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

Building credit is a smart business decision

As a business owner, you have much to think about on a daily basis, so it’s no surprise that credit isn’t always top of mind. But companies with strong business credit profiles can reap many benefits, including easier access to finance to fund investments and a credible reputation with potential customers, suppliers and lenders.

News

Call for Chancellor to end ‘business rates chaos’ for small companies

Phillip Hammond should end the staircase tax, bring business rates bill increases under control and commit to more frequent rates revaluations at the Autumn Budget, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.

Business Loans

The key questions to ask when applying for a business loan

There are plenty of things to consider before agreeing to a business loan. Fleximize’s Peter Tuvey advises how to find the best funding line for your business.

Advice

How to retain your competitive edge in business

Here, Andrew Clough, founder and managing director of The Brew, gives his input on how to get that all-important edge.

Business Technology

Cyber security: The Halloween horror story

It’s Halloween and cyber criminals are conjuring a poisonous potion of fear among SMES, says Jason Howells of Barracuda MSP.

Business Technology

A guide to data analysis tools: How to transform your data into strategy

Here, we look at different types of online data analysis opportunities and point out some of the useful applications along the way.

Business Technology

Why SEO is so critical for your company

Here, we look at how to maximise your SEO performance as a small business.

Investing in a franchise

Five good reasons why you should consider opening a franchise

Here are five good reasons why opening a franchise is a great alternative to starting a business from scratch.

Business Technology

Five tips to protect your business and customers’ data

Here's how you can go about building a secure reputation among your clients.

Business Ideas & Planning

Bomb Petite launches first clothing platform for petite fashion

Here's how Jenny Liu of Bomb Petite is trying to to help petite women find premium fashion from leading independent designers.

Small Business Banking

How has PPI damaged the British banks?

Here, Kamran Mirshahi shares his thoughts on the effect of PPI on the banks.

Employing & managing staff

The dos and don’ts of managing the millennial workforce

Here are the crucial 'dos and don’ts' for hiring, managing and retaining the next generation of talent.