Malta Chamber of SMEs

Consultation: Administrative instrument on the protection of workers from extreme weather conditions

Posted on 28.01.202605.02.2026 by SME Chamber

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) is consulting on a new Administrative Instrument designed to legally mandate safety protocols for all outdoor workers, including self-employed individuals and those in construction, transport, and landscaping—during extreme weather events, defined as Red Alert warnings or Force 9-10 gale winds.

This Administrative Instrument will apply to work carried out outdoors, including, but not limited to, construction work related activities, maintenance, civil engineering, landscaping, work at heights, maritime activities, road works and any other activities involving work undertaken outdoors.

The proposed rules establish a strict three-phase approach:

Pre-Storm Preparedness: Duty holders must have a dedicated contingency plan, secure all loose infrastructure (scaffolding, cranes), and identify vulnerable workers before bad weather hits.

During the Event: There is a mandatory cessation of all outdoor activities; works on roofs and temporary structures must stop, lifting equipment must be secured (cranes left free to slew), and electrical sources isolated.

Post-Storm Recovery: Work cannot resume until the weather alert is lifted and a thorough site inspection confirms that structural integrity and safety controls have been restored.

The full document can be found here

Members wishing to provide feedback are kindly requested to submit any feedback by Wednesday 11th February at noon by sending an email to .

SME Chamber presents landlords’ committee Proposals to Partit Laburista

Posted on 24.01.202603.02.2026 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs’ Landlord Section met with the Partit Laburista Chief Executive Officer Mr Leonid McKay and Head of Communications Ms Norma Saliba to present the position paper developed by the SME Chamber in collaboration with its landlords committee. The paper aims to promote fair and balance between landlords and tenants.

Click here to view paper

Malta Chamber of SMEs and CNA Ragusa sign trade agreement facilitated by Virtu Ferries

Posted on 23.01.202603.02.2026 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs has entered into an agreement with CNA – Associazione Territoriale di Ragusa, facilitated by Virtu Ferries, aimed at strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Malta and Italy.

Through this collaboration, members of the Malta Chamber of SMEs and CNA Ragusa will benefit from enhanced opportunities for the free movement of goods and services between Malta and Sicily, while fostering new commercial partnerships and business growth.

This agreement builds on Virtu Ferries’ long-standing role in connecting the two countries through its daily scheduled fast ferry service between Malta and Pozzallo, the commercial port of the Province of Ragusa. The service operates as a Regular Shipping Service in line with European Commission regulations, ensuring reliable and compliant maritime connectivity.

As part of the initiative, Virtu Ferries will make available its 24,000 square metre logistics hub currently under construction in Pozzallo, along with the Sicily Business Centre located at the Sea Passenger Terminal. These facilities will provide vital infrastructure to support cross-border trade and business development.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Malta Chamber of SMEs and CNA Ragusa will work closely together by sharing expertise, resources, and support services for their respective members. The collaboration will also promote synergies between Maltese and Ragusa-based enterprises, including assistance in accessing European Union funding opportunities.

This partnership is expected to encourage new commercial links, joint ventures, and startup initiatives, delivering tangible benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises in both Malta and the Ragusa region.

Invitation to De La Salle Senior School Careers Day – Wednesday 11th March 2026

Posted on 22.01.202605.02.2026 by SME Chamber

De La Salle Senior School is preparing to host its annual Careers Day, an event designed to inspire students as they explore future career opportunities and begin shaping their ambitions for the years ahead. Taking place on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, between 8:30am and 1:30pm, the Careers Day will once again bring together students, parents, professionals, institutions, private companies, and NGOs under one roof at the school gym.

Building on the success of previous editions, parents are warmly invited to attend alongside their sons, providing guidance and support as they navigate important decisions about their future career paths. Throughout the morning, a steady flow of approximately 120 students and between 100 and 160 parents per hour is expected to visit the event.

The Careers Day will feature a wide range of stands hosted by professionals from diverse industries and walks of life, offering students the opportunity to engage directly with experts, gather information about different professions and educational institutions, and ask questions in an informal and interactive setting. This hands-on experience encourages students to broaden their horizons, explore new possibilities, and gain valuable insight into the working world.

The success of the event relies heavily on the generosity and participation of parents, alumni, local organisations, private industry, and non-governmental organisations, whose involvement helps create a rich and meaningful experience for students.

Participants are kindly requested to be present between 8:30am and 1:30pm; however, any time dedicated to supporting this initiative will be greatly appreciated. De La Salle Senior School looks forward to welcoming attendees once again and extends sincere thanks to all those contributing their time and expertise.

Those wishing to participate are invited to register through the following link:
https://forms.office.com/e/WuKciwntCg

Over 200 participants attend SME Chamber – MTCA Tax Webinar

Posted on 21.01.202603.02.2026 by SME Chamber

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with MTCA, organised an informative webinar focusing on the newly introduced tax rates and income brackets, which attracted strong interest from the business community, with over 200 participants in attendance.

The session provided members with a clearer understanding of the changes and their potential impact on businesses and individuals, allowing for an engaging discussion throughout. Special thanks are extended to MTCA officials, in particular Mr Lydon Farrugia and Mr Noel Agius, who delivered detailed presentations, shared practical insights, and took the time to address questions raised by participants, ensuring a valuable and interactive learning experience for all those who joined.

New Funding Opportunity – CYberSynchrony – open until 1st March

Posted on 08.01.202603.02.2026 by SME Chamber

The latest Open Calls from the CYberSynchrony project, funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe programme. These calls aim to support projects that strengthen cybersecurity across NIS2 sectors. The calls opened on 01.01.2026 and will remain open until 01.03.2026 (17:00 CET).

A total budget of €3.55M in grant funding is available under this project through three (3) different open calls, with the following participation formats available:

• Calls 1 & 2 accept single SMEs or small consortia (of 2–3 participants) with an SME as coordinator for consortia.

• Call 3 accepts only consortia of 2–3 participants.

Each project may benefit up to Eur200,000 in funding and must have a duration of 8 months.

Who can apply: SMEs & start-ups, research organisations, universities, non-profits/NGOs, public authorities, and cybersecurity professionals.

If you would like more details, including the application process, please visit: cybersynchrony.eu/open-calls/.

For further enquiries, CYberSynchrony may be contacted via the official Contact Us form: cybersynchrony.eu/contact-us/.

Expression of interest – Free Occupational Health and Safety training for SMEs

Posted on 03.01.202603.02.2026 by SME Chamber

Following the 2026 Budget measure, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) will expand its training programmes to help SMEs strengthen workplace safety compliance and awareness. These training sessions will be offered free of charge.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with OHSA, is currently conducting an expression of interest for a series of courses planned for delivery to SMEs. Your input in this very brief questionnaire will help shape the courses to better meet the needs of your business.

We encourage you to participate and share your feedback.

Click here to express interest

Maltese furniture importers meet MEP Peter Agius to discuss unfair practices

Posted on 19.12.2025 by SME Chamber

Following a request by Member of European Parliament Dr Peter Agius, the Malta Chamber of SMEs hosted a meeting with its members at the Malta Chamber of SMEs offices in Floriana to discuss unfair practices affecting Maltese furniture importers.

During the meeting, members outlined the challenges they are currently facing and described the realities of the present market situation. Participants highlighted issues related to competition, pricing pressures and regulatory imbalances, and engaged in an open discussion aimed at identifying possible solutions and recommendations for further action.

On behalf of the SME Chamber, the meeting was led by Council Member Dino Fino.

Malta Chamber of SMEs President Paul Abela re-elected as Director of SME United

Posted on 19.12.202519.12.2025 by SME Chamber

SMEunited elects Davide Galli as new President

Malta Chamber of SMEs President Mr Paul Abela was re-elected as Director of SME United during its General Assembly which was held in Brussels.

SMEunited, is the European association of crafts and SMEs in Europe with around 65 member organisations from over 30 European countries. SMEunited is a recognised employers’ organisation and European Social Partner and acts on behalf of crafts and SMEs in the European Social Dialogue and in discussions with the EU institutions.

Mr Paul Abela thanked everyone and stated he’ll keep on working for SME’s at this European platform.

During this meeting Davide Galli was elected as the new President of SME United. Mr Galli said “I am dedicated to regulatory simplification as main driver for the competitiveness of our companies”.