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 Ideas & Planning

How one mother started a business to improve on the baby bib

Dawn Howe discusses how she navigated the early stages of her baby bib business.

Advice

How young freelancers should go about obtaining a mortgage

Here, Luke Somerset shares his tips on how Generation Z entrepreneurs can put a roof over their heads that will eventually belong to them.

News

Facebook launches new UK SME Council to connect businesses with its executives

Facebook has launched a UK SME Council, as research reveals businesses that connect and collaborate are more confident.

Business Technology

Top ten tips for choosing a web developer

Here, James Frost reveals the key considerations for small business owners to make when choosing a web developer.

Business management

The importance of CSR in your small business

Niki Fuchs explains why corporate social responsibility is integral to her company's business strategy and its continuing growth trajectory.

News

Blok Knives awarded small business grant of £20,000

The winner of the second FedEx Small Business Grant competition in the UK has been announced by FedEx Express.

News

Local businesses are more trusted than large enterprises, finds research

Two-fifths (41 per cent) of people are more likely to trust local businesses than bigger companies, research finds.

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.