Over 150 women participate in a successful women in business event

Organised by SME Chamber and SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with SHE: Social Hub Entrepreneurs organised a successful Women in business event at the breath-taking interior of Teatru Manoel, a half day event full of value entitled “Creative Diversity: Empowering Business through inclusion and innovation.

The all-women event featured 2 panel discussions which addressed the International Women’s Day 2024 theme “ Inspire Inclusion”, the first panel tackled “Innovative minds: Cultivating creativity for business success” and the second panel focused on “Building Bridges: Embracing diversity for Business innovation”.

The panellists discussed creativity in business and inspired attendees with their own stories.

The event included a stimulating creativity Workshop run by Take//Two and included entertainment by Soprano Dorothy Baldacchino accompanied by Concert Pianist Veronika Heinle and The New Victorians.

Attendees networked over a delicious breakfast spread by Neriku Catering featuring Tettiera speciality teas and a wholesome lunch spread by Neriku Catering accompanied with a variety of FINA Sicilian wines.

Special thanks to our main sponsors, Melita, Joi Gaming, FIMBank plc, FINA Wines, Mvintage, People & Skin and Zero Bubble.

€150,000 Research Fellowship Scheme launched

MCAST and the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR) in partnership with Malta Chamber of SMEs launched the Research Fellowship Scheme.

The aim of the scheme is to provide financial support for Research Fellowships fostering joint Research & Innovation Projects between economic stakeholders and MCAST
By encouraging the exchange of expertise and resources, the programme seeks to contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of Malta’s educational and financial sectors.

The scheme shall be providing a maximum €150,000 financial aid for research projects and each researcher will benefit from up to a maximum of 30,000 Euros.

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation Keith Azzopardi Tanti explained how, “This scheme created through consultation with the Malta Chamber of SMEs not only proves our dedication to academic excellence but also highlights the innovative collaboration between academia and the industry. We are providing financial aid for Research Fellowships to create a dynamic ecosystem where knowledge and resources guide the growth of our educational and financial sectors aimed at fostering economic growth. Together, we can embark on a transformative journey where schemes like this one guide collaboration, and advancements which will help Malta move forward toward excellence in research and innovation.”

At MCAST, research and innovation significantly advance knowledge and address real-world challenges. The College is actively involved in various research areas and initiatives, showcasing a commitment to academic excellence and practical solutions.

Read more via the link below:

Speaking during the event launch MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja said, “At MCAST collaboration with the industry has a central role, as it helps advance innovation, solves practical problems and unearths knowledge in diverse areas. Fostering a culture of excellence in research together with the industry helps the College contributing toward quality education and the betterment of society. This new fund will help us move forward. MCAST is not only an educational institution but also a centre of creativity, and progress”.

The Applied Research & Innovation Centre (ARIC) oversees research projects, planning, monitoring and evaluation. The Centre’s annual Research Expo has become a prestigious yearly event highlighting and showcasing applied research that generates new knowledge, solves real-world problems, facilitates learning processes, and fosters collaboration for disseminating findings and solutions.

The National Employee Engagement Survey: A study that offers invaluable insights into the sentiments of employees across various industries

A first of its kind – The misco National Employee Engagement Survey is a study that offers invaluable insights into the sentiments of employees across various industries in Malta, providing a comprehensive overview of their workplace experiences, perceptions of corporate culture, and overall job satisfaction.

Employee engagement needs to be considered as an important pillar of success for organisations. It goes beyond mere job satisfaction, impacting productivity, innovation, and ultimately, the economic growth of the country.

When employees feel engaged, they are more likely to invest themselves fully in their work, leading to increased productivity. This dedication translates into tangible results, driving businesses forward. Moreover, engaged employees are key drivers of innovation. By fostering a culture where ideas are freely exchanged and collaboration is encouraged, organisations can tap into the creativity and problem-solving skills of their workforce. Employee engagement is not just about business success; it is also about the well-being of individuals. Engaged employees tend to experience higher levels of job satisfaction. On the other hand, disengagement can lead to burnout and stress, negatively impacting both the individual and the organisation.

Recognising the growing demand among companies for comparative data on employee engagement within the local market, misco is able to provide employers with a benchmark to assess and enhance employee engagement within their organisations. The survey covers employees’ perception of overall corporate culture, trust and team spirit, communication at work, their relationship with management, the work environment and wellness, opportunities for work-life balance, skills and abilities, learning and development. Organisations can utilise this insight to benchmark their current engagement and identify areas where they excel or need improvement.

The survey revealed several key findings. Firstly, a significant majority of respondents (85%) felt a strong connection between their work and their company’s outcomes, demonstrating a sense of purpose among employees. Additionally, an overwhelming majority (89%) understood the company’s core values, indicating alignment with its mission. However, demographic trends showed slight variations in work prioritisation based on gender and age, with males and older employees exhibiting slightly higher levels of prioritisation. The findings suggest a generally positive work environment, with employees feeling connected to the company’s mission and values.

The survey findings indicate that employees prioritise factors such as salary, working conditions, and opportunities for growth when considering employment options. However, communication within the workplace emerged as a notable area for improvement, with only 40% of employees feeling adequately informed about matters directly affecting them.

When considering growth and development opportunities within companies, there appears to be a disconnect between perceived support from employers and actual experiences. While most respondents believed their company provided adequate support for career development, fewer felt that their workplace actively promoted staff retention. Furthermore, concerns regarding job stress and workload were prevalent, particularly among employees in leadership roles and those with longer tenures. Despite these challenges, a significant proportion of respondents had not actively sought alternative employment in the past three years.

These findings highlight the importance of effective communication within organisations. Clear and transparent communication fosters trust, engagement, and a sense of belonging among employees. Additionally, it is important for employers to bridge the gap between perceived and actual support for growth and development. By aligning organisational practices with employees’ expectations, employers can enhance retention rates and create a more positive work environment.

Reflecting on the survey’s implications, it emphasises the importance of fostering an engaged workforce and creating a contributing culture. Employers are encouraged to leverage the survey data as a reference point and leverage this insight as a nationalbenchmark facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing overall job satisfaction.

The misco National Employee Engagement Survey offers valuable insights into the dynamics of the Maltese workforce. By addressing communication gaps, providing supportive work environments, and offering opportunities for growth, we can further enhance employee engagement and drive organisational success.

Get your copy by following this link – https://miscomalta.com/business-advisory/business-reports-tools/

*Sponsored article by Misco Malta

SME Chamber part of MCESD delegation in Brussels

Malta Chamber of SMEs Deputy President Mr Philip Fenech was part of an MCESD – Malta Council for Economic and Social Development delegation in Brussels visiting the European Economic and Social Committee and other EU institutions to discuss the most important issues currently on the EU and national agenda.

SME Chamber holds a consultation meeting in relation to the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Malta Chamber of SMEs held a consultation meeting in relation to the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.

Officials from ERA – Environment & Resources Authority explained the discussions taking place at EU level and gathered feedback passed on by SME Chamber members.

During the consultation the  following issues were highlighted:

  • Packaging minimisation and increased recycling targets
  • Providing re-use and refill options to customers
  • Elimination of certain plastic waste through bans
  • Space in outlet devoted to refilling stations and
  • Reporting obligations

For further information or should you wish to follow the consultation recording, kindly contact us on

The first edition of the Malta Consumer Trends – Understanding the Dynamics of Consumer Purchasing Behaviour

Businesses are invited for the 1st edition of “Malta Consumer Trends – Understanding the Dynamics of Consumer Purchasing Behaviour” on 14th March 2024 at Hilton Malta, Portomaso Suite, starting at 8:30 am.

The event is organised and led by the Digital Marketing Consultant Gordon Borg Urso, and the CEO of B2B Malta Limited, Gordon Theobald, who will present exclusive national survey results with insights from a panel of experts.

Consumer trends and the dynamics of consumer purchasing behaviour are fascinating and complex topics that are influenced by a myriad of factors. Understanding these trends is crucial for businesses aiming to develop effective marketing strategies, product development, and customer engagement practices.

The Malta Consumer Trends 2024 event, aims to explore the alignment of Maltese consumer trends compared with the international scenario, shedding light on what impact local consumer purchasing behaviour. By understanding these nuances and adapting strategies accordingly, local businesses can more effectively navigate the ever-changing marketplace and better position themselves for success.

This upcoming event guarantees an in-depth exploration of contemporary consumer behaviour and the prevailing trends shaping the market landscape.

Don’t miss out! Limited to only 150 attendees, 2 panels, and an exclusive nationally representative survey await you.

SME may benefit from a discount by inserting the code: SME2024

Register Today – https://gordon.mt/events/

Supported by: Bolt, Brown’s Pharmacy, ESS, Family Business Office, Malta Enterprise, MeDirect
Official Media Partner: The Times of Malta

SME Chamber organises an information session with the Central Bank of Malta on  Euro banknotes

The Malta CHamber of SMEs in collaboration with the Central Bank of Malta organised an information session on Euro banknotes.

The Session delivered by Mr Alexander Grima, Senior Officer on Currency Services at the Central Bank was aimed to help understand how to detect counterfeit Euro banknotes and coins, thus safeguarding the business in the process. The session included information about the varying security features found in the Euros and the skills and tools utilised to check for counterfeits.

Members interested to follow the recorded session and the presentation may contact Mr Jamie Tanti on

SME Chamber organises an information session about the ‘Bring your own container initiative’

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with Circular Economy Malta organsied an information session in relation to the ‘Bring your own container initative’ (BYOC).

The webinar focused on the initiative benefits for businesses and the environment and the registration process to be part of this initiative.

Click below to view the information session recording.

Should you need further information on the BYOC do not hesitate to contact Circular Economy Malta directly on www.cemalta.gov.mt,  or +356 2226 8200.