Accountancy and advisory firm 3a has deployed its Malta-based Gozitan staff to its new branch in Victoria to better serve clients on the island. The branch will also act as an office for business knowledge firm Misco, which has a shareholding in Birkirkara-based 3a.

Pauliana Said, 3a’s Gozo team leader, said the branch would eventually evolve into an autonomous business unit forming part of the 3a network of professional firms.

“The Gozo branch has been a natural development for 3a,” Ms Said told The Sunday Times.

“We have Gozitan clients and staff. We felt a branch on the island would meet the clients’ needs better, position the firm to attract new Gozitan clients, and make life easier for staff.”

Ms Said said staff at the branch in Santa Dminka Street will advise the local business community in matters as diverse as succession planning, investment appraisal, and franchising consultancy.

The staff will also assist foreign residents and investors with international tax and financial planning. The team plans to attract operations to relocate to Gozo and benefit from additional incentives.

“We provide the business community with entry-to-exit support in corporate strategy, advisory, taxation, and compliance matters,” Ms Said added.

“With Misco with us in Gozo, we will give clients faster access to services like recruitment, training and development, market and opinion research and business advice.”

Gozo’s financial services and advisory sector is somewhat limited, not only by market size but also by local professionals pursuing career development in Malta and overseas, she added.

By contributing in some way to reversing the trend, 3a’s offering will be spearheaded by an entirely Gozitan team, in tune with the local entrepreneurial culture and better placed to foster long-term relationships.