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

Help and support from HMRC for new businesses

Starting a new business can be a very challenging time, but HMRC can help you out. Here's how.

Employing & managing staff

Craziest job candidate demands, and how to deal with them

Lee Biggins discusses what small businesses should do when faced with unusual or unreasonable requests from would-be employees.

News

The UK is leading the way in international microbusineses

Nearly four in five UK micro-multinationals feel international trade is just as accessible for small businesses.

News

National Living Wage arrives for small companies 

The National Living Wage has come into force, and the Federation of Small Businesses is calling on small businesses to make sure they act on this new legal requirement to avoid heavy penalties.

Business management

Why reputation is your failsafe marketing strategy

Rob Brown discusses the steps to take for a small business to build an enviable reputation.

Advice

How to be a female leader in a macho industry

Kelly Williams discusses what it takes to be a successful female-led small business in the highly competitive sports marketing industry.

Employing & managing staff

Small business employers neglecting remote working for their staff

Workplace flexibility and remote working is being held back by a lack of mobile technology provided by employers, research finds.

Advice

Protection, productivity and passion: How headsets help on hazardous industrial sites

Here, we look at how 3M's PELTOR headsets provide safety, productivity, comfort and even entertainment for workers on noisy sites.

Finding and selling to customers

Consumers prefer human contact when it comes to customer service

A survey has highlighted the real cost of businesses cutting corners in customer service.

Office & home working

How to tackle the sensitive issue of obesity in the workplace

Here, Nicola Mullineux gives legal and procedural advice on approaching the issue of obesity in your workforce.

News

Small businesses feel government favours big companies 

Three quarters of UK small companies believe that the government disproportionately looks after the needs of big businesses, according to a study.

Business management

Why it is time to let staff drive business leadership

Tim Taylor discusses why encouraging staff to bring their own values to your business can reap rewards.