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.

News

Late payment and tax relief the big issues for small companies pre-election

Businesses also want to remain in the EU and are largely backing the Conservatives in the forthcoming election, research finds.

News

Small businesses fear the stress of moving premises 

Three quarters of small and medium-sized companies delay moving premises because of the stress of the task, research finds.

News

FPB sets out its own manifesto for small businesses

A business lobbying group is calling on a future government to protect the interests of small businesses regardless of the result of next month’s election.

News

Pension reforms influence start-ups among older people

More than half a million over-55s are considering taking advantage of new pension freedoms to start a new business, research finds.

Marketing

Small business video advice from content marketers

Garth Haley speaks to four content marketing experts on the benefits of using video content for small companies.

News

Fathers support shared parental leave laws

New rules enabling fathers to share their partner's maternity leave entitlement of 52 weeks have been met with approval by dads.

News

SMEs going to family and friends for advice when starting up

Small businesses are not seeking expert advice when setting up their business, research finds.

News

International expansion on the agenda for small companies 

More UK e-tailers than ever before are considering international expansion as a key factor in their growth strategies, research finds.

Employing & managing staff

What to do when you discover you have hired a bad apple

Here, Melanie Astbury looks at the prevention and cure strategies for company hires that misfire.

News

Small business invoice financier to expand office network

Bibby Financial Services is to open new offices in London following the success of its West Midlands business centre.

News

Concern for SMEs over Labour proposal to scrap tribunal fees

Worries have arisen that small businesses may have to face more claims should Labour's plan to abolish employment tribunal fees come to fruition.

News

Businesses keen to hire but productivity questions remain

The hiring intentions of UK businesses are at 'sky-high' levels with figures stronger than the heady days of the mid 2000s boom, research finds.