Intelligent SME.tech Issue 55 | Page 7

// LATEST UPDATES //
Ekco launches all-in-one enterprise-grade cybersecurity offering to protect SMBs
Partnership to advance digital inclusion and entrepreneurial empowerment in Morocco
Ekco, one of Europe’ s leading security-first managed service providers( MSP), has launched Cyber Defence Complete, an all-in-one cybersecurity service that gives small- and mid-sized businesses( SMBs) enterprisegrade cybersecurity protection without complexity.
SMBs are attractive targets for attackers, which unlike larger organisations, often lack the resources to recruit specialist in-house 24 / 7 cybersecurity teams. In 2024, more than half( 58 %) of small businesses and 70 % of medium-sized businesses reported experiencing a cyberbreach. For one in five, the impact was severe enough to threaten the very viability of the business. As a result, a growing number of SMBs turn to external providers for protection and expertise.
Cyber Defence Complete from Ekco integrates essential security coverage from leading vendors including Microsoft, CrowdStrike and Recorded Future into a unified, streamlined solution. Built on CREST-accredited methodologies, it equips SMBs with comprehensive defensive capabilities, from visibility and detection to active defence, without requiring significant infrastructure changes.
Ericsson and the Ministry of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment and Skills Employment( MIEPEEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at GITEX Africa 2025 intended at exploring a collaboration to digitally upskill and empower entrepreneurs in the Kingdom of Morocco, fostering an inclusive and innovative digital landscape.
Both entities will explore different areas that entrepreneurs and small businesses in Morocco can benefit from Ericsson’ s global educational initiatives and access different learning experiences through Ericsson’ s extensive portfolio of educational programmes to foster
in-demand skills for Morocco’ s rising digital economy.
This collaboration could help equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with essential 21st-century digital skills, contributing to sustainable employment and innovation across sectors in the Kingdom. It would also align with MIEPEEC’ s broader vision of promoting economic inclusion and supporting small businesses through accessible Digital Transformation initiatives.
Market turmoil battering confidence as UK small business growth outlook hits four-year low
The percentage of UK small businesses predicting growth has fallen to a fouryear low( 29 %) – with significant falls in the manufacturing, construction and retail sectors – according to new figures from Novuna Business Finance. Nationally, growth outlook now stands at its lowest level since Q1 2021( 26 %), and – if the first lockdown periods are taken out the equation – it is the first quarter in 11 years when the percentage of small businesses predicting growth has fallen below 30 %.
The current position stands in stark contrast to last summer, when the‘ election bounce’ of a new government saw an immediate upturn in small business confidence, as 35 % predicted growth. Two budgets later and with tariff chaos gripping the economy – small business forecasts are falling to a new low.
The research findings are the latest from Novuna Business Finance’ s Business Barometer study, which has tracked the percentage of small business owners that predict growth every quarter for the last 11 years.
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