Business Frustrations in Malta.

So I am starting a business called SCH Fire Safety here in Malta & Gozo, around six months ago I visited all the government websites to dig up all the information that would assist me and ensure that I was doing everything according to local laws, well I am the new kid on the block I don't want to be on the wrong side of the law before I even get started.

Now here is my problem VAT - you see the VAT threshold is very low here in Malta and even if the size of your potential business empire does not hit the VAT threshold you still need to register your business with them as VAT exempt. I was told it would take a couple of weeks for the paperwork to be rubber stamped and be issued with a VAT number, so I thought no problem I will start marketing the business, networking and generally putting myself out there.

One month later I have heard nothing, yes I have chased them but they are still processing the two pieces of paper I sent them. I know says I, I will go and open a business bank account that needs to be done, off I go to HSBC to meet with a business services manager, I am told I can not open a business bank account without a VAT number, my frustration was quickly forgotten as that same day I got two offers for work, could I carry out a fire safety audit for two companies in Malta, I will have to get back to you, says I, as I can not operate my business without a VAT number, I can not issue invoices, I can not get insurance, I can not complete my website, I can not get stationary printed, I can not work at all.

Who would benefit, well yes I would of course but so would Malta & Gozo, I would also be generating income for the country, paying income tax and VAT (lol) as well as building a business that may offer much needed local employment in the future.
When I discuss my problem with local business people they tell me 'well this is Malta' as if that was some kind of justification. More and more often I am finding that 'well this is Malta' is used by locals to justify bad service.

I thought the application process would be simplification itself, after all it's only 2 bits of paper, and those bits of paper just have to be rubber stamped.
Why is simplification such a long word?

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the fine line between sanity and madness gotten finer?" George Price

Fine Food, Fine Wine, Fine Hotel.

I achieved the landmark that is my 52nd birthday on Halloween and by way of celebration decided to stay overnight at The Palace Hotel in Sliema, Malta.


The staff were wonderful and the room and views were great and I would highly recommend it. The main reason for going was to try the TemptAsian restaurant and lounge bar situated on the 9th floor of the hotel, with fantastic Panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, all the tables offer a great view.
The restaurant offers food from China, India Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, India and Thailand. We decided to opt for one of the set menus, this offered a selection of starters a selection of main courses and desert for the price of just €35.00 a head, given the high standard of food this offers outstanding value for money, and no we could not finish this veritable feast and believe me when I say I can put away some food.

Now the wine I decided to drink with this meal was a favorite of mine since moving to the Islands to live, Marsovin's Marnisi 2006, not an obvious choice to complement spicy food but it worked well, a more obvious choice might have been the Cassar De Malte, (methode traditionelle) that I was pleased to see on the wine list. I often feel that a good sparkling wine complements spicy food well.

The waiter that served us did not profess to be an expert on matching food and wine and when asked by me, explained what he liked to drink with the food that was being offered and I thought that this is a great way for restaurant staff to advise customers without being at all pretentious.

We had a superb meal and superb evening, a big thank you to all the staff.

"It was on my fifth birthday that Papa put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'Remember, my son, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm." Sam Levinson.