early planning, aligning projects with relevant schemes, and understanding eligibility from the outset was clearly outlined.
Case Studies: From Planning to Funding Success
The sessions also included practical case studies from businesses that successfully applied for funding with KPMG’s guidance. One notable example involved collaboration with KPMG’s Digital Solutions team to develop a strategy that led to funding for both project planning and implementation. Marco Vassallo (Partner and Co-lead of KPMG Digital Solutions) highlighted how similar approaches are enabling businesses to invest in custom digital solutions aligned with both the operational needs and the long-term goals of the company.
Upcoming Advisory Grant Schemes
Insights were shared into new advisory grant schemes, particularly relevant for SMEs planning to have in place a strategy for marketing, internationalisation, or attaining recognised standards and awards. As part of his presentation, Karl Aquilina (Associate Director) highlighted how these grants reflect a wider effort to improve planning around larger investments, and to make expert advice more accessible to local businesses.
Tax Incentives: An Additional Funding Route
Doreen Fenech (Tax Partner) and Faye Gauci Grech (Senior Manager) presented a complementary stream of support through Malta Enterprise’s tax incentives. These can be accessed either alongside or instead of EU funding, depending on project needs and funding rules. With the right experience and expertise at hand, KPMG is able to assist clients in navigating both EU and local funding avenues to ensure the most strategic fit for their initiatives
Connecting with Experts
The sessions concluded with a networking opportunity, allowing participants to speak directly with KPMG advisors and other business representatives.
Get in Touch
KPMG’s EU funding team is available for tailored consultations. To explore current opportunities or plan for upcoming schemes, contact Karl Aquilina at or Dylan Felice at . Additional resources are available on KPMG Malta’s EU funding webpage. This article was originally written by KPMG in Malta.
Mr. Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, participated in a recent edition of PBS’s current affairs programme Popolin, where he joined a panel to discuss Malta’s long-term strategic plan, Malta Vision 2050, and its implications for the local business landscape.
During the programme, Mr. Abela emphasized the importance of placing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the heart of the nation’s economic future. He highlighted the pivotal role SMEs play in driving growth, employment, and innovation, noting that “SMEs must not be sidelined in the shaping of Malta’s vision, but rather be empowered to lead within it.”
Echoing the Chamber’s recent press release, Mr. Abela welcomed the Malta Vision 2050 initiative, which aims to reshape the country’s economy towards a more sustainable and forward-thinking model. The SME Chamber has long advocated for the creation of a unified national vision and believes that this roadmap presents a unique opportunity to realign Malta’s economic priorities.
“The Malta Chamber of SMEs urges stakeholders and policymakers to ensure that SMEs are placed at the forefront of this initiative. As primary contributors to the Maltese economy and the backbone of the country, SMEs must be central to the development and implementation of the Vision,” the Chamber stated.
With over 99% of all enterprises in Malta classified as SMEs—97.8% employing fewer than 50 people—the Chamber stressed that their voices must be heard in shaping economic policy. Key areas for SME contribution include innovation and technology, sustainability, and skill development.
The SME Chamber reiterated its commitment to working collaboratively with government, industry, and the wider community to ensure that Malta Vision 2050 delivers inclusive and impactful results.
Officials from the Malta Chamber of SMEs and landlords’ representatives met with ARMS CEO George Azzopardi to discuss sector concerns and suggest improvements.
During the meeting with ARMS Ltd, several important issues were brought to light, particularly concerning the submission of meter readings, the remit of the bill calculator, and complications arising from tenants failing to settle their utility bills. ARMS Ltd is currently undertaking a comprehensive digital transformation aimed at increasing service efficiency and enhancing the user experience.
This initiative involves moving from manual forms to a fully online application process, complemented by a personalised user portal. These changes are expected to improve the accuracy and frequency of billing while addressing concerns over responsibility for unpaid tenant bills.
ARMS Ltd is also aiming to strengthen collaboration with landlords to encourage uptake of its new digital services. Discussions included the possibility of organising awareness sessions in partnership with the Malta Chamber of SMEs. Furthermore, the organisation is exploring additional payment methods, including wider deployment of payment machines in rural areas.
Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr. Paul Abela, Council Member Mr. Mario Debono, and Head of Policy Mr. Jamie Tanti met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to Malta, Mr. Zouheir Bouras, following up on the recent delegation visit to Tunisia.
Both sides agreed to build on the positive outcomes of the visit and continue fostering this fruitful collaboration.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs – Landlords Sector reaffirms its commitment to promote a safe, fair, and respectful rental environment for all individuals involved.
Any acts of violence, discrimination, or misconduct that undermine the dignity, rights and property of tenants or landlords alike should be condemned. It is crucial that everyone in the housing sector is treated with respect and fairness, fostering a culture of understanding between landlords and tenants that is built on mutual trust.
The Malta Chamber of SMEs – Landlords Sector remains dedicated to advocating for policies that create a balanced rental framework.
We encourage all stakeholders to work together in promoting best practices that enhance the relationship between landlords and tenants, ultimately contributing to the stability and integrity of the rental market in Malta.
Interested landlords who would like to join the Landlords Sector within the Malta Chamber of SMEs may contact us at .
