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.

Employing & managing staff

Why a sense of purpose is more valuable than money when it comes to motivation

Here, we look at three key areas that business leaders need to consider as part of motivating their workforce: autonomy, mastery and purpose.

Finding and selling to customers

Starting with the customer will engage people inside and outside your business

Here are five ways in which you can make sure you’re putting the customer at the heart of your business.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to create a business in 90 minutes

Andy Shield plans to create a new business from scratch in 90 minutes. Will he do it? Is it realistic for others? Here, we find out.

Business Ideas & Planning

How to start a removals business from scratch

Here, we look at the key factors to consider when setting up and growing your own small removals business in 2017.

Marketing

Game-changing Instagram tips for small businesses

Here, Kay Brown presents six key steps for businesses looking to generate results from Instagram.

Business Technology

SME cyber security: Is security fatigue taking hold in your organisation?

Here's how businesses can educate their employees in best practice for email security in four easy steps.

Alternative finance

Trading Forex can help support your new business

Do you have a great business idea that will take time to get going?

Business Technology

Understanding website visitors: A guide to Google Analytics

Here, Nicky Hughes discusses how your business can get the best out of Google Analytics.

Accounting

The fundamentals of financial management for small businesses

In this piece, we present a list of tips such as understanding your cash flow, standard book-keeping practice, and how to write a business plan.

Employing & managing staff

The gig economy and the future of self employment

Following tribunals, confusion and the government U-turn on NI, Karen Coleman discusses the need for clarity on defining self employment.

Business management

Why running a business past 70 takes planning

Adam Tavener and Ian Cass examine the areas small business owners should be looking at in regards to their retirement/business planning.

Export & Import

Seven tips on expanding your business to Singapore

Bob Dearsley highlights the benefits of opening an international business in Singapore – as well as how you can get started there.