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.

Startup Funding and Grants

What to look for in an investor and why there’s more to it than money

In this piece, James Oakes looks at five key criteria for a great investor.

Employing & managing staff

Will the self-employed U-turn encourage future pension savings?

Philip Blows looks at the U-turn on self-employed taxes and what else needs to be considered to ensure the outcome is 'fair and appropriate’.

Accounting

How small businesses can avoid unwarranted tax investigations

Lee Murphy looks at how businesses can file correctly in a way that eliminates the stress of a tax investigation.

Advice

A business owner’s guide to fire safety standards

This article seeks to demystify the nature of fire safety standards, explaining exactly what they are, why they shouldn’t be feared, and what to look out for

Startup Funding and Grants

Picking the best type of loan for your small business

Here’s what you need to know about all the different loans available to small businesses.

News

Is your business the next big thing in British food and drink?

A £20,000 marketing package and listing on Ocado is up for grabs in a new competition for promising small food and drink producers.

Accounting

Essential money management tips for new businesses

Here are some top tips to help you master all things money management and allowing you to focus on what you do best.

Marketing

The early-stage marketing challenges of a disruptive online business

Andrew Needham discusses how the marketing strategies for his online meeting space booking platform developed with time.

Marketing

Why small businesses shouldn’t be afraid of the dark social

Aalia Walker discusses what 'dark social' is, why company owners should care, and how they can use it to the advantage of their business.

Small Business Insurance

Richard Reed talks business: Advice for a small retailer

In this video by Travelers, Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed gives some words of wisdom to a store owner about getting people through the door.

Business management

Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed: Optimism key to small business success

Here, in association with Travelers, we look at Innocent Drinks founder Richard Reed's ethos of remaining optimistic in the face of great challenges.

Finding and selling to customers

How to stay ahead of emerging e-commerce consumer habits

Sophia Patskias explores the evolution of e-commerce consumer habits and the ways in which online shopping has had an impact on our lives.

Ben Lobel

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