Author: SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs has held a meeting with the Minister for Finance Hon. Dr. Clyde Caruana in order to voice its concerns on a number of issues relating directly to Banking.

The Main issues highlighted during the meeting where:

Excessive Bank Charges:

The SME Chamber raised its members concerns on the regular increase in bank charges, these mainly relate with cash deposit, cash handling fees, account maintenance and other administrative charges. The SME Chamber highlighted the fact that the main banks in Malta have an obligation to provide basic services, given their dominant position in the Market.

The SME Chamber has reaffirmed its position to follow this issue and seek a workable solution for its members.

Burdensome Administrative and Bureaucratic Procedures.

During the meeting the SME Chamber emphasised that the increase in paperwork and bureaucratic procedures are slowing their productivity and increasing costs for businesses. Although the SME Chamber fully understands that certain procedures need to be in place (especially following Malta’s greylisitng), processes can be improved in order to alleviate additional administrative procedures. Members regularly note that such requirements increase indirect costs and take a toll on business resources, which resources can be put to better use.

General Issues with Banking

Members represented by the SME Chamber in particular Company Service Providers regularly complain on the ever increasing issue to set-up bank accounts for a number of businesses in particularly start-ups wishing to start operation.

The SME Chamber also raised its concern on this becoming more problematic in the coming months in light of the FATF Grey lisiting.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs has called on the Minister for Finance to seek other alternatives and possibly find a long term solution for this ever-growing issue.

The SME Chamber has agreed to keep following the above and other possible issues in the future and keep an open line of communication with Hon. Caruana informing him directly with any developments and any othe issues encountered by our members from time to time.

Keeping the workplace safe without breaching employment and personal data regulations

During our most recent Webinar: Covid and Vaccinations, which was held on the 28th of July in collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) and the Office of Information and Data Protection Commission (IDPC), we interpreted the requirements of the regulations on employment and personal data in relation to Covid-19 and vaccinations.

This webinar focused on assisting businesses on how to handle situations arising at the place of work.

Both DIER and IDPC representatives replied to issues arising and replying to questions such as: can I force my employees to get vaccinated?, can I ask my employees if they have been vaccinated?, Can I ask employees to carry out routine swabbing?, amongst other questions.

Following this webinar we’ve prepared a few Q and A’s which surely answer most of your questions:

• Can I ask employees to carry out routine swabbing?

The health authorities are already catering for when swab tests are required. In order to ask for additional swab tests, employers should have a very valid reason which goes beyond the general health concern.

• Can I ask my employees if they have been vaccinated?

Employers should avoid collecting personal data of employees. As far as possible therefore, any exchange of information should be done verbally and no records to be kept. At no point are employees obliged to pass on such data unless there is a strong necessity to do so. On the other hand employers may request a doctors certificate confirming that employees are fit to return to work.

• Can I oblige employees to inform me when travelling?

In the same way this was not possible before Covid, it is similarly not possible now. Employees do not need to disclose their reasons to require leave, yer it is at the employers’ discretion to approve it or otherwise. Keeping however also in mind that any leave not availed from would need to be compensated for unless this would be agreed to be carried forward.

There is an only exception when travelling to a red-list country. In that case the travel information must be disclosed.

• Can I retain data and ask for swabs if my employees agreed to it?

Agreeing with employees is always the best way forward and things should always be done in the interest of the collective. Employers however should be aware that in terms of employment regulation this is a very important principle but in terms of data protection, agreement between employer and employee holds much weight. It is therefore still important to act tactfully in terms of data collection and retention.

• If an employer requires to collect data due to specific circumstances?

Employers should start by carrying out a risk assessment and following this consulting with with the Office of Information and Data Protection Commission (IDPC) for guidance.

Members that would like to receive the link to view this webinar should send on email to 

The eBusiness Awards is an annual event that aims to acknowledge uniques and innovative ideas and initiatives

This year marks the tenth-year anniversary of the renowned eBusiness Awards which seek to recognise and celebrate the best of Maltese talent, ambition, and achievement in multiple categories for our digital ecosystem.

The eBusiness Awards have consistently provided a prestigious platform for increased visibility to participants and an excellent means to credit the efforts and unique talents demonstrated by all those involved in the rollout of innovative business initiatives.

In this respect, we encourage businesses to participate and put forward their creations in the technology sphere.

In order to participate in any of the nine categories covering various elements such as eCommerce, start-ups, cloud-based solutions, academic research and eGovernment initiatives, interested participants can access the form through the link below:

https://ebusinessawards.com.mt/nominate/#participate

Closing date for submissions is 12th September 2021.

It’s your time to #ShineAtUM

Join the Master in Creativity and Innovation (full time/part time day) at the Edward de Bono Institute for Creative Thinking and Innovation next October!

Applications are open until 30th September at 14.00 against the University of Malta’s late application fee.
This course is relevant for business owners as it equips them with various competences to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset, sustain their ventures, and stand out from the competition.

These include creative idea generation and problem-solving, opportunity identification, business modelling, and innovation management.
It is open to applicants in possession of an undergraduate degree in any subject from the University of Malta, or an equivalent qualification obtained from any other recognised university.

It therefore attracts local and international students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds.
Eligible students may benefit from a tax credit of up to 70% of the course fees under the ‘Get Qualified’ scheme.
For further details, email , phone 2340 2434, or visit:
Master Full-Time: https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/PMCAIFTT8-2021-2-O
Master Part-Time Day: https://www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/PMCAIPDT8-2021-2-O

Malta Chamber of SMEs encourages business owners to safeguard their mental health

In collaboration between government entities, business representatives and the Richmond Foundation, a mental health assistance service is to be made available.

MENT + is an initiative launched after several businesses recognised the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

The agreement was signed between Malta Enterprise, Business First, Malta Chamber of SME’s, the Chamber of Commerce and the Richmond Foundation, in the presence of Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli.

The MENT+ service will be provided in two ways: firstly, through the website www.mentrepreneurial.com, where training will be provided in the form of short clips tackling topics such as how one can adapt to change, mental health and resilience, amongst others.

Secondly, for those who would like further assistance, the Richmond Foundation will be providing more aid through one-to-one sessions to address further the needs of the individual.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained that during the past months, Business First was instrumental in supporting enterprises, working together with Malta Enterprise. “The pandemic has not only impacted our economy but also the mental health of many people, employers and businesses.

Therefore, with this agreement, we will provide the MENT+ service, to assist enterprises in an effective and realistic way”, said Minister Dalli.

Chief Executive of Business First, Ms Marika Tonna, said that, “Business First has direct experience with businesses and enterprises. During the pandemic, Business First assisted more than 146,000 clients. Apart from the financial assistance provided by the government – such as the wage supplement and other schemes – businesses needed guidance on how to cope with mental health and how to address the changes that were brought about by the pandemic, which impacted employees, clients and businesses”. “One’s wellbeing is not complete if one is not taking care of their mental health, as this will affect productivity and innovation. Therefore, it is crucial to integrate mental health with business.

This service will meet the needs of employers and directors in various businesses”, stated Richmond Foundation Chief Executive Ms Stephania Dimech Sant.

The first of these webinars addresses the EU Climate Law

CORE Platform as a Europe Direct center are producing monthly webinars focusing on EU policy and EU issues that affect the local business community. The first of these webinars addresses the EU Climate Law.

The EU Commission proposes to write the goal set out in the European Green Deal into law. This goal is for all European states to be climate neutral by 2050. An ambitious goal that will require a focused effort from all.

This will be the first Europe Climate Law.

The EU Climate law aims to ensure that all EU policies, contribute towards meeting the goal of climate neutrality by 2050. It seeks to bind all EU institutions and national governments to this goal.

It aims to create a monitoring system to ensure everyone stays on track towards implementing an effective transition towards a fair and prosperous EU society, with a resilient, modern, resource efficient and competitive economy. It aims to ensure that the transition to climate neutrality is irreversible and aims to provide predictability for investors and other economic players.

• What is Climate and Carbon neutrality?
• What are the implications of the EU Climate Law on the Maltese business community?
• What simple steps can local businesses implement to become carbon neutral?
• What help is there for local businesses to become carbon neutral?

These are amongst the questions Dr. Roberta Lepre from CORE Platform, explores with Dr. Marthese Portelli, CEO, Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry; Prof. Maria Attard,  Director of the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development , University of Malta and Dr. Elena Grech, Head of the European Commission Representation in Malta.

Click below to watch.

Do email "> if you would like to be kept up to date with any forthcoming webinars and information sessions or if you would like to ask any questions, or have topics you would like to be discussed in one of their upcoming webinars.

European Commission survey hands 4.9/5 approval rating for Business First

Business First (B1st) has received an almost perfect scoring for its standard of service offered to the business community over the course of the pandemic.

The report forming part of the European Commissions’ Single Digital Gateway shows that queries from all sectors of industry were answered in a timely and satisfactory manner; an overall approval rating of 4.9/5.0 has been achieved.

“The last year and a half have been very challenging for all our staff given the sheer volume of e-mails, calls and enquires we received. As per emails alone during 2020 this stood at 63,421, in-bound phone calls were at 68,526 complimented by 13,831 walk-ins.

“The management team at ME and B1ST is proud of all our officials for going above and beyond and for offering help and support to all entrepreneurs, especially self-employed, family businesses and SMEs” said B1ST CEO Marika Tonna.

It was in 2017 that B1st set itself up as Malta’s one-stop-shop for business in a joint endeavour between Malta Enterprise and the Chamber of SMEs.

A hallmark of B1ST success is an ever-expanding list of Government entities that are providing their services out of its central office in Mrieħel. More recently, B1st teamed up with the Department of Industrial and Employer Relations (DIER) to provide workers with one-on-one customer care services. Under this guidance, entrepreneurs and start-ups can increase their respect and duty toward their workers, observing their rights, and fulfilling necessary obligations.

“Business First is to be commended for its indefatigable efforts in strengthening Malta’s entrepreneurial spirit. Buoyed by confirmation of their examplary work by 3rd parties we look forward to charting and supporting their future success. I join Marika in extending a special congratulatory thanks to all client-facing officials at ME and B1st who have been a point of reference for many during these difficult months”, concluded ME CEO Kurt Farrugia.

August is always a special month that everyone looks forward to. A month for sitting back, enjoying time with friends and family, and making up for the some tiring months during the rest of the year.

For the Chamber of SMEs, August was also a month for celebration with our CEO tying the knot. After over a year of intense work due to the pandemic, the Chamber’s staff and Council had a very welcome opportunity to celebrate this special occasion together.

We take this opportunity to wish you well for your respective summer breaks or well for your work if this is your season, and we look forward to an energised September!