Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517065
5 NEWS 7.3.2024 FROM PAGE 1 The "Startup Nations standards" are 8 standards of excellence in the field of support to startups. Spain and France obtained the best ranking with 87%, followed by Belgium and Malta scoring 74% and 73% respectively. Malta garnered a 100% mark or sim- ilar - and topped all other countries - in three specific areas. These are 1. the attraction and abil- ity to retain new talent in Malta 2. digital tools as main communication tools between startups and govern- ment entities as well as 3. Shortest time to register a new company. Malta also compares well on the creation of innovative laws regulating emerging sectors. On the other hand, Malta needs to improve further on aspects such as ac- cess to finance and employee share op- tions. To this end, Malta Enter-prise is preparing a Startup Framework with the aim of ushering an improved legis- lative dimension for start-ups and for start-up investors. Malta Enterprise is also continu- ing to strengthen its incentives such as BStart and Startup Finance which lead to assistance up to a maximum of €1.5M. In terms of wider financing, Govern- ment has recently announced the cre- ation of a €10M Venture Capital Fund to assist innovative start-ups. Malta Enterprise has been working since 2021 to create synergies amongst Government and private entities – to provide a unified voice in relation to start-ups. Such efforts are being ad- vanced via the "StartinMalta" brand. Minister Silvio Schembri, respon- sible for Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects, welcomed this re- sult saying that this will further drive efforts by Malta Enterprise and other entities in order to attract the best international companies and bolster Malta's entrepreneurial spirit at home: "We welcome such a report which on its end instils greater energy in our efforts to make life easier for startups in Malta. ese are companies which employ fewer individuals but pay bet- ter wages. In fact, we estimate that the average wage of workers with start-ups assisted by Malta Enter-prise vary be- tween €40,000 and €60,000. Malta En- terprise has approved 60 such projects over the last few years – projects that are expected to generate hundreds of jobs of this kind. rough our nation- al startup framework and the first in- vestments from the Government's own VC fund – we will continue supporting those who are ready to innovate and improve lives globally via Malta". Malta Enterprise CEO Kurt Farrugia said that: "rough the National Start- up Framework we will change several laws following a consultation process with startups themselves. is shall reduce bureaucracy, incentivise invest- ment and further strengthen financing for startups while facilitating employee shareholding opportunities". "We also need to advance our work to our local ecosystem via the Start- up Festival and from this year the EU Startups Summit - which will held in Malta for the first time this year after ten years hosted in another European country" Local startup ecosystem 4th out of 21 countries on ESNA Startup Nations standards scale LETTER OF INTENTION Adrian Sciberras of Sciberras Advocates declare his intention to register for an Employment Agency license in accordance to article 23 of the Employment and Training Services Act, 1990 (Act XXVIII of 1990). The activities proposed to be carried out are the following: 1. Recruitment Consultancy. 2. Interviewing, selection, and placements of candidates in employment. 3. Recruitments of persons from abroad for employment in Malta or in an EU member state. 4. Recruitment in persons in Malta for employment in Malta or in an EU member state. 5. Advertising for the filling of vacancies. 6. Keeping a register of applicants for employment. Official Registered Office Address: Abacus Business Centre, Level 0, Dun Karm Street, B'Kara Bypass, Birkirkara BKR 9037, Malta. The Office Address of the premises at which the employment agency or employment business is to be carried out: Abacus Business Centre, Level 0, Dun Karm Street, B'Kara Bypass, Birkirkara BKR 9037, Malta. Sciberras Advocates Identity Card Number: 224580M Date: 05/03/2024 LIDL Malta has announced the promotion of Owen Mi- callef to Maltese Director. Starting his career in 2016 with the retail chain in Mal- ta as a Sales District Man- ager, Micallef consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a deep understanding of the local market. roughout his career at Lidl Malta, Micallef played a pivotal role in the com- pany's success. He was pro- moted to Sales Operations Manager in 2020 and now to Director after a 10-month stint abroad, in Germany and Italy. His promotion to Director further highlights Lidl Mal- ta's dedication to nurturing and promoting local talent while fostering a culture of internal growth. "I am incredibly proud to be appointed Lidl Malta's Di- rector," Micallef said. "e journey has been in- credibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities for growth and development the company has provided me with. Looking forward, I am excited to collaborate with our talented team and continue building on the company's achievements, drive further innovation and positive change within the company, reaping also posi- tive impact on the society in which we operate." Lidl Malta now has 10 stores on the Maltese Islands and a workforce of over 450 employees. Owen Micallef appointed as director for Lidl Malta From sales district manager to director: Lidl Malta recognises local talent and promotes internal growth