An exceptional line-up at the 2018 SME Forum

An outstanding panel of experts are addressing tomorrow’s edition of the SME Forum at the InterContinental, St Julian’s. The annual Forum organised by the Malta Institute of Accountants has established itself as one of the milestone events in the SME calendar. This year, MIA is proud to present a speaker line-up of eminent experts to discuss the various challenges and opportunities facing SMEs today.

Dr Aaron G. Grech, Central Bank Economics chief officer will share insight into SME sustainability and growth prospects. A panel discussion moderated by Ranier Fsadni will then follow between Malta Stock Exchange chairman Joseph Portelli; Malta Development Bank CEO Rene Saliba; Malta Employers’ Association president Dolores Sammut Bonnici and Business First CEO Marika Tonna.

The experts will give practical and informed advice to small and medium entrepreneurs on achieving growth and sustainability, with up-to-date information on the available tools and opportunities designed specifically for SMEs.

The SME Forum falls on the day when GDPR becomes effective and MIA has invited specialists in the area to explain the regulation in the SME context and answer any concerns on the part of entrepreneurs.

David Cauchi, head of Compliance within the Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner will highlight the implications of GDPR while Dr Borana Hima from Grant Thornton Malta will discuss the implications of the regulation for audit and accountancy pro- fessionals in practice. Alan Alden from Kyte Consultants Ltd will explain what GDPR means in practice for entrepreneurship. Participants will have the opportunity to field questions to the three professionals in a special Q&A session.

This ninth edition of the SME Forum reviews the major disruptive technologies right now and examines the potential they hold for small and medium enterprises. Prof. Alexiei Dingli will present the latest developments in five major technologies that are changing the business landscape: Artificial Intelligence; the Internet of Things, Cloud, Big Data and Block Chain. The SME Forum brings a unique focus on these technologies, looking at their promise from the perspective of micro-entrepreneurs.

More pragmatic, day-to-day matters facing SMEs will be featured in the Forum. Dr Sarah Rausi from Fenech & Fenech will delve into modes of transfer and the relevant taxation law; an area of special interest to familyowned businesses. Dr Rausi will give expert advice on the legal and fiscal implications of transfers. Additionally, Noel Debono from Bank of Valletta will offer proven and practical tips for better schedule management for SMEs.

The jam-packed programme of the 2018 SME Forum brings authoritative advice by the leading specialists on the main themes. More information can be obtained online on miamalta.org or by contacting the Malta Institute of Accountants through cpeevents@miamalta.org