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.

Legal advice

How small businesses should navigate the new PSC legislation 

New government legislation on PSC registers could leave business owners facing criminal charges if they don't comply, warns Henry Catchpole.

News

Independent coffee shop sector burgeoning, report shows

Three quarters of independent coffee shops saw like-for-like turnover increase in 2015 compared to 2014. 

Employing & managing staff

Mental health affecting absence rates, study finds

Mental health problems are estimated to cost the UK economy £37 billion a year, according to a study.

Business Technology

Points to consider when hiring a web developer

Here's why web development is an important aspect in every company and why it is crucial you hire the right candidate.

Business Technology

How to fulfil hosting requirements as a small business

Here, we look at what you need to do to fulfil hosting requirements as a small business.

Advice

The FAMR review: What does it mean for small businesses? 

As more and more small businesses look to provide support to employees struggling to manage their retirement savings, the Financial Advice Market Review couldn't have come at a better time, says Andrew Firth.

Productivity Zone

Productivity varies massively between industries, says study

High stress and lack of physical activity are causing industries to lose up to 27 days of productive time per employee each year, research finds.

News

Tradespeople put happiness down to the flexibility of mobile working

More than 90 per cent of tradespeople are happy in their jobs, with the majority putting it down to the flexibility of mobile working, research finds.

Business management

SMEs and pension freedom: One year on

Adam Tavener discusses the options for company owners who want to use their pension for business funding.

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.