Category: Articles

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), and with the participation of Identità and Jobsplus, organised a well-attended webinar addressing the latest updates on the recruitment of Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), including developments related to SkillsPass 2.

The webinar attracted over 185 participants, reflecting the strong interest among employers and stakeholders in understanding recent regulatory changes and procedural updates impacting the engagement of foreign workers.

During the session, representatives from ITS, Identità and Jobsplus provided detailed insights into the revised processes, compliance requirements and the implementation of SkillsPass 2. Participants were guided through key updates affecting recruitment procedures, documentation and employer obligations, with practical clarifications aimed at supporting businesses in navigating the evolving framework.

The interactive format allowed attendees to raise questions and engage directly with the respective authorities, ensuring greater clarity and transparency on the subject.

Through initiatives such as this, the Malta Chamber of SMEs continues to support its members by facilitating access to timely information and fostering constructive dialogue between businesses and public entities.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with KPMG Malta, recently hosted a series of EU Funding Information Sessions which confirmed a growing trend: interest among small and medium-sized enterprises in EU funding opportunities continues to increase.

The sessions attracted strong participation from businesses eager to explore available schemes and incentives. Digitalisation initiatives emerged as the area generating the highest level of interest, reflecting the ongoing drive among SMEs to enhance efficiency, competitiveness and innovation through technology. Significant attention was also given to funding opportunities supporting investment in machinery and equipment, staff training and upskilling, as well as business advisory services.

The sessions were led by KPMG Malta’s Public Sector and EU Advisory team in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs. Attendees were provided with a comprehensive overview of currently available EU funding programmes, practical guidance on eligibility criteria and insights into how businesses can successfully apply and benefit from these opportunities.

The agenda featured expert contributions from representatives of KPMG in Malta, the Malta Chamber of SMEs, and Malta Enterprise, offering participants a well-rounded perspective on funding support mechanisms. The event concluded with networking sessions, allowing attendees to engage directly with experts and fellow business leaders.

Through initiatives such as these, the Malta Chamber of SMEs remains committed to supporting businesses in accessing funding opportunities that drive growth, innovation and long-term sustainability.

During a meeting with Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, we discussed opportunities for European funding to support digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects for SMEs. The aim is to help small and medium-sized enterprises accelerate the adoption of new technologies, strengthen their competitiveness, and enhance their capacity for innovation in an increasingly digital economy.

Malta Chamber of SMEs officials met with Commissioner Maria Luís Albuquerque, responsible for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union, at the European Commission Representation.
The discussion focused on the European Commission’s priorities. The SME Chamber delegation included President Mr Paul Abela, Deputy President Philip Fenech and Head of Policy Mr Jamie Tanri.

Following collaboration and support by the Malta Chamber of SMEs with OHSA, the Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector has announced the launch of the application process for the free Health and Safety Training Programme offered by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).

Free Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Awareness Course:
This course provides structured Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) awareness training to organisations, entities, and small and medium-sized enterprises. It consists of an 8 hour programme combining general OHS awareness with sector-specific training, covering legal obligations, hazard identification, risk assessment, and practical risk prevention measures.

The training is delivered through interactive sessions at OHSA premises, at participating organisations’ premises, or online.

The course is targeted at company administrators, policy managers, project leaders, OHS officers, and employees responsible for OHS within their organisation.

You are invited to register by downloading and completing the application form available here.
Once completed, kindly submit the form directly to OHSA at: .

We encourage you to take advantage of these free training courses. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr Fabian Demicoli at 

The Malta Chamber of SMEs together with the Childcare Centre Providers Association (CCPA) welcomes the renewed free childcare scheme service agreement signed following discussions with Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment and Jobsplus.

The SME Chamber positively notes that Government has understood the sector’s main concerns and priorities, particularly the need to focus on maintaining quality service within childcare centres and ensuring staff retention, which formed the basis of the agreement reached.

Mr. Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs said: “This agreement provides more certainty for operators and allows childcare centres to focus on delivering a high-quality service while keeping experienced staff within the sector.”

CCPA President Mr Simon Zammit stated: “Childcare providers have been facing challenges, especially when it comes to retaining qualified skilled staff. CCPA welcomes the Government’s willingness to recognise these realities and work with us towards practical solutions that protect quality.”

The Malta Chamber of SMEs and CCPA thanks the Government, Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Jobsplus and the Public Sector for their cooperation and commitment and willingness to reach an agreement for the benefit of the government, service providers and more importantly families benefitting from this scheme.

The SME Chamber together with CCPA remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure a strong, sustainable and quality childcare sector in Malta and Gozo.

The Sustainable Development Directorate announces that the ESG Platform is live. In case you have not done so already, kindly register on the Platform here: https://esgplatform.gov.mt/login/. Once registered, you will be given login credentials so that you can start filling in the 2024 ESG Report.

 Furthermore, kindly also note that Malta’s Sustainable Development Action Awards have just been launched. These Awards have been established to recognise, promote, celebrate and reward individuals, NGOs, businesses, academic teams and public institutions/bodies that are leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices with the aim of increasing economic, social and environmental sustainability. More information can be found here: https://sustainabledevelopment.gov.mt/sd-action-awards/. In case you are a locally registered private company and are interested in applying for the ESG Positive Impact Award, you can submit an application here: https://sustainabledevelopment.gov.mt/sd-action-awards/esg-positive-impact-award/.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with Misco has published the results of its latest Business Performance Survey 2025 – SME Barometer®, providing key insights into the challenges and performance of businesses operating in Malta over the past year. Conducted between 8th and 21st January 2026, the online survey gathered responses from 351 businesses across various sectors, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the SME landscape.

Turnover shows modest growth, but pressures persist

When compared to 2024, 43% of businesses reported an increase in turnover during 2025, while 31% stated sales remained the same, and 26% experienced a decrease. This reflects a slight improvement compared to the previous year.

Businesses that saw increased sales attributed growth mainly to:

• Increased brand presence and improved marketing efforts

• Better sales strategies such as promotions and offers

• Price increases driven by external factors

• Diversification and changes in business models

Meanwhile, those with stagnant or declining turnover highlighted:

• Rising operational costs

• Increased competition

• Reduced customer spending power

• Labour shortages

• Inflation and global uncertainty

Profitability remains largely unchanged

Despite fluctuations in sales, profitability levels remained broadly stable:

• 39% reported profits remained the same

• 35% indicated they were less profitable

• 26% experienced higher profitability

This suggests that rising costs are absorbing much of the revenue growth seen in

parts of the business community.

Wage costs and imported goods drive price increases

Among businesses that increased prices in 2025, the main contributing factors were:

• Employee wage and salary costs (59%)

• Higher cost of imported products (40%)

• Increased overheads excluding wages

• Transport and freight costs

• Rent and regulatory compliance expenses

Festive season underperformed for many businesses

The festive trading period proved challenging:

• 44% of businesses saw a decrease in sales compared to the previous year

• 30% remained the same

• 26% reported an increase

The strongest sales day was Black Friday on 28th November (28%) folowed by

Christmas Eve (23%).

Growing concern about Malta’s direction

Survey respondents expressed increasing frustration regarding the overall business

environment. A significant number feel that Malta is not moving in the right

direction, citing:

• Unfair competition and illicit trading

• Rising bureaucracy and compliance costs

• Lack of enforcement against non-compliance

• Overpopulation and insufficient infrastructure

• Governance and transparency issues

Key Observations

The Malta Chamber of SMEs highlighted several ongoing issues affecting

businesses:

• Persistent labour shortages and difficulty attracting skilled workers

• Delayed payments negatively impacting SME cash flow

• Rising costs putting pressure on profitability

Recommendations to Improve the Business Environment

Based on the findings, the Chamber recommends:

• Strong action against unfair competition to ensure a level playing field

• Simplification and centralisation of compliance processes

• Better alignment of labour migration policies with market needs

• Increased transparency and anti-corruption measures

• Improved planning and communication of infrastructure works

• Rapid implementation of fully digitised government processes to reduce

bureaucracy.

During the Press conference Mr Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs said that while some businesses recorded growth in 2025, many continue to face significant challenges, particularly rising costs, labour shortages, and increasing bureaucracy, all of which need to be urgently addressed.

Misco Director Mr Lawrence Zammit said that the business sector believes it can continue to create wealth, but it needs support in order to be able to keep going.