Business first to facilitate MEPA services

A representative from the Malta
Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) will be at the Business First office in
Pietà every Friday morning, thereby enhancing the service offered from the
one-stop-shop for businesses, which already gathers more than 50 Government
services under one roof.

While applications will still need to
be submitted directly with MEPA, at Business First clients may check the status
of their MEPA application as well as obtain explanations on the pre-screening
process and on the general parameters of permits for specific developments.

The staff at Business First has also
been given basic training on MEPA procedures in order to be able to provide
basic guidance to businesses throughout the rest of the week.

The addition of the service to Business
First's offering reflects the commitment to monitor and analyse clients'
feedback to see what business services are required and, where possible, start
offering such services.

The initial list of services was also
based on a survey among 200 enterprises which amongst others asked what the
major issues of concern for local enterprises are and what services are
expected from such a one-stop-shop facility.

Amongst others, Business First already
provided services related to the Legal Entity Establishment, Employment
Registration, Registration for Tax purposes, Registration for VAT services,
Residence permits, Licenses including trading and tourism-related licenses, and
applications related to utilities services.

Moreover, through its professional
guidance Business First can help businesses find their way through the various
requirements they need to adhere to, what applications need to be compiled,
what documentation needs to be submitted, and – equally important – where all
this can be done.

By carrying out most formalities under
one roof at Business First, businesses can save time and unnecessary running
around, thereby having the possibility to focus more on their business
operations.

The growth and successful operation of
businesses is also supported through the guidance and provision of Malta
Enterprise schemes and services.

Since its launch in January, more than
3,700 contacts have been made by clients with Business First, which opens on
weekdays between 08:15h and 17:00h, with extended hours until 19:00h on
Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Further information may be obtained
from the dedicated website www.businessfirst.com.mt or by calling the Business
First helpline on telephone number 144.