The Gozo Business Chamber participated in the Malta–United Kingdom Business Mission held between 25 and 29 May 2026, with a programme of activities in Liverpool, Wrexham and Cardiff.
The Chamber was represented by Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber, and Daniel Borg, Chief Executive Officer, together with two Chamber members: Omar Tanti from Threls and John Falzon from Keen Ltd.
The mission brought together Maltese and UK stakeholders for a series of business meetings, panel discussions, networking sessions, sectoral breakouts and institutional engagements. It provided an important platform to strengthen links between Malta, Gozo and key regions in the United Kingdom, while creating opportunities for collaboration in areas such as international trade, digital innovation, investment, tourism, advanced sectors, life sciences, fintech and regional development.
The first day of the mission saw the delegation arrive in Liverpool, followed by an introductory networking reception with members of the local business and civic community. This set the tone for a week focused on building relationships, exchanging ideas and identifying potential areas of cooperation between Maltese and UK businesses.
The Liverpool programme included discussions on the case for investment and closer collaboration between Liverpool City Region and Malta. Daniel Borg, CEO of the Gozo Business Chamber, co-moderated a panel discussion together with Peter Schriewersmann. The panel included Winston Zahra from TROO Hospitality, Elena Enciso from Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, Daniel Galea, Chair of TradeMalta, Peter Paul Meli from Malta Enterprise, and Simon Reid from the Liverpool City Region.
During the session, Daniel Borg highlighted the importance of the Liverpool City Region’s 10-year Growth Plan, particularly its emphasis on placing the community at the centre of economic development. He noted that real growth is not only about business growth, but also about community growth. This message is particularly relevant for Gozo, where economic development must remain closely linked to quality of life, environmental responsibility, social wellbeing and long-term resilience.
Chamber members also participated actively in the Digital/AI breakout session in Liverpool, contributing to discussions on how digital transformation, artificial intelligence and innovation can create new opportunities for business. Their participation highlighted the potential of Gozo-based enterprises to contribute to the digital sector through focused expertise, agility, creativity and deep thinking.
The mission then continued in Wrexham, where Michael Galea, President of the Gozo Business Chamber, participated in the panel discussion entitled “A sleeping giant awakes, Wrexham’s emergence on the world stage. Opportunities to collaborate & invest.” The panel included Dean Fagan from Wrexham Council and Wrexham Culture BID, Sarah Bailey, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Mel Whitley from Very Group and Wrexham Leadership Alliance, and Gabriel Micallef from Ipsen.
During his intervention, Michael Galea drew parallels between Wrexham and Gozo as two regions with strong identities, distinct communities and the ambition to strengthen their economic role while remaining true to their character. He highlighted Gozo’s efforts to build on its strengths by promoting economic diversification, attracting new opportunities and supporting enterprise, while ensuring that growth remains aligned with the island’s environment, identity and quality of life.
Michael Galea also referred to Gozo’s aspiration to become European Capital of Culture 2031, linking this to Wrexham’s own cultural ambitions and the important role that culture can play in regional development, visibility and confidence.
The Cardiff leg of the mission provided further opportunities for engagement, with sessions focusing on innovation, international trade, digital transformation, life sciences, fintech, regulation and cross-border collaboration. The programme included a session at Life Sciences Hub Wales, where the delegation explored how research, innovation and technology can support SMEs, including opportunities linked to digital health, immersive technologies and advanced sectors.
The programme then continued at the Capital Building in Cardiff, where discussions focused on international trade, cross-border challenges and opportunities, as well as the role of innovation and regulation in opening new areas of cooperation between Malta, Gozo and Wales.
Daniel Borg intervened during the session “International Trade – Cross border challenges & opportunities”. His intervention focused on the role of Chambers of Commerce as trusted platforms for SMEs seeking to internationalise. He highlighted that UK businesses wishing to explore Malta as a base or partner market can use Chambers as a way of accessing reliable networks, trusted professionals and practical guidance.
He also referred to the potential for stronger collaboration between Wales and Gozitan companies, particularly in view of Wales’s work in innovation and Gozo’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy. This creates an important basis for cooperation, especially for Gozo’s digital sector.
Daniel Borg also emphasised that, in a period of continuous change, businesses must increasingly become learning companies: organisations that are able to adapt, evolve and respond to new realities. Chambers of Commerce have an important role to play in this regard by providing strategic direction, supporting enterprises, and helping them access the knowledge, contacts and partnerships required to remain competitive.
For the Gozo Business Chamber, participation in this mission was an important opportunity to ensure that Gozo and its business community remain present in international conversations. It also reflected the value of Chamber membership, by connecting members to wider networks, international opportunities and strategic discussions that can support growth beyond the limitations of a small island market.
The Chamber thanks all those who contributed to the organisation and success of the mission, particularly H.E. Prof. Stephen Montefort, High Commissioner of Malta to the United Kingdom, Tania Brown and the TradeMalta team, Peter Schriewersmann, Reuben Mifsud, Honorary Consul for Malta to Wales, and all partners and participants involved throughout the week.
The Gozo Business Chamber looks forward to building on the contacts, ideas and opportunities developed during this mission, while continuing to promote Gozo as an island of enterprise, innovation, culture and collaboration.
