Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
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.
Legal advice
I have developed and researched a new idea that I think has the potential to be commercially successful. How do I protect my idea?
News
The man behind the Virgin brand, Richard Branson, is the UK's most admired entrepreneur, research finds.
Government Grants
Former soldier Chris Lait of The Drake Academy, which offers corporate training, development and reward programmes, benefited from a business grant from the Royal British Legion.
News
Some 70 per cent of those with an idea for a business have not acted on it, research finds.
Blog
While the proposals to make it easier for small companies to fire staff may be welcomed by some businesses, it's worth bearing in mind the negative effect legislation could have.
Business Ideas & Planning
Twenty-one year-old Ben Wilson set up Freshcig in July 2011 and expects sales of £250,000 for his first year of trading.
News
Recommendations to ease tax system burdens imposed on small businesses have been published by the Office of Tax Simplification.
News
Companies are supporting calls from the Federation of Small Businesses for the government to educate smaller firms on non-bank finance and look beyond the UK for solutions.
Small Business Banking
Business owners and bankers share tips with SmallBusiness.co.uk on how to negotiate a financing deal.
News
Some 850,000 penalties for late tax returns will be issued over the next fortnight, HM Revenue & Customs has announced.
Sole trader
My business is now incorporated with Companies House. If I have not started the business yet can I just fill out the DS01 and pay £10 to remove and close the company and start as a sole trader?
Business management
Twenty-three year old Adam Soliman launched high-end tea brand Charbrew in 2010 and is already expecting to turn over £500,000.