Malta Chamber of SME
- Founded
- 1948-01-01 in Malta
- Headquarters
- Floriana, Malta
The Malta Chamber of SMEs is the largest representative body for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Malta, founded in 1948 as the General Retailers and Traders Union. It represents over 7,000 members across more than 90 economic sectors, from retail to financial services, and serves as a key social partner in national policy-making. The Chamber advocates for business-friendly policies, reduces bureaucracy, and provides daily support including legal advice, EU funding guidance, and networking. In 2020, it rebranded from GRTU to reflect its expanded remit. Headquartered in Floriana, the Chamber organises the Malta Business Awards and runs the IMPACT project on mental health and financial literacy. It is registered as an EU transparency lobbyist. The Chamber's leadership includes President Paul Abela and COO Andrew Aquilina.
Detailed Review
History and Background
The Malta Chamber of SMEs (formerly the General Retailers and Traders Union – GRTU) was founded in 1948 by a group of retailers seeking a unified voice. For over seven decades it has grown into the largest business chamber in Malta, now representing more than 7,000 members spanning over 90 economic sectors. In January 2020, the executive council unanimously approved the name change to the Malta Chamber of SMEs, reflecting its broader scope beyond retail and trade. The organisation is headquartered in Floriana and operates as a non‑political, non‑governmental employer association.
Representation and Advocacy
The Chamber is a primary social partner for SMEs, sitting on national bodies such as the Malta Council for Economic Development (MCESD), the Planning Authority, and Malta Enterprise. It actively engages with government, regulators, and EU institutions, registered as an EU transparency lobbyist under ID 151792427812-95. Its advocacy focuses on reducing bureaucratic barriers, promoting private enterprise, and shaping policies that support sustainable business growth.
Services and Products
The Chamber offers a suite of support services structured around representation, business support, and member benefits. Daily services include legal and employment advice, tax compliance assistance, and guidance on EU funding schemes. Members also gain access to discounted services through partnerships, such as payment solutions via Trust Payments. Notable initiatives include the Malta Business Awards, co‑organised with Malta Enterprise, which in its 2026 edition features 20 categories. The IMPACT project (Inclusive Mental Health Practices and Community Transformation), funded by ESF+ 2021‑2027, promotes financial literacy, mental health awareness, and inclusive workplace practices. The Chamber also provides digital accessibility audits to help members comply with the EU Accessibility Act.
Recent Developments
The Chamber has been vocal on modern challenges including digital transformation, sustainability mandates, and post-pandemic economic pressures. It has partnered in the Digitalise Your SME grant scheme, offering up to €128,400 for machinery and equipment with an AI top‑up from July 2026. The CEO role saw a transition in 2025 when Abigail Agius Mamo departed after 10 years; no successor has been publicly named as of the latest available information. The Chief Operations Officer, Andrew Aquilina, handles day‑to‑day operations.
Governance and Leadership
The Chamber is governed by an elected President and an Executive Council. Current key figures include President Paul Abela and COO Andrew Aquilina. The organisational structure does not include typical C‑suite roles such as CFO or CTO, as it functions as a non‑profit membership body. The Chamber relies on membership fees and project funding for its operations.
Key Products
Trust Payments Partnership
Discounted merchant payment solutions for members.
Green MT
Subsidiary focused on environmental compliance and waste management.
Representation & Advocacy
Lobbying on behalf of SMEs at national government entities and EU level.
Business Support Services
Tailored advisory for licensing, EU funding, business planning.
Malta Business Awards
Biennial awards ceremony recognising SME excellence, co-organised with Malta Enterprise.
SME Barometer
Quarterly economic survey and sentiment index for Maltese SMEs.
WEEE Malta Limited
Subsidiary managing waste electrical and electronic equipment compliance.
Business First
Subsidiary providing enterprise support and incubation.
Membership & Representation
Core service: lobbying on national fora, social dialogue, advocacy for SME interests.
Payment Partnership (Trust Payments)
Exclusive payment‑solutions offering for Chamber members via acquiring.com.
Business Performance Survey
Published with Misco; tracks SME sentiment, costs, investment.
EU Accessibility Act Guidance
Advisory publications helping members comply with the EU Accessibility Act.
Business Services
Legal and employment advice, business support helpline, EU funding assistance.
Green MT / WEEE Malta / Malta Energy / Business First
Affiliated entities in which the Chamber holds stakes.
IMPACT Project
ESF+ funded initiative (2021‑2027) promoting financial literacy, mental health awareness, and inclusive workplace practices.
Digital Accessibility Audits
Compliance‑focused audits for member websites to meet EU Accessibility Act (EAA) standards.
Business Support Helpline
Daily legal, employment, and EU funding advice for members.
SME Voice Policy Platform
Lobbying and representation through national and EU fora, including the Malta Council for Economic Development (MCESD), Planning Authority, and Malta Enterprise board.
Offices & Headcount
20 employees (approx.)
Key Persons
Andrew AquilinaChief Operations Officer (COO)
- Paul Abela
President
Abigail Agius MamoChief Executive Officer
Philip FenechDeputy President