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.

Business management

The pros and cons of outsourcing for small businesses

As a business slowly grows, one of the ways to achieve higher efficiency for a lower investment is to turn to outsourcing, as we reveal in this piece.

Business Technology

Coding: The business language of today

In this piece, Uval Blumenfeld of Wix discusses why, for small businesses, learning to code is a starting point for those who want to keep up with the growing need for digital skills.

Tax

R&D tax credits: A boost for small businesses

In this piece Jenny Tragner, director of R&D tax credit consultancy ForrestBrown, discusses how R&D tax credits are helping small businesses and SMEs to innovate and thrive.

Export & Import

Importing: The Poor Relation’s Story?

The survival of many SMEs is based on the imports they bring into the UK and then sell here, argues Phil Tobin of Bibby Financial Services.

Business Loans

Why it’s time to look online for business funding

Here, Peter Tuvey of Fleximize examines the key benefits of alternative finance compared to bank loans.

Startup Funding and Grants

How much does it really cost to start a small business?

Here, we break down where your money is likely to be spent when starting your new business.

Employing & managing staff

How to win the small business fight for survival

In this piece Jonathan Richards, CEO and founder of breatheHR, discusses how HR will be key to defining a company's success in 2018.

Startup Funding and Grants

An insight into borrowing patterns in Q4

The supply and demand for business finance changes drastically towards the Christmas build-up, showing trends that are not seen during any time of year. Here, we investigate.

News

Black Friday responsible for increase in spending over Christmas

The average household in the UK this year is expected to spend £753 on the festive season this year.

Marketing

The John Lewis Effect and what small businesses can learn from it

In this piece, Evelyn Timson, managing director of Aspect, explores how John Lewis started a national TV advertising event and what small businesses can learn from such adroit brand marketing.

Advice

The MAC response to the call for evidence on the impact of Brexit

In this piece, Verity Buckingham of Dentons discusses the Migration Advisory Committee's findings on the economic and social impact of the UK's exit from the EU.