In March 2016, the Maltese Government together with the private sector has set up the Mriehel Enterprise Zone Foundation, a Private Public Partnership (PPP). The idea initiated by the private sector was set up to give a makeover to the Mriehel Industrial Estate. Both the private and public sphere of this partnership will fork out equal amounts of investment to make the in-dustrial estate a state of the art business hub. Within this Foundation, GRTU will be representing smaller size operators through President Paul Abela, who acts as one of the members of the Foundation.
Read more: On making small businesses active partners - Mriehel Enterprise Zone Foundation
GRTU has signed a shareholders’ agreement with the Water Services Corporation to develop two solar farms to be utilised by the commercial sector on the Corporation’s land. Through this agreement a company has been es-tablished with the name of Malta Energy Ltd.
Minister Konrad Mizzi responsible for energy and water conservation exclaimed that the two solar farms will be constructed over reservoirs at Ta’ Cenc in Gozo and an-other in Mellieha in Malta.They will jointly generate a minimum of 1 megawatt of electricity.
Read more: GRTU enters Public Private Partnership for Renewable Energy Investments
GRTU has today published it's annual Business Performance Survey.
Overall, results have been positive with 36% of respondents claiming that their sales in 2016 increased by between 1 and 30% over sales in 2015 and 29% claiming that they did worse that 2015. The remaining 36% claimed that their turnover was identical to that of 2015.
Read more: GRTU 2016 Business Performance Survey
GRTU has today held its first Executive Council meeting during which Paul Abela has been confirmed as GRTU President for the year 2017.
The Executive Council also elected GRTU’s 6 Vice Presidents as follows:
| Vice President Policy and Strategy |
Philip Fenech | Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure, Business Consultancy Services |
| Vice president Finance and Administration |
Marcel Mizzi | ICT Consultant, E-Commerce, Web & Software Developer |
| Vice President Sections |
Christian Vassallo | Construction, Real Estate, Elderly Care, Furniture, Hospitality & Catering |
| Vice President Districts and Localities |
Michael Galea | Auto Dealer, Importer & Repairs, Auto Service Station, Marketing Advisor & Real EstateHifi, TV |
| Vice President International Relations |
Mario Debono | Pharmacy Owner, Pharmaceutical Importer, Healthcare IT Provider & Property Developer |
| Vice President Training and Development |
Sergio Camilleri | PetrolStation owner, Auto Parts, Auto Dealer, Rent a Car & Panel Beater |
GRTU’s Members on the Executive Council for the year 2017 are:
| Azzopardi Emanuel | Laundry & Dry Clean, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning |
| Bezzina Matthew | Transport & Logistics / Chauffer Service |
| Cutajar Patrick | IT Consultant |
| Fenech Alfred | Jewellery Importer, Manufacturer & Retailer & Restauranteur |
| Fenech Azzopardi Therese |
Retailer & Manufacturer of Furs & Leather Wear, Importer & Retailer of Swimwear |
| Galea Stephen | President Socjeta` Vitikultura, Agriculture, Farmer & Vine Grower |
| Gauci Noel | Renewable Energy, Culinary Products |
| Haber Joan | Manufacturer of Artistic Crafts & Ceramic Goods, Event Organizer, Crafts Council Representative |
| Vella Salvu | Cargo Haulier (Burdnar), Customs Clearance Agent & Forwarder, Shipping & Travel Agent & VRT |
| Zammit Carmel | Cargo Haulier (Burdnar) |
| Zerafa Joseph | Brown Goods |
The GRTU Council this year welcomes the inclusion of young entrepreneur Mr Matthew Bezzina owner of Ecabs. Mr Bezzina was already very active in GRTU’s Transport Lobby Group and now Mr Bezzina will have greater opportunity to represent businesses on transport issues whilst being on the GRTU Council.
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Last Friday 20th January GRTU successfully held its Annual General Meeting during which Paul Abela made an introduction of what this year meant for GRTU and that even though this was once again a very challenging year it was also a successful year. In her presentation of the Annual Report GRTU CEO Abigail Mamo presented an overview of the work undertaken by GRTU in 2016 and amongst other things explained the important wins GRTU achieved during the year, these included the removal of €1,500 fee on every shop sign or advert and the change of stance on the alarming Paceville Masterplan. During 2016 GRTU also won the National Enterprise Support Award, successfully implemented SME Week conference and was a key player in ensuring that ‘Il-Fiera il-Kbira’ was held, safeguarding its members’ investment.
Click here for the full report
Click here for the AGM Presentation
Read more: Paul Abela confirmed as GRTU President