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

An ageing workforce: Why small businesses should get prepared

Andrew Firth looks at what an ageing workforce means for small businesses, and what role company owners can play to maximise productivity.

Advice

The rise of vacant properties in the UK

There are many reasons that have contributed to the rise of vacant properties in the UK and this post takes a look at some of these issues.

Accounting

Payment challenges for multinational businesses

Here, we look at the challenge of globalisation for a small company in relation to payment terms.

Alternative finance

Alternative finance: Opportunities and risks 

Here's how alternative finance has stepped up to help companies get the funding they need.

News

Businesses want support to help with cost of energy efficiency

The majority of companies across England and Wales would like the government to offer more grants and tax breaks towards the costs of energy efficiency measures.

Office & home working

Office space demand soars in North of England

Searches for properties across five Northern cities rose by 56 per cent last quarter year on year, compared to a 21 per cent rise in London, research finds.

Accounting

Unpaid invoices hitting small businesses hard 

Typical UK micro-businesses write off an average of £1,804 in unpaid invoices per year, research finds.

Tax

Small businesses unaware of potential tax relief 

Small business owners could be losing out on vital income because they are not fully aware of business tax reliefs and the potential government allowances available for them to claim, according to a study.

News

FSB calls for shake-up in careers advice at schools

The Federation of Small Businesses and other business groups have signed for a change to careers advice in schools to give young people a better chance of finding well-suited jobs.

Office & home working

The top six benefits of running a business from home

Here are the results of a recent survey asking small company owners what they value most about working from home.

Business management

Why the cost of energy can hamper business success

In this piece, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses, we look at why it's crucial to make sure you get the best energy deal as a small company.

Work life balance

How do the most famous entrepreneurs in the world stay fit?

Here's why being too busy is never an excuse to shun exercise.