As the conflict in the Middle East enters a critical phase, the Maltese economy finds itself at a crossroads. While Malta entered 2026 with a robust growth forecast of 3.8% and cooling inflation (2.3% in January). However the sudden escalation in the Middle east & Gulf region could potentially shift the risk landscape. The most …
Continue reading Mitigating the likely effects from the War in Iran
In today’s digital landscape, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are generating more information than ever before. However, a significant gap remains between possessing data and leveraging it. While more than some SMEs & family businesses are investing in digital technologies like ERP systems, many are finding that simply having the tools is not enough to …
Continue reading Empowering Family Businesses & SMEs: Turning Data into Strategic Gold
For many family business owners, the company isn't just a source of income. It’s an extension of their identity. This deep emotional connection is often what fuels the business through its early years. However, as the company matures, that same "founder's grip" can transition from a strength into a structural bottleneck. The central conundrum is …
There is a specific look in a family business's owner eyes when they see a clear data analysis for the first time. It’s a mix of profound relief and sudden, sharp terror. It’s the look of a person who has been driving a bus at 80 mph through fog for many years, only to have …
For many family businesses today, the pressure is mounting. A persistently tight labour market combined with rising wage costs has made manual, labour-intensive processes increasingly unsustainable. In this environment, investing in technology—whether it's an ERP, a CRM system, or cutting-edge AI—is no longer just an option; it is inevitable for long-term survival and growth. However, …
When we promote individuals—whether family or externals—based solely on their technical brilliance or their history as a "doer," we commit a cardinal mistake that jeopardises the family business's future. Recent research from Gartner reveals a staggering reality: one in four managers would prefer not to be people managers at all. In family firms, this reluctance …
Continue reading Stop promoting the wrong people in Managerial positions
I still meet business owners and leaders who are detached from the reality surrounding them. They still think that they can grow the business by employing more people while not concerning themselves with having efficient processes supported by digital systems. A few weeks ago, the Central Bank of Malta (CBM) issued its latest Business Dialogue …
In a romanticised world, we are told that if we help people around us, be them colleagues or clients or suppliers - they will in turn take care of us. We imagine a world of reciprocal honour where helping someone ensures they’ll help us later. But for those that have been in the business trenches …
Over the past 12 months, I was involved in various cases where family business clients decided to employ external professionals in the role of a full time CEO or GM. In all cases it was a very interesting journey. I decided to write this article to shed some light on this matter, which I believe …
Continue reading Family Businesses Employing an External CEO or GM
This morning I attended an economic analysis conference. One of the data points presented is the below. As can be seen below, by end 2024, Malta's population had the age cohorts between 25 years to 44 years, which had more EU & TCNs than Maltese nationals in these age cohorts. What does this mean for …
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