Category: Articles

Through an initiative that is being spearheaded by the Southern Regional Council, the SME Chamber has embarked on campaign to educate commercial entities to abide by the waste recycled schedule for a cleaner and safer environment

Following the introduction of the new regulations on the collection of household waste, as of May 2023, the Regional Councils have included a new provision in order to be able to collect Recycled Waste (Grey Bag).

Although up till recently, the collection of recycled waste for commercial entities was not eligible under such collection, we have held various meeting and put forward complaints on behalf of businesses. Through a new arrangement reached, commercial entities can now dispose of Recycled waste (Every Thursday).

Important: Please note that Recycled waste needs to be disposed of ONLY IN grey bags or in the case of multiple cardboard boxes, these must be flattened and piled together.

The amount of recycled waste that will be collected is not being limited, it is essential that it follows the above directions because otherwise it will not be collected.

Other waste (black bag): Recycled waste and organic waste cannot be placed in black bag. Those caught disposing of such waste in this manner are liable to fines. Only black bags with waste that cannot go in any other bag (recycling/organic) will be collected. The number of black bags cannot be more than what is comparable to a household.

MITA through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCC-MT) has launched CYBER+ALT – Agħżel Li Tipproteġi, a Grant Scheme specifically targeted to locally established SMEs. This Scheme intends to assist by part-financing up-to 80% of the cost for investment that will enhance their overall level of security and resilience, capped at a maximum grant of €60,000.

This scheme is co-funded through the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and National funds (50-50).

The CYBER+ALT Grant Scheme landing page is: https://ncc-mita.gov.mt/cyber-alt whereby one can find all the accompanying documentation including the link to apply.

Click here to download further information Cyber+Alt Grant Scheme .

An Information Session on this Scheme will be held on Friday, 7^th July 2023 between 10:00 and 11:00. Anyone interested can find all details in the respective landing page. This online session is intended to give more practical information on the scheme whilst also giving the opportunity to ask direct questions.

This conference was organised as part of Crosswork project

Applications open until 31 July on maltabusinessawards.mt

Following the success of the first edition, the second edition of the Malta Business Awards is being launched today by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with Malta Enterprise and the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise.

With the launch of the awards, applications opened which will remain open until 31 July.

The launch was carried out by Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli together with Malta Enterprise Chief Executive Kurt Farrugia, President of the Chamber of SMEs Paul Abela and Chief Executive Abigail Agius Mamo.

Malta Enterprise Chief Executive Kurt Farrugia explained that these awards are a tool for businesses to showcase the work they have been doing. We look forward to seeing applications and encouraging businesses to apply. As Malta Enterprise we are very glad to continue supporting initiatives that drive innovation and sustainability in business as we believe this is the way forward.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Hon. Miriam Dalli said that economic growth is driven by the dedication and hard work of enterprises in our country.

“This should also serve as an inspiration for our businesses to be more sustainable, digital, meet the needs of their customers and ensure competitiveness. We want every business in Malta to achieve and exceed its own goals where the services and products offered will be of excellence, which not only serve our country’s customers, but also abroad,” Minister Dalli said.

She continued that the Malta Business Awards serve to show us success stories, where one learns from the other. “Above all they are an opportunity for each enterprise to see how it will improve its service and processes.”

The Chief Executive of the Malta Chamber of SMEs Abigail Agius Mamo urged businesses to apply for the Malta Business Awards by 31st July at www.maltabusinessawards.mt

Agius Mamo explained that companies can apply for more than one prize. It also announced that the first selected companies would be announced on 11 September and the finalists would be announced on 30 October. The final evening will take place on 1 December 2023.

For more information about the Malta Business Awards one can visit www.maltabusinessawards.mt.

4 Sight Group in collaboration with the Malta Chamber of SMEs organised the 2nd edition of Flow 23 – The Digital Transformation Event.

The conference included the participation of over 150 delegates form various sectors to learn about the latest technologies, such as AI and automation, and how they can help businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

Participants had the opportunity to network with other business leaders and learn from their experiences.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs in collaboration with the Customs Department organised a Webinar on the recent changes in Declaration of Non-Harmonised Goods (Excise Duty). 

The Webinar included explanations related to:  

• Process to Register for an Excise Registered Merchant; 
• The new process on the Simplified Customs Declaration Scheme; and
• The new procedure as of 1st of May 2023, the 48 working hours or the 5 working days with regards to when the concession could be submitted will no longer be applicable; 

Member may request the link to view the webinar by sending an email to .

The Malta Chamber of SMEs notes with satisfaction the massive turnout for participation in the Invitation to Bid (ITB) issued by the Energy Ministry via the REWS (Regulator for Energy and Water Services) for the award of financial support for electricity from renewable energy. The participants were bidding for the feed-in tariff rate that Government will give them when they feed the power they generate into the national electricity grid. The proposed projects are all privately owned solar farms that they are planning to build and finance.

Over subscription in this case is a watershed moment for Malta. Malta has really turned a new page in renewable energy production. Clearly, there is investment appetite as well as confidence from Private Enterprise in the future of the country. It is also evidence of the good work being done by the Energy Ministry as well as encouragement for the Ministry to work together with stakeholders such as the Malta Chamber of SMEs to achieve even more.

Of a total of 50MW power generation through the proposed projects, only 19MW will materialize due to capping imposed on the capacity that can be installed. We strongly urge Government to raise the limits imposed so that the remaining projects are green-lit as soon as possible. It would be a pity if these investors lose interest; keeping up the momentum will likely attract new investors which will eventually result in putting Malta on the European renewable energy map. Encouraging more investment, such as this, one will enable the nation to reach its renewable energy targets. Funds currently being spent abroad to purchase energy can instead be diverted to the local economy, Industry and Employers.