Recruitment remains the most significant issue faced by SMEs - survey
Unfair competition, traffic and skills mismatch are other top concerns
Recruitment remains the most significant issue faced by SMEs, the Chamber of SMEs said on Tuesday, citing its latest quarterly survey.
It said 41.8% of respondents mentioned a shortage of workers as one of the top challenges currently impacting their business.
Other serious concerns are unfair competition (21.5%), traffic congestion and skills mismatch (both at 15.7%) and the processing of visa applications by third-country nationals (14.6%). Next came concerns about inflation and cost pressures, alongside late payments, excessive competition and the international situation.
Broader national concerns
When asked about national priorities, respondents identified a range of structural and governance-related issues that they believe require attention. These included concerns related to overpopulation (38%), lack of governance (32%), corruption (25%), and inflation (24%).
When asked whether Malta is moving in the right or wrong direction, 41% of respondents expressed confidence in the country’s current trajectory, while 59% indicated concerns.
Asked whether the next 12 months would be a good time to invest, 19% said they expected it to be a good time, 49% were uncertain and 32% indicated that they do not consider it a favourable period for investment.
"The Q1 2026 SME Barometer highlights a business community navigating a combination of labour market challenges, cost pressures, and structural concerns," the Chamber of SMEs said. "The findings aim to contribute to ongoing dialogue between stakeholders and support informed decision-making on matters affecting SMEs.
The survey was conducted between April 3 and 17, gathering 382 responses from businesses operating across a range of sectors, including retail, construction, tourism, professional services, and manufacturing.