A stronger dialogue between all parties and a good dose of common sense would benefit retailers, shoppers and residents, says Christine Pace.

How do you feel that the economic downturn and eurozone crisis have affected the local business and retail sector?

One of our major concerns is the chaos on our streets.

Despite the fact that Malta has weathered this economic crisis rather well, our markets have been hit quite hard. We simply cannot ignore what is happening to our neighbouring countries, in particular to the banking sector and the massive unemployment. This negative chain of events has left our markets in an insecure limbo which has stunted growth and spending. Hopefully we can learn from the mistakes committed by others and will avoid these financial and economic traps.

Does the current situation present a sort of survival of the fittest – in that the stronger businesses grow while weaker businesses fail to survive?

You are quite correct to state that the current situation is a test for survival, but in order to see who will survive, you first need to define what constitutes a weaker business. We have witnessed some major strong players going under, mainly due to a massive operating cost, while a smaller and weaker business which has a smaller portion of profit, yet which finds it easier to control its costs, can absorb these turbulent days and survives to trade another day.

Given the current situation, is it a good time for businesses to grow and expand?

I have never waited for a good time to expand my business. All my business growth is due to simple arithmetic, good common sense and opportunity. When opportunity knocks I am always ready to invite it in and see what it has to offer. Obviously nowadays we need to be more frugal, but it is always time to expand.

As a member of the Sliema Business Community Association, what do you feel are the specific needs of the Sliema business community?

As a retail and commercial entity our specific needs are few and simple. We are definitely in favour of new developments and upgrades in our community, but unfortunately when there are these types of projects there is always a major lack of cohesion between all parties involved, resulting in a chaotic state of affairs which always burdens us with excessive loss of trade. Just and equal enforcement on all types of infringements will strongly benefit all.

What are the main issues that the Sliema business community is facing and how do you think these should be resolved?

One of our major concerns is the chaos on our streets. This chaos is mostly brought on by the many cranes, trucks and other construction-related equipment which frequently operate unregulated and unsupervised. The consequences of this abuse, to say the least, drives away our trade.

Another major issue is parking – the thousands of workers that flow into Sliema every morning have turned Sliema into a driver’s nightmare. Admittedly these issues are not easy to resolve, but if we had stronger local council and more a determined and resolute approach by the government, life and trade can be so much better.

Do the Sliema business community and the residents have a comfortable co-existence?

I honestly believe they do. Excluding the occasional nuisance, we do get along well and if there was better enforcement on minor daily issues such as the disposal of waste material and dog owners who are not very bothered with their pets’ behaviour, our co-existence can be much sweeter.

Do local businesses have opportunities for overseas growth?

Yes we do even if somewhat limited. There are quite a number of regions, like North Africa and Eastern Europe where, with our business acumen, franchisees, brands and local products, we can establish a solid foothold.

What are the business prospects for 2012?

I can’t say that they look very promising but by moving in the right direction we can have both consolidation and growth of our business. Rest assured that in 2012, for all its gloom and doom, there will be an expansion of my brands.

Christine Pace is a member of the Sliema Business Community Association, represents the commercial sector as a member of the MEPA Executive Board and runs 11 retail outlets.