SME News March 2018

2 SME NEWS / Q1 2018 Editor’s Note , Welcome to the Q1 edition of SME News, bringing you the latest news, announcements about enterprises throughout the UK. In recent news, new statistics from the London Business survey have revealed that recruitment figures are down 43% across SMEs in South London. GIC Capital provides SMEs with vital funding through privately owned investment companies, and is highlighting the fact that a number of factors including Brexit and a shortage of skills could be behind the drop in recruitment figures. In this month’s issue, we discover how Britain’s SMEs have recorded the worst business health reading since 2014, as rising business costs, a dip in confidence, lower net business creation and a lack of borrowing are taking their toll, according to the latest research by CYBG in partnership with the Centre for Business and Economics Research (Cebr). Elsewhere in this edition, we look at how funds that are advised and managed by YFM Equity Partners (“YFM”), the specialist private equity fund manager, have backed an investment into Ncam Technologies Limited, a provider of innovative and leading Augmented Reality solutions for the entertainment industries. Lastly, MobiBlue, who is widely known for their services in Mobile Marketing programs for small businesses and Mobile App Development, has recently announced their new low-cost PWA Mobile App development service for small businesses. According to the company, advancements in website technologies now allow websites to look and act like a native Mobile App. Called ‘Progressive Web Apps (PWA)’, the hybrid combines the best of a website and native Mobile App. Here at SME News, we hope that you thoroughly enjoy reading this issue and look forward to hearing from you. Jessica Daykin, Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 725 6842 Email: j.dayki [email protected] Website: www.sme-news.co.uk AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.