ME launches quality certification scheme, business one-stop-shop
Malta Enterprise has launched a scheme to help small and medium enterprises invest in improving the quality of their products and services and support the achievement of certification. Through the Quality+ scheme, Malta Enterprise may approve...
Malta Enterprise has launched a scheme to help small and medium enterprises invest in improving the quality of their products and services and support the achievement of certification.
Through the Quality+ scheme, Malta Enterprise may approve deductions from taxable income amounting to 150 per cent of the eligible expenditure incurred for achieving the required improvement.
The approved amount would be deducted from the taxable income of the beneficiary, resulting in an effective reduction in the payable tax.
Eligible expenses, up to a maximum of €20,000, include costs incurred in the process of achieving a recognised quality certification related to processes, products or services, achieving a recognised environmental certification, adopting of an operations manual and the acquisition of a franchise licence, due diligence exercises leading to the acquisition of a licence required for participation in a value chain, or in the acquisition of a quality mark.
Firms that obtain certifications or quality marks such as ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, MS1500:2004, Hazard Analysis Critical and Control Point (HACCP), BSI Kitemark and CE Mark would be eligible for assistance.
Meanwhile, Malta Enterprise’s Business First proposition becomes fully operational from tomorrow.
Business First brings together more than 50 services currently provided by various state entities under one roof to act as a one-stop-shop for businesses.
The proposition will be based at Malta Enterprise’s new corporate headquarters at the former Institute of Health Care premises at St Luke’s Hospital in Guardamangia.
Business First will be the first contact for all businesses of any size based in Malta and foreign investors wishing to set up operations here.
The service will be particularly beneficial for start-ups which often have to face an additional burden in learning about the requirements and formalities of setting up a business.
Business First will be offering authoritative information and professional guidance to help budding entrepreneurs take their first steps: register a company, register for VAT and tax, apply for the installation of water and electricity, starting or terminating staff employment, and apply for VISA, among other things.
Entrepreneurs will also be able to apply for Malta Enterprise’s services, schemes and funding assistance through Business First, which will be fulfilling Malta’s obligations in terms of the EU’s Services Directive for the setting up of a Point of Single Contact.
Malta Enterprise is also launching a telephone helpline on Tel. 144.
For more information visit www.businessfirst.com.mt.