HanovercommsFrom HanovercommsBusiness Strategy AlignmentGrowth Prospects for Small, Medium-sized Enterprises in Europe Called 'Encouraging'This year is likely to mark a turning point for the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union, with total employment expected to increase by 0.3 percent and value-added by 1 percent as compared to 2012. Preliminary forecasts expect the positive developments further accelerating in 2014. After five years of an uncertain economic environment, 2013 is expected to be the first year since 2008 with a combined increase in aggregated employment and value-added of the EU's SMEs.December 2, 2013Page 1 of 1