Malta Chamber of SMEs

New rules for quarantine and events announced

Posted on 05.08.202105.08.2021 by SME Chamber

From August 30, the number of every cluster can increase to 500 people for seated events

New regulations for events have been announced while vaccinated people may spend less time in quarantine if in contact with a COVID-19 patient.

From August 16, all those who are fully vaccinated need to spend seven days in quarantine instead of 14, Health Minister Chris Fearne told a news conference on Thursday. The quarantine period will end once a negative test is presented.

From August 16, the number of clusters of people at all seated events can increase from 200 to 300. All those attending have to be vaccinated. From August 30, the number of every cluster can increase to 500 people. It is not clear whether the new rules apply to weddings.

Standing events will remain barred.

Fearne said that pregnant women who are in their second and third trimester (13 weeks onwards) are now encouraged to take the vaccine unless told otherwise by their doctor.

This is a marked shift from the previous policy where pregnant women were told not to take the vaccine.

The minister said the health authorities are studying the level of immunity in the community.With new variants emerging, immuno-compromised persons might require an additional dose of the vaccine.Therefore, from mid-September an additional booster dose will be given to the immuno-compromised and those in homes for the elderly. Around 15,000 booster doses will be needed for the groups identified.

Malta Enterprise extended the deadlines for the one-time grant and rent refund scheme

Posted on 01.08.202105.08.2021 by SME Chamber

Deadline for both schemes is the 13th August

Malta Enterprise have extended the deadline for the one-time grant and the rent refund scheme. Registrations will be accepted until the 13th of August 2021.

The one-time grant, is a scheme where a cash grant of €1,000 is given to those businesses which remained closed after 10 May 2021 as per Legal Notices issued by the Health Authority and are in receipt of the Wage Supplement.
An email was sent out to potential eligible businesses containing a link to a simple application process.
Malta Enterprise will simply process the grant in due course with funds being sent directly to the business’ bank accounts.

The rent refund scheme, is eligible for businesses which had to close their operations as a result of government legal notices in March 2021. The businesses are eligible for a refund in the form of a top-up of 50% on the amount received last year.

New applicants who were closed in March and April 2020, and benefited from the wage supplement are eligible for the Rent Refund scheme in accordance with the following cappings:

If a business has 1 to 9 employees receiving the wage supplement, there is one eligible rental agreement with a maximum support of €1,250;
If a business has 10 to 19 employees receiving wage supplement, there are two eligible rental agreements with a maximum support of €2,000;
If a business has 20 to 29 employees receiving wage supplement, there are three eligible rental agreements with a maximum support of €2,750;
If a business has 30 to 39 employees receiving wage supplement, there are four eligible rental agreements with a maximum support of €3,500;
If a business has 40 and over employees receiving wage supplement, there are five eligible rental agreements with a maximum support of €3,750.

In terms of the application process, businesses which received a rent refund for 2020 and whose rent contract is still valid (not expired or updated) will not need to resubmit copies of their contract.

Meanwhile, businesses which only received a wage supplement during March and April 2021 will be invited to apply for the Rent Refund Scheme covering rent costs incurred in 2021.

If eligible, businesses are encouraged to applies by the 13th of August 2021.

New tapering system for the Wage Supplement Scheme

Posted on 28.07.202105.08.2021 by SME Chamber

While the companies that were affected the most by the Covid-pandemic will continue to receive the full Covid-19 wage supplement, businesses in other categories will lose up to two-thirds of the amount they receive from the government.

A new tapering system was announced that shall be utilized for the disbursement of the Wage Supplement Scheme from August to December 2021.

Worst-hit companies with an impact of 55% or more (2019 – 2020) – will continue to receive the wage supplement in full until the end of year. Therefore, they will experience no change.

Tapering for the other categories will take place in 2 phases as explained in the table. Same principle applies for Part-Time employees.

Beneficiaries presently receiving €600 monthly per employee will be tapered down to €420 in Phase 1 and €210 in Phase 2.

Malta Chamber of SMEs and EWA starting a new pilot project to assist outlets in efficient use of energy and water

Posted on 26.07.202126.07.2021 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs will assist a number of retail outlets in the food and beverage sector to help them become more energy and water efficient

The Malta Chamber of SMEs and the Energy & Water Agency signed a memorandum of understanding for a new pilot project “MERCA” (Managing Essential Resources in Retail through Consumption Analysis).

The Malta Chamber of SMEs will assist a number of retail outlets in the food and beverage sector to help them become more energy and water efficient, whilst gathering best practices and identify replicable areas of recommendations.

The project, will spread over two years and will identify shops within NACE G which have a mix of space heating/cooling equipment, refrigeration, lighting and process water. It is expected that the project can engage with a significant number of enterprises and certain findings can be applicable and relevant to other retail groups.

The MERCA pilot project will, amongst other actions carry out a number of energy audits within the identified establishments to characterise the energy and water usage in these sub-groups, whilst assisting these outlets with the available opportunities to implement audit recommendations. The Agency will also gather information on the consumption patterns and savings achieved. In this way, enterprises will be able to assess their performance and potentially, similar enterprises can identify the opportunity cost of changing their approach.

This pilot project will cost €50,000 and will be implemented over two years. During these two years, data will be gathered, where practices and processes will be identified to make the necessary recommendations.

Presiding over this collaboration, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli said that this project will be sustaining two important resources, that of energy and water. “Various enterprises wish to make sustainable changes in their operations, and this pilot project will be assisting these enterprises to make this change, towards cleaner energy operations,” said Minister Dalli.

Chamber of SMEs CEO, Abigail Mamo said that the SME Chamber is happy to be part of this data collection exercise and thanked EWA for their trust.

Ms Mamo said that this important data which will be gathered from Maltese retailers is truly essential for the future of our country and we’re honored to contribute to this project.

During the press conference, Energy and Water Agency CEO Manuel Sapiano highlighted the Agency’s role to raise awareness and provide support in achieving more sustainable work practices. “In line with this, the Agency has often collaborated with stakeholder representative such as the Chamber of SMEs, as they are the ones that have the pulse of the enterprises and facilitate reach out to these targeted groups,” remarked Manuel Sapiano.

Lack of harmonised rules in between countries on travel restrictions making travel unattractive

Posted on 22.07.202127.07.2021 by SME Chamber

Decisions taken in the EU are one of the main causes

Global travel demand is creeping back into the limelight, even if most people are still only considering familiar destinations closer to home.

In these turbulent times, demand fluctuates from day to day based on everchanging travel restrictions. However, only 1 in 5 consumers plan to travel internationally in the next 12 months, clearly emphasizing the persistent impacts of COVID-19 decimating the industry.

Industry recovery is solely dependent on travel restrictions worldwide. Increasing emergence of variants of concern has slowed recovery even further. However, health concerns are on the decreasing trend, as vaccine rollouts coinciding with herd immunity are major players involved.

While some factors are inconsistent, travel restrictions have widely remained steadfast in preventing a quick recovery, with around one third of people blaming restrictions for lack of travel.

Safety of travel has been proven to correlate with how each country has managed the pandemic, with facets like cleanliness standards, traveling by airplanes etc. being less of a worry for countries with low infection/mortality rates.

However, 1 in 5 consumers planned an international vacation last May, revealing the underlying urge to travel abroad. The most popular type is multi-centre vacations e.g. cruises. COVID-19 testing is also a major issue, partly down to cost while also attributed with inconvenience, and the fact that each country has different restrictions makes travelling complicated, and less care-free. There is a great lack of consistency and clarity e.g. vaccine certificates, and how some countries are ahead of others; with the US notably behind on vaccine certificates.

Latest polling has shown broad support for vaccine passports, particularly in Asian countries, therefore further proving how a vaccine standard could encourage fast recovery. Despite the slower predicted recovery of leisure travel, ‘workations’ are becoming increasingly popular, resulting in a spike of flexible-date searches on Airbnb.

Business travel is much more controversial, as many corporates are predicting different outcomes, however the Middle East is a clear strong-point with the strongest demand.

In terms of markets, Europe is the only market in which travel restrictions are a greater obstacle to travel than health risks, possibly attributed to the spike of infections in early 2021 and revealing the urge of the market to recover. Research has shown people in countries with more advanced vaccine rollouts believe the situation is better globally, and are more keen to travel, particularly in the UAE.

The lack of unilateral decisions taken in the EU is also a barrier.

France has seen consistent levels of travel over time, with stable intent to travel internationally seen in how one in three consumers were looking to enjoy a vacation abroad, but most focus on domestic. Germany contains ever-increasing numbers of those seeking to travel overseas, with the outbound travel higher than their EU neighbors, however these upticks are in leisure travel only, with business travel notably stagnant. Restrictions in the UK are out of step with ones of the EU, and ever-changing volatile traffic light system has put off brits from travelling overseas, a large barrier to international travel in the UK, with most people fearing quarantine, due to their current reputation of changing countries’ status from one day to the next. Furthermore, in the US numbers of Americans planning to travel internationally are at the highest levels in months, with travel restrictions being less of a limitation for them.

Data has also suggested that demand will mostly come from Millennials age group during the next 12 months, as they make up over half of those planning a holiday abroad. Older generations have shown stagnant or even decreasing demand despite being more likely to be inoculated, possibly as they want more reassurance.

Travelers intending on taking three or more trips in the next year have shown to be much more likely to travel on an international holiday or for business; a clear segment for travel companies to target. This segment of people is most likely to be Americans, and least likely to be Australians.

Article by Julian Gatt – Summer intern at the Malta Chamber of SMEs

Source: https://business.yougov.com/sectors/travel-tourism

Malta’s hospitality industry slowly recovering following ‘green light’ to UK’s green list

Posted on 07.07.202107.07.2021 by SME Chamber

Earlier this month Maltese business owners were left surprised and dismayed after it was revealed that the UK had left the island out of its safe-to-travel green list, however a few weeks later Malta actually made it to the UK’s green list and Malta’s accomodation sector reported up to 70% accupancy throughout summer.

UK represented 33% of all tourists arrivals in Malta in 2019 and being on the UK’s green list meant a lot.

Locally, the travel and tourism sector contributed €2.03 billion to GDP in 2019, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), accounting for approximately 17 per cent of GDP.

Following the restaurants and snack-bars, bars also re-opened and while business recovered, the hospitality industry is experiencing an understaffing crisis.

COVID-19 measures are leaving some with no other choice but to have to employ more staff.

Restaurants, hotels and bars which previously relied on self-service are having to recruit more people due to the switch to table service, and some establishments are having to employ more security personnel to manage queues, he explained.

Speaking to local media, Malta Chamber of SMEs Deputy President said that “while these restrictions aren’t new, we are really starting to feel the pinch now because tourism has opened again in a scenario where many have been forced to operate with limited staff.”

He pointed out that the chamber as well as other stakeholders were in constant discussions with the authorities to amend certain restrictions in such a way as to support business owners without putting people at risk.

One of the proposals has been to replace the ban on self-service with a protective shade of Perspex along the counter as well as floor markings for crowd control. This alone would alleviate a lot of pressure, especially from hotels and bars which depend on self-service. While Fenech said it was important to open up in a slow and cautious manner, he urged the authorities not to be conservative unless really needed.

“The economic consequences and the collateral damage as a result of some of these restrictions really needs to be taken into consideration,” he said.

SME Chamber awarded LADDER project ESF.04.159 – Enhancing Social Dialogue

Posted on 07.07.202107.02.2025 by SME Chamber

The LADDER project ESF.04.159 is a transformative capacity-building initiative designed to enhance the capabilities of the Malta Chamber of SMEs in conducting social dialogue. Recognising the importance of structured and effective communication between stakeholders, the project aims to address existing weaknesses within the SME Chamber by implementing a comprehensive strategy of investment, analysis, studies, and training. Through these targeted interventions, the Chamber and its staff will not only strengthen their ability to engage with key economic and social actors but will also significantly enhance their overall productivity and efficiency.

Social dialogue plays a pivotal role in shaping policies that impact the business landscape, ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have a strong and representative voice. However, due to various challenges, the SME Chamber has faced difficulties in optimizing its outreach and effectiveness in this domain. The LADDER project directly tackles these issues by providing the necessary resources, training, and analytical tools to refine the Chamber’s approach to dialogue, allowing it to better represent its members and advocate for their interests.

The core of the LADDER project ESF.04.159 lies in its multifaceted strategy for capacity building. This approach includes:

Investment in Infrastructure and Resources

Ensuring that the SME Chamber has the necessary technological and operational support to engage in effective social dialogue.

Comprehensive Studies and Analysis

Conducting in-depth research to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current system, providing data-driven insights for improvement.

Specialized Training for Staff

Equipping employees with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate contemporary challenges in social dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

Enhanced Outreach and Communication

Expanding the Chamber’s reach to a broader network of SMEs, fostering stronger connections, and promoting an inclusive dialogue framework.

The LADDER project aligns seamlessly with the European Social Fund (ESF) priorities, addressing key objectives outlined in the Operational Programme (OP) and beyond. By improving the Chamber’s ability to engage in meaningful social dialogue, the project contributes to wider ESF goals such as workforce upskilling, economic resilience, and inclusive policy-making. The Chamber’s enhanced role in dialogue ensures that SMEs remain competitive and well-represented in policy discussions at both national and European levels.

The ultimate goal of the LADDER project is to prepare the Malta Chamber of SMEs for the evolving challenges of the modern economy. By implementing best practices in stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy, the Chamber will not only adapt to current demands but also establish a sustainable framework for future growth. This enhanced capacity will lead to a more robust and influential network of SMEs, ensuring that the voice of small and medium-sized businesses continues to be heard and valued in decision-making processes.

Through strategic investment and capacity-building efforts, the LADDER project sets the stage for a more dynamic and effective SME Chamber, reinforcing its role as a key player in Malta’s socio-economic landscape.

Business 1st launches a new ticketing system and new DIER desk

Posted on 07.07.2021 by SME Chamber

Business 1st continued to improve their one-stop-shop services to businesses.

The Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) is the latest Government entity to enhance their One-Stop-Shop services at Business 1st, initially offering customer care services every fortnight.

As of June 22nd, DIER started to inform clients on the rights and obligations pertinent to employers, as well as the Conditions of Employment.

Business 1st also launched a new ticketing system to improve their service and client relationship. To submit their queries, businesses may click on the following link: https://helpdesk.businessfirst.com.mt/

Malta Chamber of SMEs CEO flags inconsistencies in Malta’s COVID-19 rules

Posted on 07.07.202108.07.2021 by SME Chamber

The SME Chamber contributed to iron out inconsistencies to help the various sectors work and remove any unnecessary burdens

Malta Chamber of SMEs CEO Ms Abigail Mamo throughout June continued to highlight inconsistencies In Malta’s COVID-19 Rules, from events and buses to boats and lidos.

Although Malta has lifted several COVID-19 restrictions in recent months, several businesses are still feeling the pinch and the state of play is frustrating them.

In an interview with Lovin Malta, Malta Chamber of SMEs CEO Ms Abigail Mamo said that “what was sadly comical is that after weeks of intense discussions with the relevant sectors, presenting well thought out proposals, and waiting for some form of reply, the ‘big and important’ announcement was of moving steps backward, not forward – regressive”, refering to the Government announcement in mid-June for the reopening plan.

The SME Chamber contributed to iron out inconsistencies to help the various sectors work and remove any unnecessary burdens.

The following were the inconsistencies highlighted by the SME Chamber:

1. While seated weddings have been allowed since 1st June, all other events have been postponed to 1st July, and then only to people who can present a vaccine certificate.

Ms Abigail Mamo said that while she agrees with weddings taking place, other events that replicate the seated wedding model – such as conferences, AGMs, gala dinners and award nights – should be allowed too.

“We also understand that in case of the activities we proposed the risk is actually lower as there is no particular opportunity for heavy drinking and dancing as the high-level events do not offer the environment for it,” she said.

Meanwhile, despite the restrictions on events, the President’s Office recently organised a national conference, Stat tan-Nazzjon.

2. Mamo said health authorities shot down a proposal by the Chamber of SMEs for negative rapid tests to be used as an alternative to vaccine certificates for allowing people into events, and this on the grounds that such tests aren’t accurate enough.

However, rapid tests were until recently used by the health authorities themselves to randomly test arrivals at the airport.

3. Private tourism vessel operators are being made to operate at 50% capacity (which increased to 65%), despite their vessels being open-air. Meanwhile, public buses and planes are allowed to operate at full capacity despite having enclosed spaces.

Abigail Mamo also questioned why masks are still mandatory on vessels when they’re no longer compulsory on beaches and near pools, and why alcohol is banned on board even though it’s allowed at bars, snack bars and restaurants.

“Would you go on a half-day or full-day cruise on a boat if you’re not able to have a glass of wine or a beer with your meal?” she asked. “The sector is suffering mass cancellations of bookings and people are telling operators they will go elsewhere where they can enjoy themselves more.

4. Private buses are only allowed to operate at 50% capacity, even though public transport (where passengers change continuously) and planes (where air circulates within) are allowed full capacity. This is despite private buses often carrying groups that will be in the same bubble before and after boarding anyway.

“This is a significant dent to the viability of private bus operations,” Mamo warned.

5. While restaurants are now allowed to take up to six people around a table, lidos are only allowed to have two deckchairs next to each other – with a two metre distance between them and the next two deckchairs. This is despite lidos being open air, where your chances of catching COVID-19 are much lower.

“The surface area of lidos is being completely eaten up with the spacing and is very unattractive for very small groups of people going together,” Mamo said. “Lidos have very high maintenance costs and they need the necessary basic capacity to be able to cover their costs.”

The Chamber of SMEs head said that the situation has frustrated several of her members and that some are pondering ignoring the rules or organising a public protest.

“While they’re receiving a wage supplement from the government, this money is only being spent on covering a fraction of their employees’s wages,” she said. “We’re not in a health crisis anymore, and who will take care of my members’ mental health? It’s as though COVID-19 is the only thing that exists.

Following this article and several other contributions, the SME Chamber welcomed the increase in capacity for private tourism vessel operators and awaits further easing of Covid-19 restrictions especially those related to events, buses, boats and lidos.