2020 saw a 367 per cent increase in Business First client contact, according to a report by the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
On Thursday it was reported that the scheme, ran jointly between Malta Enterprise and the Malta Chamber for SMEs made contact with a record 158,193 clients in 2020 or 3,042 per week.
Data shows this is an increase of 367 per cent on the 2019 figure, and 427 per cent on the 2018 figure.
Miriam Dalli, Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development, celebrated the achievements of the initiative, saying that Business First has been at the forefront of providing the necessary support to businesses particularly during this time.
The report also shows that of 68,526 calls made to the Business First customer care number 144, 52,002 were related to COVID.
Business First provides a range of services related to businesses in Malta, including those supporting company or self-employment registration and company licensing, amongst others.
Dr Dalli also emphasised the successes of Malta Enterprise, saying that through economic regeneration measures, including the wage supplement, the Government Agency has helped save 100,000 jobs in Malta.
Main photo: MESD
‘I think it’s a no-go’: Prof. Maria Attard on night-time deliveries in Malta
Shifting deliveries to night-time could disrupt residential areas, for one
Malta International Airport passenger traffic rises 12% to 1.1 million in September
Another record month for the island's airport
UAE ambassador highlights opportunities across key sectors during Malta business roundtable
The event brought together leading Maltese business executives, investors, and institutional stakeholders