Category: Articles

A group of MCAST students are currently conducting research as part of their Entrepreneurship project through which we will be generating a business idea.

You are being invited to take part in this research. This survey is anonymous; therefore, please do not insert your name, e-mail address, or any other personal information that could reveal your identity. We are not requesting any personal data that could identify you. Any information submitted will be used only for the scope of this study and will not be passed on to third parties. The survey instrument will not collect IP addresses.

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During Day 2 of the CareerScape Emerging Careers Business Brunch organised by the National Skills Council, Malta Chamber of SMEs, officer Mr. Marcel Mizzi, chaired the Retail roundtable discussion and also participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Emerging Careers and Twin Transition.

The SME Chamber congratulates the National Skills Council Team for this productive and well organised event.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with MISCO, published the latest edition of the SME Barometer® report, offering invaluable insights into the economic pulse, business sentiment, and challenges confronting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malta.

The quarterly report has identified key findings from the Q1 2024 period:

1. Top Concerns: Employee shortage and inflation persist as the primary concerns for businesses, underscoring the challenges in staffing and managing operational costs.
2. Government Priorities: Lack of good governance and overpopulation have emerged as paramount issues surpassing inflation, signaling businesses’ urgent call for government intervention in addressing systemic challenges.
3. Investment Uncertainty: A prevailing sense of uncertainty looms over businesses’ investment plans for the upcoming year, reflecting cautious optimism amidst economic fluctuations.
4. Common Challenges: Regardless of size, businesses echo concerns over employee shortage, inflation, and unfair competition, indicating widespread challenges cutting across different sectors.

Additionally, with regards to their views when it comes to EU representation on their need, EU level, the SME Barometer reveals:

Representation Concerns: A majority of businesses express dissatisfaction with their representation at the EU level, emphasizing the need for more effective advocacy and engagement.

EU Election Priorities: Rising prices, inflation, and the cost of living emerge as the pivotal topics for discussion in the upcoming European Parliament elections, reflecting shared concerns over economic stability and affordability.

In light of these findings, the barometer offers strategic recommendations to address pressing issues:

Population Management: Urgent strategies to tackle overpopulation and attract foreign talent are recommended to alleviate demographic pressures and bolster workforce diversity.

Financial Relief Measures: Proposals to reduce taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT) aim to inject liquidity into SMEs, facilitating cash flow and enabling sustainable growth.

Procurement Reforms: Advocacy for public procurement reforms seeks to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and create a level playing field for businesses.

Overall, the SME Barometer® Q1 2024 Report presents a comprehensive snapshot of Malta’s SME landscape, outlining areas necessitating governmental and EU-level action to fortify business resilience and foster sustainable growth.

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Click here to download the full report

About MISCO:

MISCO, a renowned research and consultancy firm, specializes in providing actionable insights and strategic solutions to empower organizations across various industries.

 

Serious concerns about Prime Minister statements and their potential repercussions on the country’s stability

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, as well as the The Malta Employers’ Association stated that the current situation regarding the magisterial enquiry on the Vitals Hospitals deal poses a serious risk to economic stability and Malta’s international reputation.

The attacks on the judiciary strike at the heart of Malta’s democratic credentials and challenge basic principles of governance. Malta, having already suffered through being grey-listed, cannot afford further reputational damage. Branding individuals, organizations, and institutions as ‘the establishment’ or enemies of the state does not contribute to the cause of justice.

The perilous nature of the situation is underscored by the potential for destructive alienation and tension within society, posing significant threats to social and economic well-being, and weakening the rule of law. In light of these challenges, there is an urgent need to promote public trust in the justice system and apply all legal remedies to ensure that the innocent are acquitted and the guilty are held accountable.

The employer bodies stress the importance of transparency and accountability in upholding the integrity of our institutions and the rule of law. It is imperative that the findings of the inquiry are not subject to speculative conjectures that undermine trust in judicial institutions. Any criminal proceedings warranted, should happen without any political interference or threats to the judiciary. The judicial process must be allowed to take its course. Any attempts to undermine the integrity of the inquiry only serve to erode public trust in the institutions and compromise Government’s future standing.

In light of these pressing concerns, the employer bodies call for prompt and responsible action to safeguard democracy and stability in Malta. An urgent meeting of the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD) is imperative to address these critical issues and provide the required reassurance that the national interest will not be undermined by partisan agendas.

Ahead of the MEP elections in Juner, Malta Chamber of SMEs Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech, CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo and council members Mr Noel Gauci and Mr Mario Ciantar  met MEP candidate Steve Ellul and discussed several issues impacting SMEs and how the European Parliament and Malta’s MEP may communicate on issues related to SMEs.

As part of our ongoing collaboration with MCAST, the SME Chamber CEO Ms Abigail Agius Mamo is participating in a panel disccussion on the importance of apprenticeships for students and the industry and how both parties can complement each other.

The SME Chamber remains committed to assisting the industry through supporting apprenticeships.