Business First, the first one-stop-shop for businesses in Malta, will be opening its doors to business, literally, with the aim of facilitating the day-to-day operations of Maltese enterprises while simultaneously supporting their growth.

Operated by Malta Enterprise at its new premises at the former Institute of Health Care in the grounds of the former St Luke’s Hospital in Pietà, Business First will be offering over 50 different services, currently being provided by various government departments and entities, under one roof − saving time and money for business operators, and in the process, and at the same time, allowing them to focus more on running their business instead of cutting through red tape.

The policy context behind the initiative is clear: SMEs are the backbone of the economy, with more than 35,000 SMEs representing more than 99 per cent of local enterprises.

Between them, SMEs employ nearly 90,000 workers and contribute over 70 per cent of the national added value.

Yet, as also evidenced by a survey carried out among almost 200 respondents by MISCO International on behalf of Malta Enterprise, SMEs often find it difficult to gather clear information on the services they require and what formalities need to be taken care of.

By providing authoritative information and assistance on services offered from under one roof, Business First is expected to prove particularly useful for SMEs and even more so for start-up companies, which often have the extra burden due to their lack of familiarity with the business environment.

In addition, Business First will also help its clients register these formalities and apply for the services from one centralised location.

The services will also be available to existing companies, irrespective of their size or sector in which they operate. Among others, these will be able to obtain information and guidance as well as apply for the vast range of schemes and support provided by Malta Enterprise.

To fulfil its commitments − which among others include a stipulated delivery timeframe that in most cases does not exceed 10 working days − Business First has entered into a number of service agreements with various departments and entities.

That means services such as those related to employment, VAT, tax, utilities, visas, licensing − including several tourism-related licenses − will be provided through Business First.

The full list of services is available at www.businessfirst.com.mt, and a helpline has also being set up on telephone number 144.