About

Ben Lobel was the editor of SmallBusiness.co.uk from 2010 to 2018. He specialises in writing for start-up and scale-up companies in the areas of finance, marketing and HR.

Accounting

How to avoid basic bookkeeping errors as a small business

Many businesses that go bust are profitable, but have hit financial problems through taking on too many projects. Here, Lee Murphy looks at how to make sure you avoid this fate.

Business Ideas & Planning

Doing business abroad – what to be aware of

Here, we look at the steps to take when considering expansion into foreign markets.

Finding and selling to customers

High Street Manifesto 2018: A rallying cry for small retailers

Here, we look at the latest manifesto from our partners at SaveTheHighStreet.org, who are leading the charge to bring fresh opportunities to small retailers up and down the UK.

Advice

How to improve your international business operations

Here are some tips to being as successful an international business as possible.

Small Business Banking

Why you should look into charge-free banking for your small business

In this piece, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), we look at the importance of keeping an eye on bank charges and discuss the best banking choice for small companies.

International Business

FOB: How it works, price, and risks

In this piece, we learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of FOB terms when buying goods from abroad.

International Business

Ex Works: How it works, price, and risks

Read on to learn more about what Ex Works actually means, and the advantages and disadvantages of using this Incoterm when buying goods from abroad.

Small Business Banking

Interview with Jon Hopper, commercial director of business banking at Lloyds

Lloyds commercial director of business banking Jon Hopper talks Brexit, the technological changes that are empowering small companies, and how international trade offers true opportunities for SMEs to expand.

Advice

Here’s why small businesses should accept Bitcoin

Will supporting cryptocurrency payments provide a way for companies to differentiate themselves from the competition? Here, we find out.

Legal advice

Illegal working: Why small businesses should question Home Office fines

Small businesses targeted by immigration enforcement face fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker, but businesses have grounds to challenge the penalty, explains Anne Morris.

Business management

Disaster plan: How one business owner planned for the worst – and it happened

Graham Precious is the owner of at-home care Franchise, Caremark East Riding. Here, he gives his insight on putting together a robust disaster plan, how it positively impacted his business and how the plan has altered since its initial inception.