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Category: Press Releases

Balance and Sensitivity should be our priority to survive the current crises – Initiatives for Valletta are not events

Posted on by SME Chamber

“Initiatives for Valletta are not events”

Valletta businesses have had a very bad year due to Covid, much worse than that experienced in any other locality. A good number have had to close and let people go. Calling it a day is a very hard decision, and the repercussion of such decisions and being very underestimated today. Waking up not having a job to go to is a very harsh reality with devastating effects on the person and the family.

The Capital city is ideal for many reasons during the current times. It has large open-air spaces and in total Valletta covers a significant area. People are still finding ways to enjoy the outdoors and Valletta is currently safe and under-utilised. Highlighting this function of Valletta and giving the families, seeking to enjoy some quality time safely, a small token of encouragement in terms of free parking is very balanced and sensitive in the current times.

Hopefully a solution through the vaccine is fast approaching and one will be able to return to an increased level of normality, however in the meantime we must be balanced and sensitive to avoid severe repercussions.

People want to go on living their life safely and it is the duty of the Government to provide such a space with the best possible conditions to do so. It is also the duty of the Government to sustain Valletta and private operators in this great time of need.

No Notte Bianca or event-like activity was announced yesterday. Some Christmas lights and kids choir can hardly be referred to as an activity, let alone an event. The Health Authorities have been consulted and there are clear protocols that must be followed. Apart from this everyone has his own responsibilities to follow and the authorities have their important function to address anyone acting in disregard. A few bad apples cannot steal away everyone else’s enjoyment of the Christmas spirit.

Needless to say the SME Chamber is categorically against any irresponsibility and breach of health regulations. Health and the economy are not against each other. Quite to the contrary they go hand-in-hand and we will continue being against any attempts to upset this balance from either side.

Balanced efforts by government to help Valletta Business and save Christmas welcome

Posted on by SME Chamber

Visitors to Valletta will be able to enjoy free parking

 

2020 has changed life as we know it and adapting has proven very hard for everyone, including businesses. Valletta establishments have been hit very hard by the pandemic being very dependent on tourists and cruise liners.

Valletta is having to reinvent itself to survive the crises and make the most of the opportunity it has to showcase the gem it is.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs therefore welcomes the support of the Tourism Ministry, the MTA, the Valletta Cultural Agency and the Ministry for Culture for accepting our views on the matter, in representation of the business community in Valletta, and supporting with key measures that will constitute the necessary lifeline for Valletta.

Valletta has during the recent years undergone a massive regeneration process and today it not only houses top brands and exquisite eateries but it is a true destination for its visitors.

With its large open spaces, beautiful architecture and museums, Valletta will be an ideal spot to get into the Christmas spirit while following safety protocols. Valletta will offer the necessary safe outing many families are hoping to enjoy this festive season.

Visitors to Valletta will be able to enjoy free parking on the following days:

– 27th November (Black Friday)
– 8th December (Feast)
– 13th December (Feast)
– 19th December – 1st January

The capital city will be beautifully decorated once again this Christmas. Apart from this however, visitors will also be able to enjoy a number of regular activities taking place at different areas in Valletta, making the experience even more memorable.

SME Chamber CEO Abigail Mamo stated that ‘Christmas is too much of an important period to be missed and that this initiative strikes the right balance between adapting to the new normal and staying safe while still enjoying life.’

Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli emphasized on the importance to sustain industry in these difficult times and that this certainly includes Valletta as the main tourism hub. With a 50,000 investment by the MTA, the government will be boosting local tourism for the capital.

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef stated that Covid will not kill Christmas and while following the full health protocols the initiative intends to still deliver Christmas to families and visitors, in a bit of a different, yet still beautiful and very enjoyable way this year.

 

Licensed boat operators join the Malta Chamber of SMEs

Posted on by SME Chamber

A group of licensed boat operators that operate non-scheduled charters and pre-booked trips around Malta and Comino have joined the Malta Chamber of SMEs for formal representation in a bid to address recent serious events that are threatening their sector’s livelihood. Transport Malta, the Minister for Transport and the Prime Minister have been informed accordingly.

As per a concession granted through the Comino Ferry Tender and later communicated via Port Notice 1/2020, Transport Malta planned to replace the service offered by numerous small operators that have been in this business for decades. The Malta Chamber of SMEs will be defending the right of these operators not to be sidelined by a single player and consequently keep their place in the market.

Being operators duly licensed by Transport Malta itself, it is highly unjust that the same authority did not involve the already existing and operating players with the drafting of its strategy and instead forged ahead with its drastic, potentially unconstitutional plans that have a direct and clear impact on their business operation. The way the tender was issued also raises serious doubts on its legality in terms of public procurement rules. The move is also deemed to pose a breach under competition law.

The operators have sought redress in front of the Maltese Courts and the Public Contracts Review Board.

Meanwhile, implementation of Port Notice 1/2020 and the Comino Ferry Tender have been temporarily blocked from moving forward. This Port Notice unequivocally states that “In terms of the agreement, the Authority (Transport Malta) will be granting the Operator the exclusive right to provide scheduled passenger ferry services by sea on the route between the coastal area covering Cirkewwa South Quay to Marfa, Malta and the landing places found therein, and the berthing facilities and landing places in Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay in Comino at all times. The Authority shall not authorise other passenger ferry operators to provide the same and/or similar services with the same rights on this route”

On meeting the Chamber of SMEs, the operators explained how they felt cheated that indications given by Government led them to believe that the request would be for a service that would complement theirs and not seek to push them out of the market. Most operators are family businesses that have been long operating and feel they are being pushed aside by an authority that has granted exclusive use of public land to accommodate one large player.

As a Chamber of SMEs, we condemn such an approach from an authority that should use its powers to protect small operators and the best interest of Malta at large. As a Chamber we see no valid reason for the need for such a concession, giving the exclusive right of use being grated to the select company and only bidder through very poor procurement practices.

As a Chamber of SMEs, we have already repeatedly signaled the authorities about the numerous malpractices our members have been experiencing in public procurement. No stone will be left unturned and we will demand that the authorities and those responsible shoulder full responsibility for their actions.

A link to the port notice may be found here.

Malta Chamber of SMEs launches a new image for 2020

Posted on by SME Chamber

“GRTU REBRANDS, MARKING A MILESTONE IN ITS 70 YEAR HISTORY”

The Malta Chamber of SMEs is today unveiling its new name and visual identity. We are positioning the organisation to reflect the modern and contemporary SME representative body it truly is today. Changing its name from the renowned ‘GRTU’ was a necessary step for the organisation to visibly reflect who it represents and how it evolved beyond just retailers and traders to all of Malta’s economic sectors, being micro, small and medium enterprises.

The SME Chamber is the longest standing business representative and has today grown to become the largest by representing SMEs from all economic sectors operating in Malta.  Our services have increased and diversified to cater for the needs of our members and the changing times.

Our new name reflects our wider representation and thanks to EU funding this is being complemented by fresh branding and an outreach strategy that will help spread information about the effectiveness and value of social dialogue.

The President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, Mr Paul Abela, said that the organisation has been always very vociferous and always spoke freely in the interest of Maltese businesses and the national interest. ‘We have done this irrespective of who is in government because our interest is solely the national interest and as a result that of our members’.

A study undertaken recently with the general public has confirmed how the majority of respondents feel that the organization speaks for the national interest, showing wide appreciation for the important role the organization plays in today’s social, economic and political scenario.

Malta Chamber of SMEs CEO, Abigail Mamo, stated that Malta’s business demographic in terms of diversity of sectors operating in Malta has evolved greatly over the years. The service industry has grown exponentially and many new refined and value adding sectors have entered our economy in recent years and this is reflected in our membership base. ‘With these new sectors joining us we have also developed new services to cater for their needs. Our brand reflects the enterprises we represent and how our own organisation has grown along the years. With our new brand and further service development we are ready to take on the opportunities and challenges facing our members in 2020 and the years to come’.

Malta Chamber of SMEs congratulates Stefano Mallia on being elected President of the Employers’ Group

Posted on by SME Chamber

Malta Chamber of SMEs congratulates Stefano Mallia on being elected President of the Employers’ GroupHeartfelt congratulations to Stefano Mallia on his well deserved appointment.

Mr Mallia has been active in the EESC, representing Maltese employers, for the last 9 years. During this entire time, he has worked close to us as an organisation and has truly succeeding in delivering Europe to Malta and giving Maltese employers a voice in this important forum.

The European Economic and Social Committee is a very important institution being the voice of organised civil society in Europe. It is a reflection of what MCESD is in Malta. It is therefore instrumental and essential to our function as social partners.

As an SME Chamber we have also supported his candidacy and we express our pride on behalf of Maltese SMEs in having a Maltese national and a business person occupy this important position.

We are certain that more positive things will come to Malta and Maltese Businesses with Stefano Mallia’s appointment.

A budget and economic mismatch for SMEs

Posted on by SME Chamber

Even though this year’s budget had a number of somewhat positive points, the GRTU had expected     much more for Small Businesses (SMEs).

GRTU does not feel that businesses should be grateful for no increase in taxes. Businesses were one of the main contributors that generated the economic growth and surplus we are enjoying today. This time, they were also the ones left out from government’s wealth distribution plans. In the current economic scenario, GRTU had expected a reduction in corporate taxation and the reversal of the harmful excise tax, amongst other things.

GRTU welcomes positive incentives such as the extension of the MicroInvest scheme and commitments to further reduce bureaucracy as well as the increased enforcement to ensure a level playing field. These are measures that have now become commonplace in every year’s budget. One will need to see what these will actually and tangibly result in.

We appreciate that the environment is high on government’s agenda, which is positive. This must however be accompanied by proper consultation in order to foster the right synergies with the private sector.

It appears that the government is taking our positive GDP trends for granted with no new incentives to continue stimulating the economy. GRTU is surprised that out of the 13 proposals it presented none have been adequately addressed.

GRTU is amongst others alarmed that the biggest challenge facing businesses today, the lack of human resources, was not even given a mention in this year’s budget.

This budget is populated by numerous minor proposals, none having the aggressive approach we desired to address specific issues. A case in point is traffic congestion with pages explaining minute solutions and nothing strong enough to really make a difference.

Traffic situation unacceptable – crisis needs immediate action

Posted on by SME Chamber

 

The traffic situation has become unbearable and unacceptable. The GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs has been inundated by members’ concerns from across widespread business sectors that the alarming situation is not just one of frustration and 
tardiness, but profitability and competitiveness. Justifications
related to infrastructure and discussing long-term possibilities have long expired.
 
 
GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs and its members have invested time and resources to consult, discuss
and put forward proposals to the authorities responsible for transport and traffic management.
Proposals that have time and time again been left on the shelf. GRTU’s approach was always to discuss
around the table but this has not achieved anything close to desired results of improvement.
 
The situation is affecting business across the board and the lack of effective planning and effective
implementation are resulting in each and every one of us paying the price. Chauffeur-driven transport is
choosing not to operate during specific peak times, transport and delivery costs are plummeting due to
inefficiencies caused by heavy traffic, customers are giving up driving to go shopping, and workers are
becoming less efficient per day of work due to time wasted in traffic.
 
The expectation for drivers and businesses to be patient with the traffic situation and accept the status quo should not even be considered. Tangible actions need to be taken imminently.
 
GRTU is calling for the authorities to take immediate action. Immediate action points to alleviate the
traffic crisis:
 
1. Private Collective Transport – Free for all schools, organised transport for all government
employees and immediate outlay of incentives for employers to organise private collective
transport for their own workers.
 
2. Enforcement Overhaul – Local Wardens and TM Officials need to be brought hand-in-hand with
traffic police. Aim of giving out fines needs to be completely and irreversably replaced with
coordinating and assisting traffic at all times but more surely during peak traffic. Emergency
teams need to be closer to peak areas to immediately address any traffic collisions with
minimum impact on flow of traffic. Smart application of intelligent transport systems such as
traffic lights and screens which are currently either under-utilised, used to fine, or deteriorating
rather than supporting traffic, need to be enhanced and adapted to support and manage traffic
flows . A Crisis Traffic Team needs to be set up to take immediate action, monitor daily if need
be, implement decisions and review decisions according to traffic impact and situation.
 
3. Change in Attitude for Public works and Closures – Projects with national impact such as the
Kappara Junction Project need to have works undertaken round-the-clock without further
excuses. This project is a major burden on traffic and every hour wasted from its completion is a
disservice to the country. There is so much work that can be undertaken during the night and
weekends to reduce the overall detailed project timeplan, which to date has not yet been
provided to GRTU. Zero allowance of public/maintenance works or part-/full- closures by any
public entity to allow permits during peak hours.
 
4. Immediate implementation of Car Parks/Park and Ride options – GRTU has been pushing for
under-utilised areas to be used as park and ride zones offering key parking areas and shuttle
service towards hub areas, such as the Gzira Stadium. Car Park development need to be
incentivised and given priority and Planning Authority level.
5. Shift towards staggering hours, online services, work-from-home and flexitime –government has
to lead by example. Departments across the board need to imminently adapt a work-from-home
approach during specific hours and staggering working times of employees. It cannot be
sustainable for everyone to drive towards Valletta at the same time because this is what has
always been done.
 
GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs is calling for immediate actions that can in any way alleviate or mitigate
traffic. This situation is seriously effecting operation and merely accepting that school has started is not
enough. GRTU shall be seeking to address this matter immediately directly with the Prime Minister.
Issued for immediate release – 8th October 2016
 

GRTU dubs reformed warden system a cosmetic exercise – calls on decision-makers to go back to drawing board

Posted on by SME Chamber
GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs calls for an urgent overhaul of the local enforcement system. Despite wide consultation in 2014 and updates to the law to establish the Local Enforcement System Agency (LESA), the sorry situation remains unchanged. 
 
This is reflected in the lack of consideration to those working on the road to conduct deliveries or transport passengers, amongst others. Productivity is already affected by growing traffic and lack of parking. Irrational fines continue to hinder rather than improve the situation. 
 
The starting point for devising and implementing enforcement needs to be based on the reality of those whose livelihood depends on the road, where a regular day for delivering perishable goods or driving tourists to catch their flight, are such that traffic causes constant delays. Delivery-persons conduct difficult goods-carrying work often in undesirable weather conditions in both summer and winter. The service needs to be effected as close to destination as possible. In a constant battle against time, local wardens need to be there to support and not to reap on the traffic and parking situation by issuing of senseless fines. 
 
GRTU reiterates that even though parking abuse needs to be addressed, the lack of parking spaces and the related exigencies should not be abused of by wardens to issue fines irrationally. Gozo Tourism Association (GTA) and Gozo Business Chamber have accused wardens of ‘irrational decisions’ over Santa Marija weekend. There needs to be serious consideration of the impact of such approach in terms of tourism and competitiveness. Blatant issuing of fines in what is possibly the busiest day for external and internal tourism alike in Gozo is insensitive to say the least.
 
Solutions need to be found on a broad level and to this extent GRTU welcomes Transport Malta’s move towards setting out a Master Plan and Transport Strategy for the whole country, to which GRTU has put forward a document with concrete proposals. This however does not tally with how the local enforcement system is operating in practice.
 
Being flexible and practical are key. Whilst abuse should not be tolerated, parking for a few minutes in places where there is no inconvenience or obstacle should be allowed and guided by local wardens rather than fined. Unloading and boarding bays need to be respected. 
 
We should look at a system which educates first-time offenders and punishes frequent offenders. The private operator needs to invest in training of those engaged in wardens to communicate effectively, educate and give directions instead of simply issuing fines, which is at times accompanied by arrogance. Local wardens need to understand the importance of their role when aiding during traffic diversions and road closures and have to be seen acting accordingly. 
 
Most of all setting up of agencies that control enforcement needs to be tied with government self-financing rather than leaving it up to the operation itself to finance the authority or enforcement. Enforcement cannot be driven by the need to collect funds but rather towards understanding, educating and ultimately improving the situation. The goal is not to issue more fines, but to provide a better service to the community.
 
This matter shall be presented with specific measures in GRTU’s proposals for the upcoming National Budget.
 

An ever-improved fair through GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs and Fiera il-Kbira agreement

Posted on by SME Chamber
An agreement of cooperation signed between GRTU Malta Chamber of SMEs and Il-Fiera l-Kbira promises successful organization of the nation-wide fair. The aim of the collaboration focuses on improving quality and standards whilst reflecting evolving practice that can serve business exposure and benefit consumers alike. 
 
The long-term agreement is an echo of collaboration in the past years between fair organizers and GRTU as an organization representing the interest of businesses. GRTU’s involvement is set to upstage an already prominent important event on Malta’s commercial calendar with plans to solidify the fair and ensure that its full adherence to regulations and improved level of quality give an even better showcase to consumers in the years to come.
 
GRTU President Paul Abela stated that “it was important for GRTU to safeguard the interest of its many members exhibiting at the Fiera l-Kbira and thanks to GRTU’s intervention a significant amount of resources invested, both in terms of time and money, have been saved from waste and harm to business. Fairs serve an essential economic purpose and are an important platform, especially for the smaller businesses seeking increased exposure to the consumer.” 
 
The management of il-Fiera l-Kbira said that although the fair has always been controlled by several rules and regulations, formal collaboration with an organization with the standing of GRTU will directly result in the strengthening of quality and standards, increasing the success of the fair for the benefit of everyone involved. 
 
Just like the previous two editions, this third edition of il-Fiera l-Kbira is expected to attract a crowd of over 100,000 visitors.  
 
The Fiera l-Kbira will be held at Montekristo Estate between the 7th and 17th of July 2016.