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 to create a new business model in a crowded market

In today's competitive business landscape, being able to innovate is a key attribute. Here, two business owners discuss how they implemented a new business model.

Legal advice

Stealing clients: How to stop employees poaching your customers

Here, we talk to Lindsey Knowles, of Kirwans law firm, about what you can do to prevent your outgoing staff from poaching clients.

Business Technology

Business technology examples: Three small company owners discuss their critical IT

On a tight budget, it's essential to make sure you have the right technology for your business needs, at the right price point. In this piece, we talk to business owners about the tech they brought in and how it helped their company’s fortunes.

Marketing

The effectiveness of guerrilla marketing for small businesses

Guerrilla marketing can be a cost-efficient way of getting exposure for your company. Here, we look at three companies that employed it successfully.

Finding and selling to customers

Three tests to measure the strength of your USP

Getting your USP right is critical to business success. In this piece, we look at three tests businesses can use to trial and develop their USP.

Business Technology

Why the dark web could be a growing threat to your small business

Criminals are looking for small businesses' data to sell on the dark web. Here, we look at how to be vigilant.

Investing in a franchise

Starting a window cleaning business: A franchise case study

In August 2018 Alan Jarvis and his partner Charlotte became the first franchisees for My Window Cleaner, launching their business in Canterbury to provide a range of services to the local community.

Legal advice

Small claims court: How to recover money owed to your business

If your business is owed money, you may be able to use the small claims court to recover what is owed to you. In this piece, we discuss how.

Business Ideas & Planning

Key factors to consider when launching your business

In this piece, Matt Jonns, CEO of ucreate, discusses his own start-up journey and what other would-be business owners can learn from it.

Accounting

The complex VAT mistakes your business could be making

In this article, we will take a closer look at the most common issues faced by companies relating to VAT.

Tax

HMRC tax investigations: Eight reasons HMRC might audit your business

Here are some of the common triggers associated with HMRC tax investigations, along with how you can reduce the chance of them occurring.