Business First, an initiative to be launched in January, will bring more than 50 essential services from various government departments and entities under one roof to act as a one-stop-shop for businesses.

Business First will assist all enterprises based in Malta, including micro enterprises, SMEs and larger companies and foreign investors wishing to set up in the country.

The service will be particularly beneficial to start-ups, which often have to face an additional challenge in learning about the requirements to set up a business. Business First will provide such information and assist entrepreneurs to apply for a host of services from one place.

For instance, a person setting up a company in Malta will be able to go to Business First and book the company name and register the company, request employment licences and company registration for tax purposes, register for VAT, request business licences and new electricity and water services.

Malta Enterprise has recently commissioned a survey to identify which services small businesses expect to receive from a one-stop-shop.

The top services were related to the VAT Department, Inland Revenue Department and Enemalta. Business First will provide these services.

Besides making life easier for businesses in Malta and providing all the services, support and schemes offered by Malta Enterprise, the setting up of such a one-stop-shop will fulfil the obligations in terms of the EU Services Directive for the establishment of a point of single contact.

Business First will be launched at Malta Enterprise’s new premises at the former Institute of Health Care at St Luke’s Hospital.

Smaller offices will eventually be opened in Gozo and at Smart City Malta.

In January, a new helpline on 144 will be set up. Services will eventually go online at www.businessfirst.com.mt.