Category: Articles

The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR), in consultation with the Malta College of Arts Science & Technology (MCAST), and the Malta Chamber of SMEs, would like to announce that it is currently receiving project proposals under the MCAST Research Fellowship Scheme.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs presented its official feedback on the proposed Malta Labour Migration Policy, emphasising the need for a balanced, practical, and business-friendly approach. Recognising labour shortages as a critical challenge, the SME Chamber advocates for policy adjustments that ensure efficiency without imposing undue burdens on businesses.

Key recommendations include extending work permit renewal periods from one to two years, revising fee structures to support new businesses, and enhancing direct access to Third-Country Nationals (TCNs).

The SME Chamber also calls for flexibility in workforce application limits, reconsideration of nationality quotas, and a streamlined recruitment process. It stresses the need for clearer definitions, reduced bureaucracy, and fairer employer obligations.

Moreover, proposals for seasonal work expansion, integration courses, and strategic partnerships aim to enhance workforce sustainability.

Ultimately, the SME Chamber urges a dynamic policy that supports both economic growth and fair labour practices, ensuring Malta remains competitive and attractive for investment.

Click here to download the full consultation document

SME Chamber President Mr. Paul Abela and Deputy President Mr. Philip Fenech met with MCESD President Architect David Xuereb as part of ongoing consultations regarding MCESD.

The discussion focused on key economic and business matters, reinforcing collaboration to support SMEs and enhance economic development in Malta.

 

Micro Invest Applications are now open! And we may assist you!

Did you know that you are entitled to claim between €50,000 and €70,000 or 45% of costs incurred as a business in Tax Credits?

The scheme operates retrospectively, and one can claim costs incurred in the previous year.

The upcoming deadline for self-employed to submit their applications is on the 26th March 2025 while the upcoming deadline for companies is the 28th of May 2025 .

Eligible costs include, amongst others:

• Increase in Wage Costs 
• Furbishing and refurbishing of Business Premises (including part of)
• Investment Costs (such as Computer hardware or development costs)
• Motor Vehicle Costs (commercial type vehicles)
• Security Systems
• Point of Sale Upgrades
• Website

The Malta Chamber of SMEs can take care of all the paperwork for you and make sure your application is submitted correctly, against a minimal administrative fee. Should you wish further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Ms. Bernice Sammut on 

Each participating SME owner will receive a €75 voucher

The Malta Stock Exchange Institute is organising an online focus group on February 13th from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Family-owned SME owners, as well as policymakers and politicians, are invited to participate in this session.

The focus group will bring together SME owners and key decision-makers in a collaborative 2-hour online discussion on the complexities of succession planning, while also addressing key challenges such as professionalization, financial stability, and innovation.

As a token of appreciation for their time and valuable insights on succession planning, each participating SME owner will receive a €75 voucher.

If you’re interested in joining the focus group, please send an email to .

 

This was a valuable opportunity for businesses looking to elevate their companies from good to great. Special thanks to Kastellvp for the insightful tips!

We have more exciting opportunities coming your way during 2025! Stay tuned as we organise more awesome events in the coming weeks.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs published the findings of its annual Business Performance Survey for 2024 as part of the SME Barometer in collaboration with Misco Malta, providing critical insights into the performance, challenges, and expectations of businesses across the country.

The press conference was addressed by SME Chamber President Mr Paul Abela, Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech, COO Mr Andrew Aquilina.

The survey, conducted online between January 10 and January 22, 2025, collected data from 364 unique businesses spanning multiple industries.

Key Findings

• Business Performance and Turnover:

Compared to 2023, 42% of respondents reported an increase in turnover in 2024, while 34% experienced no change, and 24% noted a decline. Key drivers of growth included improved marketing efforts (34%), better sales strategies (30%), and enhanced consumer confidence (20%).

• Profitability Trends:

Profitability levels remained steady, with 41% of businesses reporting no change compared to the previous year. However, 33% experienced reduced profitability, highlighting ongoing challenges in cost management and resource allocation.

• Rising Costs:

The main contributors to rising prices were increased employee wages (63%), and higher costs of imported products (54%).

• Festive Period Sales:

During the 2024 festive season, 24% of businesses saw increased sales, while 46% maintained the same turnover as in 2023. However, 30% reported a decline in festive season sales.

• Challenges Facing SMEs:

Businesses identified labour shortages, unfair competition, and increasing operational costs as top challenges. Delayed client payments also negatively impacted cash flow.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr Paul Abela said that the survey highlights several systemic issues affecting businesses in Malta, such as overpopulation, transparency and labour shortages. Mr Abela highlighted that the SME Chamber is currently preparing feedback related to the Malta Labour Migration Policy.

Mr Abela said that the challenges, including persistent employee wage and salary costs, along with rising costs of imported goods, have prompted calls for urgent government action to address issues of unfair competition and governance.

Mr Andrew Aquilina, Malta Chamber of SMEs COO highlight that another issue which resulted from this survey is related to the late payments and stated that this creates cash flow issues for SMEs, making it harder for businesses to meet their financial obligations and sustain operations.

Click here to download the full survey results.