Malta Chamber of SMEs

A balanced budget with positive business incentives

Posted on 16.10.201509.09.2020 by SME Chamber

This year’s Budget offers a healthy mix of incentives targeting the private sector many of which are being implemented with the collaboration of the GRTU. Most of GRTU’s priority areas have in fact been addressed and a good number of proposals have been taken up. GRTU believes this will further secure the country’s economic growth.

Energy

GRTU notes with dissatisfaction that the energy tariffs have not been reduced albeit clear indications supporting GRTU’s claim. GRTU will continue with its representations in this regard to see electricity reduced. On the other hand GRTU welcomes the positive incentives aimed at increased renewable energy investment by the private sector, also a priority area for GRTU.

Access to Finance

Whist GRTU welcomes the announcement that the investigation it itself instigated, in relation to bank interest rates and charges, has now been completed, GRTU is eager to see the results of this investigation and tangible action taken in this regard. In addition GRTU reiterates that more needs to be done to increase enterprise options when it comes to access to finance, especially means of financing that go beyond the use of banks. In line with this GRTU is also eager to see the implementation of the long awaited Development Bank.

Digital Economy

GRTU reiterates that we must foster an enabling environment for our enterprises to compete online. This is of paramount importance not just for our enterprises but also for our economy. As such GRTU believes this Budget is lacking of concrete incentives that encourage businesses to sell online and strengthen their online identity as well as policies that aim at making online selling to foreign countries a possibility through, for instance, competitive export costs.

Traffic and Parking

A number of GRTU’s proposals in this area have been taken up including planned incentives for the private sector to introduce transport schemes for their employees, other incentives such as car pooling and the strengthening of sea transport as well as the exploration of alternative means of transport. GRTU had also proposed increased parking facilities, a measure also present in this Budget. GRTU will continue working with the Ministry to continue increasing incentives to the private sector that can provide concrete solutions to Malta’s traffic problems.

Start-Ups

GRTU is pleased Government is giving importance to this trench of enterprises through repayable grants which was another priority and suggestion of the GRTU. GRTU will be working with the Ministry to intensify assistance to start-ups to overcome current shortcomings in the system.

Other

Other measures welcomed by the GRTU include the regulation of migrant workers, simplification through fiscal consolidation and the fast processing of insolvency procedures, the export trade guarantee, the permanent link between Malta and Gozo, the developments in relation to the POYC and the withholding tax on commercial properties.

In conclusion GRTU also welcomes the fact that in this Budget there are no apparent shocks to business and awaits timely implementation based on thorough consultation with social partners.

GRTU requests Government to intervene on the One-time/Life-time Stall Permits issued by Local Councils

Posted on 03.02.201508.09.2020 by SME Chamber

GRTU has held various discussions with both the previous and present administration regarding the extent of the legal capacity that Local Councils have to grant temporary permits for operators to set up stalls by virtue of the Activities Requiring Permits by Local Councils Regulations (Legal Notice 119 of 2002 as amended).

Regulation 10 within this Legal Notice allows Local Councils to afford a temporary permit specifically for religious feasts and Public Events held in the locality. Specific provisions are even included whereby Local Councils are obliged to give priority in the allocation of stalls during feasts to the sale of Maltese nougat.

It is abundantly clear that the scope of the legislator behind this law was to regulate the temporary stalls that characterise our local religious feasts, not to establish a platform that allows the bypassing of the Commerce Department and the Trade Services Directive altogether.

Nonetheless Local Councils are utilizing this regulation in particular in order to grant long term permits to operators, without vetting tax compliance, which permits are also often extended practically all year round. These result in, for example, the countless vans we see mushrooming near our roundabouts in various localities, particular when nearing special occasions such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day, selling flowers and other items, to the detriment of shop owners that would have been waiting for such occasions all year whilst dutifully paying their licenses, permits and taxes.

GRTU insists that this was clearly not the intention of the legislator when drafting the said Regulations and therefore Local Councils should not be allowed to over reach and extend in this manner. GRTU continues to insist that such abusive practices can no longer be tolerated and the relevant amendments to the law be introduced.

GRTU has already presented its proposed amendments to the Regulations to the competent authorities and discussed them directly with the Minister for Small Businesses, Dr. Chris Cardona. Such amendments would leave no scope for interpretation and close any loopholes that are giving way to abuse. While there is an evident legislative failure that needs to be seen to, the Government is unfortunately dragging its feet on the issue. GRTU is insisting with the Government to intervene in this regard without further delay and stop this unfair competition.

Paul Abela confirmed as GRTU President – GRTU holds successful Annual General Meeting

Posted on 23.01.201508.09.2020 by SME Chamber

GRTU has today held its first Executive Council meeting during which Paul Abela has been confirmed as GRTU Presidentfor the year 2015.

The Executive Council also elected GRTU’s 6 Vice Presidents as follows:

Vice President – Policy and Strategy	Philip Fenech	Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure, Business Consultancy Services
Vice president – Finance and Administration	Marcel Mizzi	E-Commerce, Web & Software Developer
Vice President – Sections	Joan Haber	Manufacturer of Artistic Crafts & Ceramic Goods, Event Organizer, Crafts Council Representative
Vice President – Districts and Localities	Sergio Camilleri	PetrolStation owner, Auto Parts, Auto Dealer, Rent a Car & Panel Beater
Vice President – International Relations	Michael Galea	Auto Dealer, Importer & Repairs, Auto Service Station, Marketing Advisor & Real Estate
Vice President – Training and Development	Mario Debono	Pharmacy Owner, Pharmaceutical Importer, Healthcare IT Provider & Property Developer

Amongst its 18 Council Members, representing diverse economic operators within GRTU, GRTU is this year welcoming two new Members on its Executive Council, Mr Alfred Fenech of Sterling Jewellers and Mr Christian Vassallo of Vassallo Group. GRTU’s Memberson the Executive Council for the year 2015 are:

Azzopardi Emanuel	Laundry & Dry Clean, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
Cutajar Patrick	IT Consultant
Fenech Alfred	Jewellery Importer, Manufacturer & Retailer & Restauranteur
Fenech Azzopardi Therese	Retailer & Manufacturer of Furs & Leather Wear, Importer & Retailer of Swimwear
Galea Stephen	President Socjeta` Vitikultura, Agriculture, Farmer & Vine Grower
Gauci Noel	Renewable Energy, Culinary Products
Vella Josette	Importer & Retailer of Quality Giftware, Furniture and Fine Arts
Vella Salvu	Cargo Haulier (Burdnar), Customs Clearance Agent & Forwarder, Shipping & Travel Agent & VRT
Vassallo Christian	Construction, Real Estate, Elderly Care, Furniture, Hospitality & Catering
Zammit Carmel	Cargo Haulier (Burdnar)
Zerafa Joseph	Hifi, TV & Domestic Electronic Equipment Importer & Retailer

Last Sunday the 18^thof January GRTU successfully held its Annual General Meeting during which Paul Abela made an introduction of what this year meant for GRTU and that even though this was once again a very challenging year it was also a successful year.

In her presentation of the Annual Report GRTU CEO Abigail Psaila Mamo presented an overview of the work undertaken by GRTU in 2014 and amongst other things explained the important wins GRTU achieved during the year:

1. Shift from Eco Tax

Through its efforts for Budget 2015 GRTU committed Government to shift electrical and electronic equipment from Eco Tax to the Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment. This is something GRTU has been insisting on for a number of years and we therefore consider this as a very big win. Much rests on the implementation of this commitment and GRTU will be following it up closely in 2015.

2. Tackling Unfair Competition

Also through its efforts for Budget 2015 GRTU committed Government to increase drastically its enforcement system to tackle the issue of unfair competition. The first action started at the end of 2014 and enforcement will be escalated in 2015. This is another big win for GRTU and GRTU will continue monitoring implementation in 2015.

3. Access to Finance

Thanks to GRTU’s efforts the authorities, the banks and other entities started offering cheaper financing options for SMEs and the Government committed to implement GRTU’s request to have a development bank. This is just the tip of the iceberg however GRTU is confident that the situation will continue to improve during 2015. This especially GRTU has convinced the MCCAA to investigate GRTU’s claims. The investigation will be conducted during 2015 according to the priorities identified by GRTU and its members.

4. Valletta Shop Scheme

GRTU successfully renegotiated the original Valletta Shop Scheme that would give an increased and longer title of lease to tenants. GRTU will continue negotiating on this Scheme in 2015 so that it ensures a high take-up.

5. Reduction in Excise duty on Tyres

GRTU has successfully negotiated a better deal for importers of large tyres, from what was announced in Budget 2015, by convincing the authorities to introduce a cap on larger tyres as well as better payment terms for the excise due. GRTU estimates that the change negotiated will result in a 50% reduction in excise due from importers of large tyres.

6. Smart card compensation

GRTU won a reimbursement for owners that have purchased a smart card machine during 2013 and 2014 in view of the change in policy. The reimbursement is capped and GRTU will be in charge of administering the reimbursement process in 2015.

7. Stalling increases in port charges

GRTU has so far successfully managed to stall further increases imposed by the VGT. Pressure to increase the charges is however constant and GRTU is ready to escalate its action.

8. Online directory by MCA

As part of the E-Commerce strategy GRTU proposed the setting up of an online directory and this was set up by the MCA. This we feel is a first important step in making the online world more accessible and to small businesses.

9. Sections

2 new sections have joined the GRTU in 2014 and the GRTU has reached an agreement that safeguards the livelihood of Gas Distributors for the years to come.

10. PVPFS and GRTU Approved Schemes

In 2014 GRTU was able to quantify the final results and benefits reaped from the Schemes that emanated from the PV Section. GRTU regards both Schemes as success stories which it will seek to replicate in other areas and sections. GRTU waits expectantly to see the GRTU Approved recognized on a national level in 2015.

Members present for the AGM were also given the opportunity to raise any issues and some members expressed their concern on the current high fuel prices. They emphasised that coupled with the high licensing fees on commercial vehicles, these were heavily decreasing the competitivity of Maltese enterprises.