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

Entrepreneurs are the new role models

Young people see business leaders as their new role models, claims a survey.

Employing & managing staff

Calling in sick

Bosses are rendered powerless by the line: ‘I feel a bit fluey, I don’t think I’ll be able to come in today.’

Investing in a franchise

Going for growth – A franchise growth case study

Gill Thomas started kids' music classes Jo Jingles in 1995 and has since grown the company to the tune of £4 million, with nearly 100 franchise outlets.

Business management

MBO or MBI?

What's the difference between a management buy-in and a management buy-out?

News

‘Austerity measures bad for business’

The government's deficit reduction measures will stall recovery resulting in a post-recession peak of nearly 3 million unemployed, an industry body has warned.

Advice

Manifesto for success

Read our ten-point list of the policies entrepreneurs, experts and business groups believe the next government should implement in order to support SMEs.

Legal advice

Dismissing staff

What's the procedure for dismissal if an employee has been with the company for less than a year?

Legal advice

Risk assessment for small business: avoiding danger

As new legislation this month will increase the penalties for breaches of health and safety regulations, a risk assessment health check could prevent your small business getting seriously injured.

Employing & managing staff

Part-time employee sick pay entitlements

What are the sick leave entitlements for a part-time employee who has been signed off work due to back problems?

Business Ideas & Planning

How to make a business idea happen

If you've got a great idea for an invention, now could be the ideal time to take the plunge. Read our guide on how to make a new business idea a reality.

Business management

Paying for business equipment on a budget

What is the best way to pay for equipment for my business when on a budget?

Finding and selling to customers

How to maximise Christmas sales

Analysts are predicting another bleak Christmas on the high street, while online sales continue to grow. Here we speak to entrepreneurs and experts about the best way to maximise Yuletide sales.

Ben Lobel

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