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.

Employing & managing staff

What does the apprenticeship levy mean for SMEs?

In this piece, Ann Potterton discusses what the businesses with a wage bill under £3 million need to know about the apprenticeship levy.

Finding and selling to customers

Read our guide on how to deliver the best customer care

We've teamed up with BDM Talk to bring you a comprehensive guide to mastering your customer care.

International Business

Top five things to consider when moving your company HQ abroad

Whether it is for tax reasons, reduced set-up costs or otherwise, here is some guidance for those who seek to move their base overseas.

Business Technology

E-learning is a clever business tool, but know the limitations

In this piece, Nigel Davies of digital workplace Claromentis looks at how businesses can integrate e-learning courses into their operations.

International Business

Sea freight guide: Process, costs and timelines

Here’s what you need to know about using sea freight for supplier shipments, to help you decide if it’s right for your business.

Accounting

Purchase orders explained for a small business

When issued to a supplier for provision of goods or services, purchase orders are legally binding. This guide explains how they can help small businesses track orders and receive payment for work done.

Accounting

Late payment penalties for companies not adhering to 30 day payment terms

Reader Question: I am having trouble with companies not adhering to the 30-day payment terms. Some are not paying after three months even with constant phone calls. Is there anything I can do to make sure they pay on time? For example, penalties for late payment.

Marketing

Generation Z marketing: The rules for reaching digital natives

Here, we look at some basic rules that businesses should follow when interacting with today’s young people.

Business management

How one e-cigarette company overcame the challenges of the high street

In this piece, we investigate how James Dunworth and E-cigarette Direct took on the high street and won – and how other retailers can follow his example.

Business Technology

Why your business needs chatbots to improve customer experience

How can a chatbot improve your customers’ experience? And, if you are going to make an investment, what steps should you take to ensure implementation runs smoothly? Here, Chris Crombie finds out.

Business Technology

How low code development tools can help small businesses launch their apps

Small businesses owned by millennials are leading the way in providing mobile apps, so how can older business owners catch up? Here, we find out.

Business management

How to make prioritising a priority in your business

In this piece, Gabriele Ottino gives his top tips on how to ensure you prioritise effectively and make the most of your valuable time.