European Commission recognises Business First’s ‘indefatigable efforts’ during pandemic

A report forming part of the European Commission’s Single Digital Gateway gave Business First (B1st) – Malta Enterprise’s front-facing division – an almost perfect scoring for its standard of service offered to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

B1st’s approval rating of 4.9/5.0 shows that queries put forward to the division were answered in a timely and satisfactory manner.

“The last year and a half have been very challenging for all our staff given the sheer volume of emails, calls, and enquiries we received,” B1st CEO Marika Tonna said.

Ms Tonna explained how during 2020, B1st received 63,421 emails, 68,526 phone calls, and welcomed 13,831 walk-in customers.

“The management team at Malta Enterprise and Business First is proud of all our officials for going above and beyond and for offering help and support to all entrepreneurs, especially self-employed, family businesses, and SMEs,” Ms Tonna continued.

Back in 2017, B1st set itself up as Malta’s one-stop-shop for businesses in a joint endeavour between Malta Enterprise (ME) and the Chamber of SMEs.

“Business First is to be commended for its indefatigable efforts in strengthening Malta’s entrepreneurial spirit,” ME CEO Kurt Farrugia said.

“Buoyed by confirmation of their exemplary work by third parties, we look forward to charting and supporting their future success,” he continued.

Recently B1st teamed up with the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) to provide workers with one-on-one customer care services.

Under such guidance, entrepreneurs and start-ups can increase their respect and duty towards their workers by observing their rights and fulfilling necessary obligations.