In their words - Member Testimonials

THE MALTA CHAMBER

LOUIS FARRUGIA

Past President of The Malta Chamber and Chairperson at Simon Farsons Cisk Plc.

“My memories of my active participation in The Malta Chamber Council as President in the years 1998 to 1999 remind me of the very important role The Malta Chamber played in determining Malta’s chosen pathway of becoming a full member of the European Union. We had prepared detailed studies of the favourable economic impact membership would have and argued in favour of tariff-free and open trade environment with other EU member states and other States with associated trade agreements. I firmly believe that The Malta Chamber’s favourable view influenced the result of the 2003 referendum in favour of joining. Today we have the benefit of hindsight, and all agree that membership has indeed proved to be a very important factor in offering not just a more prosperous lifestyle for our country but a form of security for our democratic credentials and a check on the importance of the rule of law and the independence of our institutions.”

HELGA ELLUL

Past President of The Malta Chamber

“The merger of The Malta Chamber of Commerce with the Federation of Industry had been discussed for quite some time, but it needed the right people at the helm to finally make it happen. As Malta joined the EU, it became clear that both organisations had a common goal of ensuring that local businesses reap the benefits of being an EU member, while adapting to EU rules and regulations. The merger helped us maximise our effectiveness and resources. Being the first President of this joined organisation was a tremendous opportunity and a learning curve. We hit difficult times straight away due to the financial crisis, but we helped our businesses – together with the government – to manage this crisis well. Seeing what The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry is today makes me feel proud to have been part of this journey.”

HUGH ARRIGO

Former Vice President of The Malta Chamber and Group Managing Director Attard & Co Ltd

“Change is a powerful measure and many of us underestimate its significance. We all find it easier to object to it rather than to embrace it. The stark reality is that our lives, as well as our businesses, are continuously evolving. Much has changed within The Malta Chamber over the recent months. In my opinion much change has still to be covered. Archaic systems fully empowering duties to a bi-yearly rotating Board of Management should be swiftly shifted to a professional executive workforce. Delegation is ‘the name of the game’. I know of no private company which chances changes to the entire Board of Directors every two years. Similarly, the Malta Chamber should find ways to ensure that the whole Board of Management is never replaced at one go, thus ensuring the baton is passed on in stages and there is further continuity. Having said this, our Chamber has stood in a class of its own during the past 12 months. It has continued to be Malta’s foremost credible institution. It has spearheaded innovative ideas, numerous initiatives, and multiple national safeguards. The Malta Chamber is indeed stronger and more vibrant. For the 800 or so new members, the most welcome announcement that it will be run as a business, and its increased interest and ‘appetite’ to contribute more strongly within the MCESD, are measures which ought to be much commended. The Malta Chamber has set upon a path of presenting a ‘less shy’ and purely objective stance, and these initiatives deserve praise.”

IN THEIR WORDS…

MARK LAFERLA JR

Member of the Aviation and Aerospace Industry Business Section within The Malta Chamber and Executive Director Laferla Agency Ltd

“As a member of The Malta Chamber for over 10 years, I can confidently say that it has provided a powerful platform to network and engage with seasoned entrepreneurs from all sectors of business. It serves also, and possibly most importantly, as a verification of a person’s business reputation. The members you meet and are introduced to, have been vetted and approved for access. This, in my view, is one of the key factors that gives The Malta Chamber and, by extension, its members, the clout it enjoys today within the local community.”

ISABELLE DEBATTISTA

Member at The Malta Chamber and Director Mirabelle Enterprises Ltd.

“The Malta Chamber is an organisation that comprises a very wide range of businesses that are the fabric of Maltese business life, especially within the tourism and hospitality industry. Thus, The Malta Chamber is well-placed to balance the interests of the wider tourism value chain, making it the premier stakeholder with well-thought and researched advice for authorities. A good example is the ‘Rediscover’ document, which The Malta Chamber launched recently, that looked at the wider tourism eco-system and listened to over 29 stakeholders in the industry to come up with tangible recommendations in a way that frames the industry to embrace authentic tourism experiences.”

VALÉRIE CABAY

Member of The Malta Chamber Health and Wellness Committee & Founder & CEO, Connect Across Culture

When we talk about women and gender at the workplace, The Malta Chamber - female-led and with 50% of its team being women - is a vivid example of gender-balance in Maltese business society today. To tackle the current fast-changing and complex business environment, leadership and organisations benefit highly from gender-balance. It is a source of innovation and creativity that will improve and increase general performance at all levels. Women lead teams differently than men, and having the confidence to trust themselves to be able to lead like a woman will bring a new dimension to their leadership skills. However, a thriving gender-balanced organisation will only exist when both men and women benefit from it.