GRTU reaches agreement with Enemed on a wider distribution of Super Unleaded Petrol – RON98

Following a meeting held earlier this week with Enemed Chairman Kevin Chircop, GRTU presented its arguments as to why the Unleaded Super Fuel should be distributed widely amongst fuel stations and therefore the stations interested should be given the opportunity to sell the new product.

GRTU is pleased to announce that following this meeting an agreement was reached whereby all fuel stations that express their interest in selling the

 Super Unleaded Petrol will be supplied as soon as the necessary preparations are completed from the fuel stations’ end.

A list of the fuel stations that would like to be supplied with the Super Unleaded Petrol has already been passed on to Enemed.

GRTU and its members have the same interest of Enemed, of pushing the new product and have it effectively penetrate the Maltese market.

GRTU would like to thank Enemed for accepting GRTU’s arguments and providing equal access to all fuel stations. GRTU also thanks Minister Konrad Mizzi for his intervention in the matter that was instrumental in facilitating discussions and finding an amicable solution.

GRTU working on ameliorating health and safety standards for entertainment establishments

There is no question of whether improvements in the safety standards of entertainment establishments across the islands are necessary or urgent.

The current scenario that we have on our hands today was created by a 

number of contributing factors emanating from the industry, the authorities and also, to a certain extent, the individuals that frequent these areas of entertainment.

Most of what we know today is no news but realization about the real underlying issues were brought about by an unfortunate incident that shook the country and placed everyone in a sudden state of urgency. The reactions have been immediate and in certain cases rash, but everyone needs to take his own responsibilities with regards to the current state of affairs. Pointing fingers will only cause further deterioration and will not contribute to the vision we collectively aspire to.

What is of paramount importance is that the areas that are mostly frequented by our youths are safe. But let us not fool ourselves into thinking that this starts and ends with stricter compliance on the establishments. The security issues that exist require a wider approach that necessitates that all the stakeholders work tightly together.

GRTU has brought the main parties together to initiate dialogue and consultation. This we believe will address both the immediate issues and also help us reach the medium to longer-term goals we should aspire for in the future.

The reality is that tourism is a main contributor to Malta’s GDP and while safety can never come second to anything, a sudden aggressive and blanket approach can harm the industry that is a main tourist attraction significantly.

The goal must never change but there are different ways how to get there. The quick and rash can be shortsighted.

In a dialogue session organized by GRTU with Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela, the Minister stated that while we need to send a serious enforcement message on Paceville, to succeed all stakeholders involved including the private sector must act in unity.

This followed another meeting organized by the GRTU between the MTA and the private operators related to compliance issues and licensing.

From the sessions held it became evident that both the industry needed a better understanding of the laws they are subject to and how they can comply and also that the regulatory framework needs clarifying and strengthening.

Through these meetings, GRTU is enhancing the effectiveness of a platform which sees policy makers and the people that work on the ground, working together to understand each other’s realities and devise a way forward.

Underage youths

GRTU feels that Government has so far only tackled the easiest way out by drastically increasing the fine on the establishment when underage youths are found inside. GRTU once again believes that the responsibility must be a shared one.

From a regulatory aspect, the licensing regime is in need of an overhaul because, for instance, while underage youths cannot enter a nightclub, they can enter a bar as long as it doesn’t serve alcohol.

There is also an issue of controlling demand. A deterrent needs to be placed at both ends, not just on the establishments that are trying to keep underage youths out but also on the underage youths themselves that are trying to get in. Both need to have something at stake and made to carry the responsibility of their actions. This we believe will be much more effective.

Self-regulation

The industry has not been indifferent. The incident itself served as a wake-up call for many entrepreneurs in the leisure industry, lending to a new wave of self-regulation. Self-regulation does not mean doing away with neither regulation nor inspections but it focuses on empowering those that need to comply with the laws with the necessary knowledge, skills and resources to be successful in their daily business activity.

GRTU believes that, even though important, enforcement is both difficult and costly. A self-regulatory approach would lead to fewer requirements for enforcement and the industry and the authorities  would work closer together.

Upgrading security measures

GRTU is helping the industry explore new avenues that would help them in their compliance and minimize human involvement and error though the automation of systems. This would not only greatly help the industry in coping with the influx of people and being better able to control the numbers more effectively but also help the authorities with issues such as headcounts, etc…

GRTU sets up Transport Lobby Group

GRTU has over the past years represented various sectors of trade which are directly or indirectly related or affected by issues of transport and logistics. Rather than complaining, GRTU has in 2015 taken an active stance by bringing together the various types of operators involved. Over the past months this has proven to provide hands-on expertise from those who are 
constantly operating on the road – knowing the ins and outs of the situation, and ultimately being able to provide solutions. 
 
GRTU is bridging the concerns to find common solutions that can be brought forward and implemented both for the short-term and the long-term approach – something which will not only benefit business but our economy and society as a whole. 
 
Our representation includes, amongst others:
  • Chauffeur-Driven
  • White Taxi Service
  • Coaches (Unscheduled Bus Service)
  • Cargo Hauliers
  • Express Freight (such as Courier Delivery Service)
  • Airfreight Forwarders
  • (Essential) Goods Distributors (such as Gas, Milk, Bread)
 
Through this Lobby group GRTU has presented a comprehensive set of proposals during 2015 to the Ministry for Transport. Below is a summary of what was presented:
  1. Stronger consultation and planning to mitigate unnecessary burdens such as closing off periphery projects, widespread awareness of closures and diversion routes, and devising acceptable diversion routes for the duration of projects. 
  2. Traffic has to be channeled to secondary roads to reduce clogging where possible. 
  3. An ongoing stock-take of possible improvements and suggestions in various localities, including Paceville, Swieqi, San Gwann/Kappara, Qormi, Marsa, St Venera, Zebbug, Luqa.
  4. Authorities that close roads need to communicate and coordinate together in practice. 
  5. A Driver on Delivery Card similar to the Doctor on Call concept needs to be considered.
  6. 24/7 Use of Roads and Off-Peak Times (Road works, landscaping works, waste collection and other)
  7. Widespread Educational Campaign
  8. Enforcement that ensures Loading bays are not left occupied, buses use the appropriate bus-stop stations and upgrading subways
  9. Clearer understanding of the use of the newly installed Priority Lanes so as to ensure full usage by chauffeur-driven cars, white taxis, buses, coaches, motorcycles and even private vehicles carrying three or more passengers. 
  10. Increase of Boarding / Loading Bays in key areas such as business hubs (Valletta, Sliema, Paola, B’Kara, etc.). 
  11. Unused parking facilities and private parking facilities need to be put into use. It no longer makes sense to have development getting away with not planning adequate parking facilities. 
  12. In view of the previously announced logistics hub concept, one may even consider organized local combined logistics as applicable. 
  13. Incentivizing other methods of transportation rather than using one’s private vehicle needs to be taken from policy to action. This would include for instance increase of sea transport.
  14. Smart Technology Systems would smart parking sensor to advise drivers if parking is available or not to avoid unnecessary traffic and time wasted looking for parking; adaptive traffic signals technology would improve efficiency. 
  15. Encourage employers to invest in parking facilities and joint traffic solutions
  16. The CVA system in Valletta has clearly failed and needs a complete overhaul. All stakeholders involved need to be brought together to steer a holistic revamp of the entire system to address the evident inefficiencies which are definitely not within the original spirit within which it was established. 
 

GRTU’s main achievements in 2015

One of the biggest achievements of the organization during 2015 was the initiation of the abolition of Eco Contribution. After years of GRTU representation and complaining about the inadequacy of the law and its lack of logic, 2015 marked the year that started its abolition. GRTU has spearheaded this change and the journey was not an easy one as we faced 

significant impositions from Government due to the income Government derived from this contribution/tax. GRTU has been following the removal of this unjust tax very closely and there is an understanding that Eco-Contribution will be totally abolished in the coming years.

Another major win for the GRTU concerned its long standing crusade against excessive bank interest rates and charges. GRTU’s efforts have led to more affordable means of financing also through alternative sources that work independently of the banks as well as the Micro Guarantee scheme, another product that was developed by Malta Enterprise thanks to the efforts of the GRTU. 

Following insistence pressure by GRTU an investigation was carried by the MFSA as the regulator and the MCCAA as the competition authority that confirmed what GRTU has been arguing against for many years. The investigation focused on the bank’s level of profits, risk rating policies, financial literacy, interest rates and charges.

In 2015 GRTU has won EU funds to the tune of Eur 90,000.00, concluding its first ever European Social Funds project. The funds gave GRTU the opportunity to carry out a vast number of activities and reach beyond its usual capacity, increasing the exposure of the organization.

Thanks to this financing GRTU held two very successful conferences, one related to helping SMEs in reaching their online potential and another related to learning about and implementing the Budget measures. GRTU’s work and what it stands for were showcased through audiovisual tools, write-ups in popular magazines as well as tailor made publications. In addition GRTU also developed its first guidebook and online learning facility.

2015 was also a year were Government started taking concrete action against unfair competition. What has been achieved this year is far from being enough however it constituted an important first step because through intense pressure placed by the GRTU, Government’s policy shifted from one where it was arguing that goods coming from Sicily should be treated in the same manner as those coming from Gozo to one that involved a stronger regulatory framework and a degree of enforcement.

In addition, following GRTU’s campaign against the sporadic licensing of ‘occasional sellers’ Government abolished the exemption threshold of Eur 7,000. This will place the authorities in a position to be able to carry out checks that were impossible with the exemption.

GRTU’s sections have also been very active during 2015 and one of the most active and dynamic sections was the Renewable Energy Section. GRTU has successfully reached an agreement with Government in relation to the allocation of land for PV investments by the private sector. This will help Malta reach its EU 2020 targets and will help the sector through the supply of additional work that is not related to the schemes issued by Government. GRTU will be coordinating the project through a Public Private Partnership.

Apart from working relentlessly for the betterment of its members GRTU has also worked to improve the organization itself. In 2015 GRTU was awarded the Equality Mark by the National Council for the Promotion of Equality. This award is testament that GRTU is an equal opportunities employer and that its employment and working practices are gender neutral and fair.

The application process involved the development of an equality and sexual harassment policy, appointing an employee as an equality representative and implementing family friendly measures and work life balance options.

GRTU has this year also returned to printed media through its collaboration with the business journal – The Executive. This helped GRTU in widening its reach through an already established distribution network and a professional publication. The feedback received on the publication is very positive.

 

The GRTU Executive Council took the bold decision to relocate its headquarters, for the first time placing the GRTU in a position of directly owning the property it operates from. This we believe will drastically increase the value of the organization.

GRTU successfully holds its 67th Annual General Meeting

‘GRTU is going through a phase of renewal’ – Paul Abela, GRTU President
 

The 2015 AGM was held on Sunday the 17th of January at the GRTU Headquarters in Valletta. During the meeting GRTU CEO Abigail Psaila Mamo provided a detailed overview of GRTU’s 2015 Administrative Report.

The Administrative Report showcases the work carried out by GRTU during 2015. Amongst others it outlines the top achievements of the organization during the year, the multitude of issues that GRTU has touched with and work with specific sections.

The achievements of the organization during 2015 were many, ranging from the long awaited abolition of eco contribution, a step forward with regards to bank interest rates and charges, successfully winning and completing an ESF project amongst others. A more detailed overview of GRTU’s achievements for 2015 can be found on page x or on GRTU’s website.

During 2015 GRTU has also spearheaded a number of important issues for businesses placing them on the national agenda.

Amongst the most prominent for 2015 was GRTU’s request to reduce electricity prices for SMEs. This was one of GRTU’s main proposals for Budget 2016 where GRTU boldly requested a reduction of 30% in the cost of electricity for SMEs, and this was over and above the 25% that was given by the Government earlier on in the year.

GRTU’s claim gathered significant support from the other leading social partners as well as the opposition. GRTU intends to continue with its claim and representations on the issue in 2016 with the aim of winning a better deal for businesses when it comes to the cost of electricity.

Other important issues GRTU dealt with in 2015 were the Maternity Leave Trust Fund that led to GRTU being on the Board that would distribute the funds to the private sector, this we believe will ensure timely disbursements. GRTU was also very vociferous in its objection to the relocation of the Valletta Market and took concrete and constructive action on the issue of traffic in Malta through the creation of a new lobby group that brought together the main stakeholders in the industry.

GRTU President Paul Abela closed the meeting saying that GRTU is today the main stakeholder representing SMEs in Malta and the GRTU is going through a phase of renewal where we are reinforcing the principles and mission of the organization while at the same time looking ahead and exploring new avenues that can enhance the service GRTU provides to its members.

Mr Abela thanked the GRTU Council for the time they invest in the organization to improve the working environment for the sectors they represent and the GRTU staff for their relentless efforts and dedication. 

GRTU and MCA launch tools to facilitate the advancement of Maltese SMEs in the digital world

The Malta Communications Authority and GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs have today launched a number of tailored tools that will proactively increase the number of businesses in Malta that have an online presence and are able to compete online.

GRTU President Paul Abela stated that competition from the internet is one of the biggest concerns and challenges faced by Maltese businesses today. 

“It is a phenomenon that businesses need to adapt to and GRTU is pleased to be working hand in hand with the Malta Communications Authority to supply Maltese businesses with the necessary tools that will enable them to compete online”. Over a 100 foreign companies have registered for the Maltese VAT through the MOSS system to be able to sell to Maltese consumers and pay the Maltese VAT rate.

As part of a wider project financed by the European Social Fund (ESF) GRTU has not only identified the gaps that are holding businesses back but it has also developed learning tools to address them.  Thanks to ESF funds GRTU has developed a guidebook and an online learning tool, both aimed at upskilling businesses. These tools can help businesses go online for the first time as well as further develop and improve their online presence to be more effective and competitive.

Following the launch of the National eCommerce Strategy last year, the MCA Chairman said that MCA continues with its commitment to facilitate the uptake in eCommerce by ensuring that traders have the necessary means to capitalise on opportunities brought about by eCommerce. The MCA is cognizant that in today’s increasingly connected society, it is becoming ever so important for companies to develop and manage an effective online channel, especially in view of the fact that although 69% of businesses claim to have a website, only 14% were selling online in 2013, with the remaining sales occurring mainly through traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

It is therefore becoming critical for traders to be able to find the right expertise and support when setting up an online store or extending their business online. To this end, the Authority has re-visited the eCommerce guides for business, which it had launched some years back, and incorporated these in a website together with the online directory, BLINK,  so as to provide traders with a more comprehensive and practical reference tool. The eCommerce Guides for SMEs’ website is purposely designed around a number of categories reflecting the different phases that are usually required to set up an online shop. It features information related to legislation, website planning, online security issues, electronic payments, customer service, amongst others.

Hon Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth, Hon Jose Herrera stated that ‘The national strategy for electronic commerce, that was ambitiously launched last year, is addressing the challenges through a number of measures that are spread on a six year period. First and foremost and without any doubt however, every enterprise needs to assess in great detail how this reality affects them. Therefore, the Malta Communications Authority and the GRTU are today jointly launching a package of information tools that will help enterprises undergo the necessary change. The guides are made available free of charge and provide enterprises with the necessary resources so that they can capitalise on the opportunities that electronic commerce brings. Through these guides we need to assist those industries where electronic commerce presents real opportunities for development and expansion.

Joint statement by the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security and GRTU

The private sector’s role to raise standards in Paceville is pivotal

“We need to send a serious enforcement message on Paceville, but to succeed all stakeholders involved including the private sector must act in unity”, This was stated by Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela during a meeting held with the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises in Malta on the issue of the amelioration of Paceville entertainment zone and surrounding areas.

The majority of entertainment operators in Malta and Gozo were present for the meeting including a high number of owners of establishments in Paceville. 

“Government is committed to see immediate improvements when it comes to the issue of safety and security in Paceville”, Hon Abela told those present. He noted Government is currently reviewing regulations that permit a stronger regulatory framework marking clearer responsibilities, for enforcement in the area of health and safety. The increase of fines as a deterrent which is currently under review was also discussed. 

GRTU Tourism President Philip Fenech said that GRTU was working closely with private operators to raise standards in the sector. “Together with the authorities we are taking a constructive approach and making advancements” said Mr Fenech. He noted that through these meetings, GRTU was enhancing the effectiveness of a platform which sees policy makers and the people that work on the ground, working together to understand each other’s realities and devise a way forward.

The private operators raised a number of concerns that they encounter. Amongst the challenges mentioned were the anomalies in the licensing regime and the difficulties with fake and stolen Identity Cards. Others remarked the unlevel playing field created by one off events and by some establishments that are utilised for entertainment purposes but fall within a different licensing category. The need to strengthen the training of a number of security personnel was also pinpointed. 

GRTU stated that this meeting followed the one held recently with the Malta Tourism Authority related to licensing and compliance. In this meeting, they were represented by Tourism President Philip Fenech and CEO Abigail Psaila Mamo. Accompanying the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela was Mr Joe Bonello, Policy Advisor 

GRTU and MTA initiate wave of communication efforts targeting the hospitality and leisure industry

A number of operators representing the majority of entertainment establishments in Malta and Gozo have yesterday attended a communication meeting related to compliance and higher standards organized jointly by the GRTU and the MTA.

The meeting was chaired by Philip Fenech, GRTU President for the Tourism

 section, and it was addressed by Paul Bugeja, MTA CEO, David Mifsud, Licencing and Enforcement Director and Charles Burlo, Head of Monitoring Board for Health and Safety in places of entertainment and GRTU CEO Abigail Psaila Mamo.

The aim of the meeting was of helping operators in the sector attain higher standards by explaining compliance and licensing legislation and having a constructive exchange of views on the issues the operators face on a day-to-day basis.

Amongst other things a number of important issues were discussed including the presence of under age youths in places of entertainment, the capacity of the establishments, evacuation and drills, fire safety and juvenile delinquency.

The GRTU and the MTA and the operators are stepping up their efforts in time for the festive season to ensure that people can enjoy themselves while feeling safe. This is the first of a number of initiatives that are aimed at bringing the main stakeholders to work together for the betterment of the community at large.

Il-GRTU u l-MSBCA jesprimu l-preokkupazzjoni taghhom fuq l-izviluppi dwar ir-rilokazzjoni tal-bejjiegha tal-monti

Il-GRTU u l-Merchants Street Business Community Association (MSBCA) illum laqqgħu lis-sidien tan-negozji li jinsabu  fi Triq il-Merkanti, Valletta u dan in vista ta’ l-aħħar żviluppi dwar ir-rilokazzjoni tal-bejjiegħa tal-monti.

Is-sidien tal-ħwienet ta’ Strada Merkanti filwaqt li jirrijaffermaw li għamlu investiment ta’ miljuni ta’ ewro fil-ħwienet tagħhom u dan sabiex itejjbu l-

livell tan-negozju tagħhom, ma jistgħux jiġu issa f’pożizzjoni li l-investiment tagħhom jixxejjen.

Jifhmu li anke il-bejjiegħa tal-monti iridu jaqilgħu l-għixien tagħhom u huwa għalhekk illi qed jipproponu li l-bejjiegħa jerġgħu imorru quddiem is-Suq tal-Belt propju fejn kienu ftit taż-żmien ilu.

Is-sidien huma ferm preokkupati li numru ta’ franchises li qed joperaw minn Strada Merkanti huma deċiżi li jirtiraw jekk kemm-il darba il-monti jiġi rilokat matul Triq il-Merkanti.

Is-Sidien disposti li jitkellmu u jiddisktu u dan bil-għan li tinstab soluzzjoni.

Malta Chamber of SMEs
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