Intelligent SME.tech Issue 18 | Page 9

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The Fulcrum Group creates registered IT apprenticeship programme

The Fulcrum Group , a Texasbased provider of IT managed services for customers in a variety of industries , has partnered with the American Institutes for Research ( AIR ) and CompTIA to establish a registered apprenticeship programme to train aspiring technology professionals . The Fulcrum Group is the latest company to join CompTIA Apprenticeships for Tech , a national initiative to help employers fill current and long-term IT staffing needs through an ‘ earn and learn ’ apprenticeship programme , and to do so in a way that opens employment opportunities for more people from a diversity of backgrounds .

Steve Meek , Fulcrum Group President and CEO , said : “ The next generation of technologists may not come from a college , have the financial resources or be in a position to easily gain the technical foundation to be successful . Enabling young minds fosters lifelong learners and shares some of our success with people in our community .”

Exclusive Networks and Ignition to drive growth for cyberinnovators

Ignition Technology , the Exclusive Networks owned specialist value-added distributor for emerging disruptive cybersecurity vendors , has announced a significant expansion of its operations across EMEA . The expansion sees Ignition build on its strong Northern European presence across the UK & I , Benelux and Nordics , by extending operations into key strategic markets in Southern Europe ( France ), Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa for the first time .

“ We now have a clear pathway for emerging cybersecurity start-ups , especially those with SaaS-based business models , who require a completely different range of value-based services to that of established vendors ,” said Jesper Trolle , CEO of Exclusive Networks .

“ By expanding Ignition ’ s market presence within the global footprint of Exclusive Networks , we can significantly broaden its business operations , increase the addressable market opportunity , yet remain focused on the specialist needs of the next wave of emerging and disruptive SaaS-based cybersecurity start-ups .”

WorldFirst and RITMO launch £ 100 million growth package for e-commerce businesses

WorldFirst has joined forces with RITMO to launch a £ 100 million growth package for fast-growing small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses in the UK .

WorldFirst ’ s Growth Package uses its crossborder payment infrastructure , which allows customers to open free business accounts abroad to pay their beneficiaries in their local currencies and collect payments from marketplaces and payment gateways .

This is combined with access to working capital loans through RITMO , an online growth platform specialised in financial solutions to small businesses that sell online .

Small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses can apply for non-dilutive loans up to £ 3 million through WorldFirst ’ s designated partner at a discounted rate .

They receive an offer in 24 hours and the funds are deposited into their account in just five business days . Customers pay a small percentage of their sales income each month .