Author: SME Chamber

A webinar entitled ‘Digital Payment – Addressing Business Concerns’, in collaboration with Bank of Valletta.

On the 5th of November the Malta Chamber of SMEs organized a webinar entitled ‘Digital Payment – Addressing Business Concerns’, in collaboration with Bank of Valletta.

The idea behind this webinar was for members to be able to raise the main issues and concerns, following the recently introduced charges for corporate accounts, on which the SME Chamber was receiving numerous complaints. This mainly concerned charges on coin deposits, use of cheques and transfers.

Mr. Paul Abela, mentioned that during the past months a number of members have approached the SME Chamber to voice their concerns following the introduction of such charges. Mr. Abela mentioned that the SME Chamber has already held meeting with BoV in order to possibly find a solution for specific issues, in particular those where their main business activity depended on coins, such as those operating vending machines.

The Webinar also saw the participation of Mr. Kenneth Farrugia who is the Chief Business Development Officer at BoV who in particular mentioned that customers are more and more opting to use digital payments as opposed to traditional means.
During the webinar, members were offered alternatives available for BoV clients which would drastically reduce the use of cheques in particular when it comes to pay salaries and to pay other suppliers.

A detailed overview was given by Ms. Tonia Naudi who is the Head Multi- Channel & Payments Business Electronic Banking Services at BoV explained the different digital options available, through the use of the BoV app.

As part of a dedicated Q&A a number of members raised the main queries related to the alternative methods available and raised issues they encounter through the use of these alternative methods. Bank of Valletta took note of the main concerns raised and assured members present that the processes will be reviewed internally.

Members who were not able to join, but would like to view the recorded webinar are to get in touch with Fabian Demicoli on

The Malta Chamber of SMEs is currently gathering feedback from members on the difficulties and issues encountered. Feedback received will be sent to BoV for further review. Interested members are to send feedback to Andrew Aquilina via email to;

Famous last words? It won’t happen to my company.

With data fast outpacing oil as the world’s most valuable asset, it’s never been more important to make sure your company’s critical information is secure.

One single breach could cost you more than just the loss of your data. The implications are long and far reaching, from an inability to get your company back online, a huge and sudden expense on expert resources, all the way to dealing with reputational damage causing a loss in business and severely impacting your bottom line. Your data could even be held ransom.

Hacking is a predicament that over 52% of global companies have now experienced.

With the onset of Covid-19, businesses across the globe have been pushed at a phenomenal pace to become wholly reliant on sturdy IT systems and a remote infrastructure. In this increasingly connected world, your customers de-serve the right strategic security solution. Because cybercrime that impacts you, is a threat to them too.

77% of global organisations are not ready for a cyber security incident. And if they succumb to one, it can take any-thing up to 6 months to detect.

Don’t become the statistic. Take action now.

Penetration Testing

Test your tech for vulnerabilities. Knowing your company’s weak spots in advance gives you time to effectively secure your data infrastructure.

Phishing as a service

Your staff might be your weakest link. Test their ability to spot and flag phishing emails, before they accidentally open the door to hackers and your data.

Cloud Security Assessment

Migrating to the cloud is an arduous task. Security might be the last bullet point on your migration checklist, or even left completely out in favour of operability. Assess your cloud infrastructure and identify your security holes before malicious attackers do.

Cyber Awareness Training

Lower the risk of human error. Give your staff the knowledge and the power to stop cybercrime in its tracks by show-ing them the latest threats and teaching them how to be the first line of defence wherever they are – even if working remotely.

Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

Put your company’s infrastructure in a resilient position, with this view of your infrastructure risk land-scape. Assess the specific threats your business’ infrastructure might face and discover the solutions that will ensure your data is protected.

 

Let’s talk.

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Black Friday with the Malta Chamber of SMEs

Once again this year the Malta Chamber of SMEs is organising an official launch of Black Friday and we intend to give as much exposure as possible to local businesses and offers.

This year we will however be more sensitive to Covid and we will also focus on helping consumers plan ahead.

Participating and benefitting from this FREE promotion is very easy. All you will need to send is:

 

• Logo (ideally vector format)

• Sector (types of goods sold overall)

• Locality/ies you are based in

• Dates of Black Friday Offers

• Opening hours on Black Friday

• Offers available online Yes/No

• Delivery service available Yes/No

Kindly send this information on 

A campaign on the benefits of social dialogue

“The Malta Chamber of SMEs was the only entity that contacted us during the pandemic to ask about our needs”

Following the launch of our rebranding in January and the new website in September, the Malta Chamber is now launching a new campaign on Malta’s roads.

Part of a wider campaign supported by EU Funds, the Malta Chamber of SMEs launched a billboard campaign on Monday which shall continue throughout November and December with testimonials by various members of the SME Chamber.
The first two testimonials launch are of Antoinette Doneo, Director at Doneo Co Ltd. stating that the Malta Chamber of SMEs was the only entity that contacted them during the pandemic to ask about their needs, and Tonio Camilleri, CEO of C. Camilleri & Sons Ltd, the oldest company of Camilleri Group, dating back to 1843, saying that without the backing of the SME Chamber, they would not be standing where they are today.

This campaign is an outreach effort that highlights the benefits of social dialogue and that being united with one voice benefits businesses directly.

Other testimonials will be published in the coming weeks.

The Customs Department would like to inform you that the European Commission decided to prolong, by six (6) months, up to 30^th April 2021, the temporary relief for customs duties and VAT (COMMISSION DECISION (EU) 2020/491 of 3 April 2020) on the import of medical devices and protective equipment from third countries in order to help in the fight against coronavirus.

For additional clarification, kindly contact Director Compliance & Systems, Mr Alan Mamo (Tel: 25685110 or email: ).

The A2E Scheme has been re-designed to make it simpler to benefit from Employment Aid.
The A2E Scheme is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), the Maltese Government and the Employers.
This Scheme is manged by Jobsplus and falls under Malta’s Operational Programme II of the ESF – ‘Investing in human capital to create more opportunities and promote the wellbeing of society’ for the 2014-2020 Programming Period. Under this scheme the Beneficiary is being co-financed for the wages of its employees through the European Social Funds.

The Aid Scheme offers €104 (or €155 for persons with disability) weekly for 52 weeks, 104 weeks or 156 weeks (depending on the employee).

Complete applications must be submitted by the end of September 2023 and recruitment must take place by end  of October 2023. Grant will be awarded on first-come first-served basis, subject to the annual ceilings and total budget.

Complete applications, together with all supporting documentation (if any) must be submitted in full. Applications are to be submitted electronically on

Application form may be downloaded from here.

For more information click here.