Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1545453
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 JUNE 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Despite these challenges, business sentiment remains positive: • 58% of firms reported un- changed conditions over the past six months • Only 9% reported deterio- ration, down from 16% a year earlier • Net sentiment rose to 25%, above the long-term average of 11% Manufacturing and construc- tion led the gains, while ser- vices, particularly accommo- dation and food services, also posted strong performance. Over the next six months, ex- pectations are high with 48% of firms expect improvement, compared to 10% expecting de- terioration, producing a record net balance of 38%. Inflation expected to feed through costs Cost pressures are also feeding into expectations. Three-quarters of firms (76%) expect higher input prices over the next six months. However, most businesses (68%) say they do not plan to increase selling prices, suggest- ing a delay in passing on higher costs to consumers. The survey shows continued confidence in expansion from businesses: • 63% of businesses plan to increase staffing levels in the short term • Strong demand is reported for technical and operational skills • 64% expect to undertake investment in the next six months Transport and storage firms reported the strongest invest- ment outlook. Financing: mixed access and information gaps A special focus on external financing found that 64% of businesses rely on external funding, mostly bank loans and credit facilities. Smaller shares use schemes backed by govern- ment or the Malta Develop- ment Bank. While 36% of respondents said accessing finance is easy, 26% found it difficult, and the largest share (38%) said they lacked sufficient information to assess the process. Administrative burden and documentation requirements were the most frequently cited barriers, followed by informa- tion gaps and financing costs. 63% of Gozo businesses said they plan to increase staffing levels in the short term, survey finds Gozo businesses stay resilient despite rising costs and labour shortages, with the latest Gozo Regional Development Authority and Gozo Business Chamber survey showing strong confidence in growth, investment, and hiring over the next six months (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)