3 minute read
Enterprise Europe Network
Despite the new reality which engulfed the 2020-2021 years, the MBB used the pandemic as an opportunity to increase its digital presence, client advisory, business mentoring, industry consultation and publications, among others. This adaption bridged us closer to our priorities as part of EEN, which is that of supporting local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Business Advisory, Support and Internationalisation
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MBB continued to develop numerous opportunities which emerged from the Cork Company Mission organised in collaboration with Cork Chambers, in December 2019. Since then, three dynamic start-ups in the IT industry, under the guidance and mentorship of MBB CEO Joe Tanti, have converged their services into a one-stop-shop. MBB, apart from providing these companies with several business mentoring sessions, has also guided them into forming an official Consortium. Through the EEN, MBB has connected this Maltese IT Consortium with prominent entities from Ireland, such as the Munster Technological University. MTU opened up numerous paths of opportunity for the Consortium – in fact, all three member start-ups acceded into the IT@Cork Cluster, connecting with over 220 technology companies in Ireland. MBB is confident that in joint efforts with the MTU and Cork Chambers, it will continue boosting the international exposure of this Consortium, introducing the companies to more opportunities beyond the Maltese islands.
MBB is also supporting and guiding other local businesses in exploring avenues for alternative finance, such as local grants and schemes for business development, research, and innovation, among others. Furthermore, MBB managed to facilitate numerous business partnership agreements between local SMEs and foreign partners from Europe, enabling the growth and internationalisation of Maltese companies. Thanks to the EEN partner profile platform connecting SMEs from over 70 countries globally, MBB has continued to publish business profiles for its business clients to increase their international outreach and promote transnational collaborations, extending clients’ horizons whose services were previously limited to local consumers.
SME Feedback & EU Policy Events
As part of its EEN activities, MBB contributed to several European Commission consultations in several policy areas thanks to the input received from companies that have specific business interest in prospective EU legislation.
In the area of sustainability, feedback was contributed to consultations relating to the European Green Deal, including the upcoming revisions of the Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy and Energy Performance in Building Directives, as well as the Sustainable Products Initiative. In the area of tax policy, the MBB submitted feedback to consultations on the VAT scheme for travel agents and collaborated with the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners (IFSP) to submit feedback on the upcoming EU Digital Levy and the VAT reform for Financial and Insurance Services. In the area of trade policy, feedback was submitted to a consultation on current deliberations for the development of an EU anti-coercion instrument.
Other feedback was provided to broader Commission policy strategies such as the New Consumer Agenda and the European Way for the Digital Decade. During these consultations collectively, MBB obtained feedback from over 235 companies. Additionally, MBB hosted numerous information sessions on the above-mentioned policies, reaching over 240 local SMEs. MBB frequently engaged members of the European Parliament for their invaluable insight and contribution, granting both the MEPs and the local participants an opportunity to voice their opinions.
Following the recent publication of the MBB Report entitled Improving Access to EU Funds by Private Enterprise in the Programming Period 2021-2027, MBB aims to realign its business support efforts by providing more assistance to companies when accessing EU and alternative funds, acting as a liaison office between the aspiring companies and the respective local authorities. This EEN-supported report garnered in-depth feedback from over 100 Maltese companies, resulting in exceptional practical insight on the primary issues at hand.
Communication
During the past months, MBB continued to lead EEN Malta’s communications efforts by increasing visibility of the Network services and activities to attract and support SMEs with international ambitions. A communication campaign on ‘EU Open for Business’ launched towards the end of 2020 visually explained the portfolio of the Network’s services, exposing Maltese client testimonials success stories and showing EEN impact outcomes. Finally, MBB ensured that EEN has a steady digital presence through constant updates and sharing of information on its online platforms, keeping present and future clients abreast of numerous activities, business news and changes in EU policy.
