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

Plans to rebalance economy at risk as manufacturing optimism drops

As the prospects of the UK services and manufacturing industries continue to diverge, the government's plans to rebalance the UK economy are increasingly at risk, a study finds.

News

British small businesses looking towards overseas expansion

By 2025, 880,000 (17 per cent) British small businesses plan to expand overseas – an increase from the 10.8 per cent of small businesses currently taking advantage of additional export revenues.

Accounting

Autumn Statement: Any scope for tax giveaways?

George Hardey assesses the outlook for pleasant surprises in George Osborne's upcoming announcement.

Small Business Banking

Solving the staff retention puzzle

Here, in association with HSBC, we look at the problem of staff retention: how to keep your best people.

Business management

The man who started a business at 60

Here, we talk to former England basketball player John Dabrowski about starting motivational training company JD Mindcoach and perceptions of senior people in business.

News

UK SMEs prefer Europe as trading destination

SMEs depend heavily on European trade relationships despite ongoing speculation on the potential for a UK Brexit from the European Union, finds research.

News

UK employees among the least loyal in Europe 

Nearly half of UK workers (47 per cent) are planning to change jobs in less than three years, compared to a third of European employees, research finds.

Accounting

Tackling late payment: First-hand advice from small businesses

In this article in association with the Federation of Small Businesses, we look at how businesses are managing the problematic situation of being paid late.

News

Freelancers lack confidence in business outlook and economy 

A study from self-employment support body IPSE shows freelancers' confidence is at its lowest level since the organisation began surveying.

Business Loans

A small business guide to property loans

In this piece in association with Fundbird, we give a basic overview of the main commercial finance options available to you.

News

UK workplaces undermined by too many rules, study finds

Employers can unleash the productivity of their workers by allowing them more scope to use their initiative, create more stimulating work and reduce the burden of unnecessary rules and procedures, according to research.

News

Stress levels hit peak for small company owners

More than two thirds of small business owners say it is more stressful to run a business now than ever before, research finds.