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.

Finding and selling to customers

What are the market conditions for small brick and mortar retailers in 2017?

In this piece, in association with Close Brothers Retail Finance, we look at the current state of the retail landscape in context with prospects for brick and mortar operators.

Business Ideas & Planning

The qualities needed at the beginning of the start-up journey

Here's why pausing to reflect upon who you are, your beliefs, values and ultimate purpose, is vital before starting a business.

Finding and selling to customers

Writing a compelling bid that buyers can’t resist

If you want to get ahead of the game with your bid writing, take a look at the following tips.

Alternative finance

Finding the suitable source of funding at different business growth phases

The only stage in the life cycle of your business that may not require funding is the idea generation stage. All other business growth stages require cash injections and the amount needed increases as your business grows.

Accounting

Bookkeeping tips for the gig economy

If you’re part of the gig economy, knowing how to tell if you’re employed or self-employed is the first step towards understanding which bookkeeping tasks you need to complete.

Business Technology

Building a better business: An insight from audials

Now more than ever it has become apparent that going into business for yourself might be the best decision you have ever made. Consider today the dot-com boom take two. What was once a strange and scary digital wild wild west, the internet has now grown and matured into a central part of society.

Business Technology

Do’s and don’ts in getting an inventory software for small businesses

What do you need to do as you go over different options for an inventory management software for your small business? Conversely, what should you not be doing as you go through the process?

News

What do UK professionals do to try and impress their new boss?

Nearly three quarters of workers say that they aspire to impress their boss for as long as they work at that company.

Marketing

What running through four miles of porridge teaches you about launch marketing

Too many businesses and start-ups approach launch marketing in the same manner they view regular marketing. This is a mistake, argues Martin Flavin.

Finding and selling to customers

GDPR: Is your small business ready for the ‘Right to be Forgotten’?

Without the right processes or technology in place, finding just one individual’s information can take the time and resources a small business cannot afford to spare, says Guy Bunker.

Government Grants

New business grant gives aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to grab a grand

The Formations Company Entrepreneur Award offers a chance to win a £1,000 grant and a free company formation.

Small Business Insurance

A holistic way of insuring business risk

Graham Howard of Ready Steady Store discusses the insurance considerations of a multi-site self storage company.