101+ small business ideas to start now

Looking to start your own business?

The first step is finding the right idea, which can be tricky. With so many avenues out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or not know where to start.

To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of creative and practical business ideas to inspire you and get the ball rolling – whether you’re looking to turn a hobby or side hustle into a business, a problem into a solution or just want to explore something new that matches your skills and passions.

🏡 Home small business ideas

Home businesses are exactly what they say on the tin.

You can start and run your venture from the comfort of your home without the need for a separate office or coworking space.

Running a home business has many benefits, from saving money on rent and overheads to having more control over your schedule and work-life balance.

That being said, just because you’re bossing it up from your bedroom, there are still rules and regulations you need to follow. But don’t worry – we’ll guide you through the key rules and qualifications you’ll need to know before getting started.

1. Childminder

Kids. Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em? Unless you are a childminder and then you can do both! A childminder is someone who provides care and education to children in their own homes – but hands them back to their parents at the end of the day. As of March 2023, there were 27,900 registered childminders in the UK. This number has decreased by 11% from the previous year, which shows a growing demand for childminders and creates a great opportunity for you to step in and start your own business in this space.

❓ See also: How to start a day nursery
🎓Qualifications needed: Childminders in the UK need to hold a valid childcare qualification such as a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
📜Rules and regulations: You will need to register with Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills) and meet certain requirements, such as safeguarding, staffing ratios and a curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum
💵 Cost: You will need to pay £35 for Ofsted registration for children under 5, and £103 for children over 5. Other costs include £49.50 for a DBS check (applies to each person working with children over 16), a yearly fee of £16 to keep your DBS certificate up to date and around £90 for a GP to fill in and sign your health declaration booklet.

Find out more on the government website.

Even before the cost of living crisis, the childcare cost crisis in the UK was grim. In spite of its name, Tiney.co’s business aim is huge.

Read more about founder Brett Wigdortz’s mission to help early years educators open childcare settings in their own home

2. Home baker

Use your sweet tooth to create a startup! There’s a huge demand for baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries (particularly specialist bakes that are vegan or allergen-free) from local customers, cafes and online. Sales of baking ingredients and equipment increased by 67% in the UK during the pandemic, and a poll conducted by Bake Magazine found that the pandemic led to a rise in consumers’ cravings for comfort foods which has continued in these tricky economic times. 

❓ See also: How to start a bakery business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: You will need to follow food hygiene and safety regulations, such as registering with your local council and obtaining a food hygiene certificate
💵 Cost: Start from £50 for your initial setup such as baking supplies and cookware

Using quality heirloom ingredients, Bold Bean Co aims to get us all eating healthy, delicious legumes that won’t cost the planet.

Read more about the Bold Bean Co. home business growth story

3. Home brewer

Profit from your pint. A home brewer produces beer, cider, or wine in small quantities in their own home using specialised equipment. According to the UK’s Society of Independent Brewers & Associates, there are 1,748 active breweries in the country. What’s more, beer drinkers are increasingly looking for healthier options, with UK sales for low-alcohol beer doubling from 2022 to 2023 (650,000 to 1.3 million hectoliters) – making it the fastest-growing market in the world

❓ See also: How to start a microbrewery
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: It is illegal to distil alcohol without a licence in the UK, even for personal use. In England, Wales, and Scotland, the limit is 100 litres per person per year for beer and 90 litres per person per year for cider. In Northern Ireland, the limit is 60 litres per person per year for both beer and cider
💵 Cost: Start from £500 for a basic home brewing kit

Beer with a buzz, but no hangover. IMPOSSIBREW may be alcohol-free, but its unique recipe sets it apart from the ‘well-behaved’ beverage market.

Startups 100 2024 - Impossibrew

4. CV writer

It’s like being a matchmaker, but instead of matching couples, you’re matching resumes to job descriptions. With huge amounts of movement in a highly competitive job market, people need as much help as possible to make sure their skills stand out to potential employees. If you feel you can tailor and tweak experience and expertise to be picked up by applicant tracking systems and showcase the key information that recruiters are looking for, this may be a good business idea for you. You could start small – offering your services to friends and family – and then build your clientele using their testimonials.

❓ See also: What makes a bad job ad? 7 common pitfalls that put candidates off
🎓Qualifications needed: A Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism or a similar area of study would be preferred.
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

5. Petsitter

We are a nation of animal lovers but we also need to work and like to go on holiday. A pet sitter provides care and companionship to pets while their owners are away. The UK’s pet care industry was worth £8.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow in the coming years due to increasing pet ownership. The entry requirements for this home business venture are minimal; it mainly requires a love of animals and experience handling them. 

❓ See also: How to start a pet sitting business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: If you are looking after pets in your own home, you will need a licence (but not if you go to the owner’s home)
💵 Cost: Start from £0

6. Massage therapist

Who doesn’t love a good massage? Massage therapists provide therapeutic pummelings to clients to help alleviate pain, tension, and stress. In the UK, the demand for massage therapists is growing, with the industry expected to reach £1.2 billion by 2025. Needing minimal equipment – a massage bed and your hands! – this is a great business to run from your home. 

❓ See also: Beauty salon equipment and software
🎓Qualifications needed: Massage therapists in the UK need to hold a Level 3 qualification in massage therapy, such as a VTCT or ITEC diploma, and be registered with a professional body such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
📜Rules and regulations: You should be registered with a professional body such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
💵 Cost: Start from £30 for a basic massage table

7. Remote hairdresser

Whatever the economic climate, hair just keeps on growing. But why pay for a salon and associated overheads (no pun intended) when you can provide hair styling and cutting services to clients in your (or their) own home? Since the pandemic, the home hairdressing industry has been on the rise due to its convenience and personalised service. You could start small by doing “dos” for friends and family and use word of mouth and social media to build your clientele. 

❓ See also: How to start a hair stylist business
🎓Qualifications needed: Hairdressers in the UK need to hold a Level 2 or 3 hairdressing qualification
📜Rules and regulations: You must register with your local council.
💵 Cost: Start from £15 for basic hairdressing scissors

8. Tailoring and clothes alterations

If you are a demon at darning or a ninja with a needle, consider offering clothing alterations and repairs to customers. According to a study by Credence Research, the UK’s second-hand clothing market is expected to grow to $8,064.07 million (approx. £6.32 million), with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.12% from 2024 to 2032. As more and more people embrace the circular fashion economy, a huge number of potential customers are looking to nip and tuck. 

❓ See also: How to start a clothes shop
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £10 for a basic sewing kit

9. Music tutor

In the UK, the music education industry is worth an estimated £4.5 billion and is expected to continue growing, driven by an increasing number of enthusiastic music learners of all ages. You don’t need to be a virtuoso violinist but you do need to be able to play your instrument reasonably well and have a quiet space from which to teach and tolerant neighbours – especially drumming tutors! Reading music would be a bonus and plenty of music tutors are self-taught. 

❓ See also: Starting a tutoring business: 5 simple steps
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

10. Airbnb host

Airbnb is a major player in the global travel and accommodation market, hosting over 7.7 million active listings and 5+ million hosts across 191 countries. What’s more, the platform has a strong and growing user base, with more than 150 million guests having booked stays worldwide. To become an Airbnb host yourself, you’ll need to have your own property or have permission from the owner to list it. Make sure to cosy up the space and have great pictures for the listing as well.

❓ See also: How to start a bed and breakfast business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Hosts are required to meet certain safety requirements, such as providing smoke alarms and ensuring that gas and electrical appliances are safe, and should check with their insurance provider to see if they need additional coverage for short-term rentals
💵 Cost: Start from £0 (if you already own a property, that is)

11. Customised stationery design

Why should customers settle for boring, run-of-the-mill invitations, announcements and celebration cards when they could have bespoke pieces that reflect their unique style and personalities? The stationery market in the UK is worth a whopping £2bn annually, and the trend for one-of-a-kind items is on the rise. Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday bash, or a corporate or community function, you could use your artistic aesthetic to help people make a statement with their stationery.

❓ See also: Letterhead requirements: legal procedures you need to follow
🎓Qualifications needed: None, but it would be beneficial to have a background in graphic design, as well as an understanding of printing techniques and materials
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £20 for paper and pens at your local stationery store

12. Homemade or artisanal dog treats and snacks

Post-pandemic pooch passion persists! Take advantage of this doggy love by running a homemade artisanal dog treats and snacks business. You could create unique and delicious dog treats and package and market the products from your own kitchen. The UK pet food market was worth around £4.069 billion in 2024, so there’s plenty of opportunity for some canine kerching!

❓ See also: Top business ideas: pet care
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check basic requirements at gov.uk
💵 Cost: Varies (eg basic cooking equipment and cleaning products)

13. Valet service

A valet service provides a range of car-related services, such as parking, cleaning, and maintenance, to customers. In the UK, the carwashing and valet industries are worth over £1 billion, with a projected market size of £9.8 billion by 2025. With no skills and minimal marketing required, this is a great business to run from your home (or the street outside to be more precise). 

❓ See also: How to start a car valeting business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: You should follow environmental and health and safety regulations, such as obtaining a trade effluent consent (trade effluent is any liquid waste that’s discharged into our sewers from a business, industrial or trade process)
💵 Cost: Start from £50 for cleaning products and equipment

14. Takeaway service

Forget the image of a traditional takeaway with flock wallpaper and an over-handled bowl of mints. These days, a takeaway service can involve providing home-cooked meals and drinks for customers to consume off-premises or catering for functions and events. The current UK takeaway sector is worth over £4.9 billion, and the industry is expected to continue growing due to the increasing popularity of delivery services. So if you’ve got a kitchen that can handle cooking in quantities and a talent for tasty tidbits, this could be a venture for you.

❓ See also: How to start a takeaway business from home
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: You will need to register with your local council’s environmental health service, follow food hygiene regulations, and comply with allergen labelling requirements
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the equipment required

15. Vegan candle maker

According to a report by The Vegan Society, the vegan lifestyle market in the UK is now worth over £3.5 billion, and the demand for vegan products, including candles, is growing rapidly. This is a super easy business to set up and you can sell your offerings at local markets, fairs and gift shops or go the ecommerce route and sell online.

❓ See also: The 6 best ecommerce platforms for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

16. Plant rental service

Yes, you read correctly. Plant rental services are a thing. A plant rental service offers the rental of indoor plants to offices, homes, and events for decoration and air-purifying purposes and is a great home-based idea for the green-fingered. You will probably require some suitable outside space though unless you want your living room to resemble a jungle. 

❓ See also: Top business ideas: wellbeing
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

17. Crafter

As with vegan candle making, whether you’re a perfect potter, a master mason, or wondrous at woodwork, you can make your wares at home and sell them. However, passing on your skills could also be a great new business opportunity. The popularity of craft workshops and craft teaching – whether in real life or virtually – has dramatically risen, fuelled by Gen Zers who want to reconnect with the physical, manual world. Your crafting skills could be a crafty little money-spinner. 

❓ See also: Business ideas for 2020: craft teaching
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on your niche and business plans

18. Antique dealer

If you’re a connoisseur of antiques or a history nerd, dealing with antiques could be your next entrepreneurial project. However, keep in mind this one is trickier than the average trade. Whilst the Antiques Roadshow may paint a rosy picture of what the business is like, in reality, it involves lots of detective work, patience, and arduous competition. It’s definitely a tough venture to launch, but with the right marketing and negotiating skills, you’ll be able to set yourself up for success. 

❓ See also: How to start an antique business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0, however, if you’re looking for a specialist niche, collecting all your merchandise could take months and has high upfront costs (£25,000-35,000)

19. Pet clothing designer

A pet clothing designer creates fashionable and/or functional clothing for pets. This can include anything from doggy dresses to cat coats. In the UK, pet owners spend an average of £126 per month on their pets, while a survey by Pet Business World revealed that owners spend an average of almost £500 per year on luxury items like toys and treats. Obviously an interest in animals and fashion would be a good starting point here – and there’s a lot of competition – but our love affair with our pets isn’t going away anytime soon.

❓ See also: How to start a clothing line
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £10 for a basic sewing kit

20. Offer lodgings

This idea is as old as the hills but fantastic as a home business nonetheless, providing you own your own property and have a spare room. More and more people are resorting to renting a room in a private home as it makes financial sense with rents skyrocketing. Plus, many more workers need a city pied-a-terre when commuting from the countryside. However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that because it’s your home, you can do what you like. Do implement a tenancy contract agreement and make sure you don’t fall foul of the rules and regs. 

❓ See also: How to become a landlord
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: There are a host of rules and regulations that you will need to comply with. Landlords offering Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) must obtain a licence from their local council; all accommodation must be safe and provide maintained smoke detectors, electrical wiring, and gas appliances. Landlords are also required to protect any deposit paid by the tenant in a government-approved scheme. These are just some of the main rules and regulations for offering lodging in the UK, but landlords should also check with their local council to ensure that they are complying with any additional requirements specific to their area
💵 Cost: You will need to own a home in order to start this business, as it will include the expense of your mortgage payments, utility bills, insurance, taxes, and maintenance costs. Additionally, if you plan to provide additional services or amenities such as breakfast, cleaning services, or laundry facilities, these will also incur additional costs

21. Business development caller

Let’s call a spade a spade. A business development or “cold” caller is essentially someone employed to make an unsolicited phone call to a potential customer to sell products or services. Whilst we all know how annoying these calls can be, there’s a reason they still happen – they work. And that’s where you come in. You can start a business as a “cold” caller from the warmth and comfort of your own home. Entry requirements are low level – a courteous telephone manner and bags of resilience will see you right. 

❓ See also: Small business telemarketing services
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: You cannot call numbers that are listed on the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) and Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS)
💵 Cost: Start from £0 although you will need a phone and to decide with your client how your bill will be paid

22. Home personal trainer

A home personal trainer provides fitness training and coaching services to clients who want all the benefits of a gym without all the other muscly, sweaty people. The UK fitness industry is worth over £5 billion, and it is projected to continue growing due to the increasing awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. So with tons of potential trainees out there, this idea is ideal for someone who already loves fitness and has some equipment at home. 

❓ See also: How to start a personal trainer business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from around £5 for basic gym equipment

23. Laundry service

If you’ve got a washing machine and are fabulous at folding, this could be a simple and lucrative business to start and run from your home. With the rising demand for convenience and time-saving services, plus the growing number of people renting out their places via sites like Airbnb, there are piles and piles of dirty laundry that need outsourcing. The UK’s dry cleaning and laundry services market in the UK is also predicted to hit a value of approximately £3,855 million by 2030.

❓ See also: Startups Awards finalist Laundryheap raises £2m to hit £17m valuation
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £2 for washing detergent and other laundry products

Having bootstrapped the business since its inception, along with being new mothers and both working full-time, Carol Lathbridge and Lola Cawood faced a huge amount of challenges.

Read more about Tiwani Heritage went from kitchen table to cofounders

24. Ironing service

All you need to get this business started is an iron and an ironing board. As people get busier and seek more and more convenience, plus the AirBnB market grows, there’s a huge demand for pressed work clothes and wrinkle-free bedding. This may also be a complimentary add-on to a laundry or cleaning service. 

❓ See also: Laundry start-up ihateironing.com bags £120,000 investment
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0, but only if you already have an iron and ironing board. Otherwise, it costs around £20 for an ironing board and up to £250 for an iron, depending on the kind you choose

25. Gardener

A great side hustle if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty – people always need lawns mowing, shrubs pruning and leaves clearing. You can start small and as your confidence and expertise grows, acquire equipment and offer landscaping services too. There’s no requirement for formal training but some knowledge of plants would be useful. According to a report by AMA Research, the UK landscaping services market is worth over £5 billion, and it is projected to continue growing due to the increasing demand for maintenance of commercial and communal outdoor spaces. 

❓ See also: How to become a gardener
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the type of gardening equipment you use

🖥️ Online small business ideas

An online business is any venture that can be run entirely from your laptop or computer. With little to no startup costs, the rewards of virtual ventures can be huge. Plus, the opportunities are only getting bigger as online shopping becomes the norm.

Over 80% of the UK population makes ecommerce purchases – that means over four in every five UK consumers are digital buyers. By 2025, the penetration rate among the country’s consumers is expected to reach 90%!

And the benefits of starting an online business are manifold. From the flexibility to work from anywhere at any time, to lower overhead costs compared to traditional brick-and-mortar businesses, here are some easy e-commerce enterprise ideas to get you excited. 

26. Personalised apparel

Personalised t-shirts and sneakers are popular – the appeal lies in your customer being able to purchase something that is impossible to get anywhere else. Customers could come to you with their customisation ideas or use your artistic vision to provide them with something original and unique. Personalising takes artistic interest and skill, but with some good online reviews and a popping Instagram or TikTok account, you can gain a reputation fast for creating upcycled, limited edition and bespoke products. 

❓ See also: The ultimate guide to dropshipping: what is it and is it worth it?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £3-20 per item, depending on your type of apparel, design complexity and quantities ordered

27. Online tutoring

With the pandemic wreaking havoc on children’s education, online tutoring has never been more sought after for filling in the academic gaps. If you’re highly qualified in a particular subject, or have previous experience working with kids, then you already have a major tick off your checklist. While it’s not necessary to be a fully qualified teacher, you should still have a thorough understanding of the UK education system and the school curriculum, which you can research via gov.uk. And marketing costs are minimal – word of mouth amongst satisfied (and competitive!) parents works wonders here. 

❓ See also: How to start a tutoring business
🎓Qualifications needed: There is no requirement for qualifications to become a tutor. However, if you want to tutor people for accredited education, a degree relative to the level you want to teach at would be appropriate if teaching children
📜Rules and regulations: None but a valid DBS certificate is preferable
💵 Cost: Start from £0

28. Baby sleep consultant

Help exhausted parents get their babies to sleep like a …well….baby. You may want to get yourself professionally trained before you offer up this service or just take advantage of your own experience of bawling babies and teething toddlers. Either way, there are plenty of sleep-deprived parents looking for tailored training programmes or bespoke consultations.

❓ See also: Hello Baby: Trevor Ginn
🎓Qualifications needed: As it stands, sleep consulting is not a regulated profession, but taking some health and safety courses at the minimum would help with competency and credibility
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

Created by parents, for parents, Happity is the UK's biggest finding and booking platform for baby and toddler classes.

Find out how cofounders Sara Tateno and Emily Tredget used their experience as time-poor, tantrum-rich parents to create the user-friendly booking systems

29. Digital decluttering service

Are you scared to open your inbox because of 8 million unread emails? Or have you wasted hours looking for a file on your computer that you know is there but you can’t find? If the answer is no, you should become a digital declutterer! This online service helps people and other small businesses organise their digital assets, increasingly important as more of our personal and professional lives move online. You can charge for services hourly or per task but should be well-versed in maintaining a tidy online space. 

❓ See also: Best project management software for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

30. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a method of business where you commission suppliers to ‘drop’ shipments to your customers’ doorsteps on your behalf. You don’t have to stock or keep track of inventory, so no extra costs for hiring a warehouse or surrendering your living room to a ton of boxes and packaging materials. All you really have to do is promote your business and build your audience. That said, dropshipping isn’t without its drawbacks – chiefly, dealing with returns and refunds. Plus, choosing a reliable and trustworthy third-party supplier can be the difference between making a profit or going bust. But it’s definitely one of the easiest, quickest and cheapest businesses to start. 

❓ See also: The ultimate guide to dropshipping: what is it and is it worth it?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: This varies by country, but it’s important to adhere to regulations surrounding licensing (e.g. a business license or sales permit), taxes and product safety and liability.
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the tools and resources you use and how much you invest in marketing

31. Copywriting

Copywriting is the practice of creating original copy that helps a client achieve a particular goal – usually to persuade customers to buy or use a product or service and therefore increase sales. This could be anything from product descriptions detailing the key features and benefits of an item or service to flyers, social media content and more. Clearly a good grasp of written English is necessary, as well as basic human psychology as you’ll need to understand what motivates your intended audience. 

❓ See also: How to become a freelance copywriter
🎓Qualifications needed: None, other than a reasonable knowledge of spelling and grammar
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

32. Web designer

Web designers use website-building platforms as well as their own creative vision and coding skills to create websites for clients who don’t have the know-how or desire to do it themselves. With more and more people deciding to start their own businesses or side hustles, there’s a huge demand for user-friendly, professional-looking websites at reasonable prices. 

❓ See also: Best easy website builders for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None but an understanding of HTML, CSS and Javascript, a basic knowledge of web programming and web design applications such as Adobe Dreamweaver would be useful
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the web design tools you use (e.g. Figma, Canva, Adobe Dreamweaver, etc.)

33. App Developer

Mobile apps generated over $935 billion in revenue in 2023 which means this is a great virtual venture for tech-savvy individuals. You’ll need the ability to write computer programs and have abundant analytical thinking skills. You can either operate as a freelancer for hire or come up with your own app ideas to develop and sell. 

❓ See also: Top business ideas: personal health apps
🎓Qualifications needed: None although an undergraduate degree in computer science would be helpful
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the app development tools you use (e.g. Xamarin, Ionic, Flutter, etc.)

Providing nearby volunteering opportunities you can sign up for in minutes, OnHand is the app for employees and companies wanting to do more good.

Startups 100 2024 - OnHand

34. Social media manager

Are you a social butterfly in the digital world? Could you turn your addiction to Insta and love of likes to financial gain?  From creating killer content to tracking analytics, social media managers are the virtual masterminds behind all those viral tweets, insta-posts, and Facebook rants. They know how to attract an audience, engage with them, and build a community around a brand. In 2023, the UK had almost 60 million e-commerce users and is expected to increase to 62.1 million in 2025, according to SwiftERM. It’s a worthwhile venture to pursue if you love connecting with people and are good at data wrangling.

❓ See also: What is social media marketing: the ultimate guide
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Data protection (GDPR), advertising standards (ASA), financial promotions (FCA), copyright and intellectual property laws, defamation and harassment laws.
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the social media management tools you use (e.g. Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, etc.)

35. Affiliate marketer

Put simply, affiliate marketing is the promotion of someone else’s product by yourself, in return for a small commission on each sale made. Basically, you’re a middle person. Ideally, to get started you’ll already have a blog, active social media following or website that brings customers in to click on your affiliate link so that you earn commission. Commission rates can vary a lot – anything from 5 to 50% – but the good news is that affiliate marketing revenue has been steadily rising by 10% each year, according to stats from Streamline advertising group. Some of the UK’s top affiliate platforms include Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate), Amazon Associates and Shopify affiliate programme. Don’t believe all the hype though. There are as many affiliate marketer zeroes as heroes. 

❓ See also: Affiliate Marketing: how does it work and is it worth it?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check the UK’s advertising regulator, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidelines: affiliate marketing communications must be clearly identifiable as such and must comply with data protection and privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
💵 Cost: Start from £0

36. Selling eBooks

If you have a story to tell or expert knowledge in a subject – cooking, self-help, photography, poetry or the next great novel – then writing an ebook can be a brilliant and cheap business idea. Although it could cost you a lot of time, financial overheads are next to nothing. You can sell your book via third-party providers – principally, Amazon – or via your own online store. If you really want to guarantee sales before pushing on, you could always arrange a pre-sale, or start a crowdfunding campaign to drum up interest in your virtual tome. 

❓ See also: How to start a bookshop
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Value added tax (VAT) rules, digital accessibility standards, copyright and licensing, individual platform requirements (e.g. if you sell on Amazon, you must adhere to its guidelines for AI-generated and AI-assisted content)
💵 Cost: Start from £0 

37. Proofreader / editor

From books to documents to websites, proofreaders are in continual high demand because all industries produce written content that needs reviewing for the appropriate professionalism, accuracy and tone of voice. Ideally, this is an online venture for someone with a qualification or background in English or journalism but it’s not essential as long as you can polish prose  to perfection and know how to mind your ps and qs. 

❓ See also: How to become a freelance copywriter
🎓Qualifications needed: None, but it would be helpful to familiarise yourself with style guides such as the Oxford or AP Style and Grammar Guidelines
💵 Cost: Start from £0

38. Online personal stylist

Consider yourself a trendsetter? Then maybe you should think about selling your style rather than giving it away for free. All this virtual venture requires is a simple website with some signature looks and a range of style interventions – from creating a one-off look for a special event to revamping a work wardrobe or helping a hoarder clear out their closet. So if you have a flair for fashion and want to turn your passion into a paycheck, personal styling might just be the perfect fit for you.

❓ See also: Sustainable fashion: trends and opportunities
🎓Qualifications needed: None, but some personal stylists pursue formal education in fashion and styling. The cost of studying for a degree in fashion can range from £9,250 to £38,000 per year, depending on the university and course
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: £0

39. Blogger

One of the easiest and cheapest ideas to get off the ground, the beauty of blogging is that you can talk about a topic you are genuinely already interested in. The trick is to pick a topic that other people are interested in too. That way you can build a following and monetise via affiliate marketing or sponsored content. You will need your own website plus some knowledge of search engine optimisation (SEO) and keyword research if you want to make sure you get eyes on your pages but this can be self-taught. In fact, there are plenty of blogs on it!  

❓ See also: Personal branding explained – plus how to create a personal brand
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

40. Stock photographer

If you’ve got a camera, a steady hand and a good eye, you could be well on your way to making some serious cash online through stock photography. All you need to do is upload your images to a stock website – such as Alamy or Shutterstock – who’ll licence your photos to their clients for a fee. The good news? This is passive income! Stock photos can earn you anything from £50 to £500 for 1000+ high-quality pictures per month. Lifestyle and landscape shots are always popular. 

❓ See also: How to start a photography business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Dependent on which stock website you choose but always seek permission from people and premises you capture
💵 Cost: £25 for a basic camera

41. Online yoga instructor

Not only will you get to stay healthy and fit with this business idea, but you’ll also be spreading good vibes and spiritual wellness to others. And the best part? You can make some serious cash doing it! Whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a full-time career, you can make this work for you as your online audience grows. 

❓ See also: How to become a yoga instructor
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: While yoga isn’t regulated in the UK, there are organisations that self-regulate the industry, such as The British Wheel of Yoga. 
💵 Cost: The Yoga Alliance is an organisation that provides yoga teacher certification and sets standards for yoga teacher training programs in the UK. To register as a teacher you’ll need to pay an annual membership fee, which can range from £40 to £115 depending on your level of certification. It’s also important to get limited liability insurance to protect yourself in case of any accidents or injuries that may occur during your classes, and that typically ranges from £50 to £150 per year

42. Virtual Assistant

A super simple startup for a super-organised individual. As a virtual assistant you could offer your services to schedule appointments, manage diaries, make and take phone calls, plan travel and manage email and social media accounts for a whole variety of small business clients whom you’ll never need to meet. All this admin can take place online! You can decide whether to charge per hour or day, task or project. 

❓ See also: How to become a virtual assistant
🎓Qualifications needed: None, but a good grasp of basic English and maths plus some computing skills will be very helpful
📜Rules and regulations: Obtaining relevant insurance like professional indemnity and public liability, VAT registration if your business turnover exceeds £85,000 annually, and adherence to GDPR
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the type of services you plan to offer and the tools you’ll need

43. Teach English as a foreign language

The demand to learn English – as THE international language – has been and will always be high. The best part is that you can teach all of your lessons online – so there are no overheads for travel or classroom costs. To get started, your native language ideally needs to be English, and an accredited TEFL course will also be required before you start taking on students. You can expect to earn £15 per hour teaching English online, although as you grow your client base and become more reputable, you can increase your fees and charge a much higher rate (up to £40 per hour).

❓ See also: How to start a tutoring business
🎓Qualifications needed: TEFL courses can range in price, but you’ll likely be spending between £75 to £250 on a course depending on the level and hours involved. Although a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessarily a requirement, it will help you attract clients as the market is quite competitive and a degree could set you apart from other teachers
📜Rules and regulations: DBS checks if working with children under 18 or vulnerable adults and adherence to GDPR.  
💵 Cost: Start from £0

44. Finfluencer

Eschewing old-school banking institutions, there’s a growing trend for Millennials and Gen Zers to rely on social media stars for money matters. These financial influencers share their knowledge and expertise on all things personal finance that resonate with 18-25 year olds, from paying off student loans to buying a flat and making their first investment. In fact, according to a recent report by Hootsuite, a whopping 27% of adults in the UK follow at least one financial influencer on social media. If you think you are able to provide financial information and education in an entertaining and engaging way (and have the authority and expertise to do so), this could be for you. 

❓ See also: How to make money as a social media influencer
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before endorsing any financial services or products
💵 Cost: Start from £0

45. Virtual interior designer

The interior design industry in the UK is estimated to be worth £1.6 billion. That’s a lot of feature walls and colour pop pillows! A virtual interior designer offers services through an online platform using tech to showcase samples and options without stepping foot in a client’s house. You will need an online portfolio, computer skills and some kind of virtual design software. 

❓ See also: How to start an interior design franchise
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Business registration, VAT registration if your business turnover exceeds £85,000 annually, legal contracts for clients to outline terms and conditions compliant with consumer protection laws, such as the Consumer Rights Act 2015, adherence to GDPR, compliance with CDM Regulations 2015 for projects involving physical changes to interiors
💵 Cost: £50 for Companies House registration online, or £71 by paper. Other costs depend on the technology and tools you use

💳 Side hustle small business ideas

If you want to earn extra income or turn your passion into a profitable venture, side hustling could be for you. A side hustle is a business you operate while holding down your day job, so you can keep the safety of your salary while giving yourself time to build your confidence and company.

According to statistics by Sage, 47% of Brits have a side hustle, and an additional 10% are actively looking for one. Plus, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the current economic downturn, the side hustle industry in the UK is now worth over £44 billion per year. This trend is likely to continue as more people embrace the flexibility and financial independence that part-time entrepreneurship offers.

46. Reselling clothes

With Gen Z shoppers leading the sustainable fashion and vintage shopping charge, reselling clothes is a great way to target younger audiences and make some extra cash. Apps like Depop and Vinted make the process of setting up a vintage online store painless meaning there’s a low barrier to entry. All you’ll really need is a smartphone, popping pics of your items, and some social media marketing savviness. Predictions estimate that the resale market will grow 127% by 2026, so hopping on the clothes resale bandwagon could be a smart side hustle bet with plenty of hacks to keep you on the right side of HMRC.

❓ See also: Sustainable fashion: trends and opportunities
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

47. Voiceover artist

Could your smooth and sultry tones be your side hustle? You could offer your voice for a range of media, including TV, film and video games. The audio sector in the UK has grown significantly over the last few years, with the digital audio ad market worth £186 million and the audiobook market valued at over £1 billion. It’s super easy to get started – all you need is a portfolio, good audio editing software and your dulcet tones.

❓ See also: Business ideas for 2020: podcasting
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on audio equipment and audio editing software (e.g. Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, etc.)

48. Dogwalker

Post-pandemic pooches need walking now their owners are back in the office! It’s a real shame for man’s best friend, but the perfect business opportunity for canine-loving cash seekers. The entry requirements for this business venture are minimal; it mainly requires a love of dogs, experience handling them and some good walking boots, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking! Your main costs are going to be insurance and either some printed flyers or social media advertising. This won’t cost you more than a few hundred quid. Considering you can charge up to £20 an hour, there’s good money to be made.

❓ See also: How to start a dog walking business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: You’ll need to be aware of a few rules and regulations, including the legal requirement for dogs to wear leads at all times and your obligation to pick up their mess
💵 Cost: £80-150 per year for liability insurance

49. Upcycling

Turning trash into treasure can be a viable side hustle business venture if you’re creative and great at DIY. Take any unwanted object and transform it into something that someone else needs, wants or likes the look of. The key is knowing where to sell handmade items locally or online. It’s great if you’re looking for a sustainable business that has a low barrier to entry – after all, there is no wait for products to get made or sampled. Have a look on sites such as Etsy for inspiration. 

❓ See also: Top business trends: sustainability
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £35 for a basic DIY toolkit

50. Babysitting

With parents busy in the office or couples that simply want a night away from their kids, babysitting will always be a viable business idea if you don’t mind working with young ones. The start-up costs are pretty low – the largest investment you’ll probably make is a website or some flyers to advertise your services. You’ll also need to have a rough understanding of what the hourly rates for babysitting are so that you can be competitive in the market. 

❓ See also: How to become a childminder
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

51. Language tutoring

As the job market gets more competitive, people are looking to diversify and strengthen their language skills. Plus, parents are always looking to improve their kids’ GCSE and A-level grades. So if you’re fluent in French or a native Nigerian speaker, tutoring languages can be a strong side hustle, and you can charge from £24-28 per hour. Craigslist and similar websites are excellent places to market your tutoring business, often signing up and posting an ad is free. Don’t forget there may also be people (and businesses) out there looking for English language tuition as well.

❓ See also: Best easy website builders for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None but bilingual proficiency or written and oral fluency in the language being taught is preferable
📜Rules and regulations: DBS checks if working with children under 18 or vulnerable adults and adherence to GDPR
💵 Cost: Start from £0

52. Videographer

Freelance videography can be a great avenue to make some extra money if you’re good with cameras and editing, but you will need some equipment which can be costly. However, you’ll have a broad market since clients can range from individuals – think events such as weddings and parties – to businesses that want to use videos for marketing. Do specialise so you can perfect your style and your showreel – essential if you want people to know about your side hustle. 

❓ See also: How to use YouTube for business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on video equipment and video editing software (e.g. Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier, Filmora, etc.)

53. Urban beekeeping

Nurture bees in the city and harvest honey, beeswax, and other bee-related products to sell yourself or to local stores and businesses. In the UK, the number of beekeepers has increased by 25% in the last five years, according to the British Beekeepers Association. And the good news? You don’t necessarily need a garden or green space. Many successful side hustlers who live in apartment blocks are able to keep bees on their buildings’ flat roofs. 

❓ See also: Business ideas for 2020: urban farming
🎓Qualifications needed: It is recommended that new beekeepers attend a training course to learn the skills and knowledge needed to keep bees safely and effectively
📜Rules and regulations: All beekeepers in the UK must register with the National Bee Unit (NBU) to comply with the law. Registration is free and can be done online. Hives should be clearly marked with the beekeeper’s contact information, so they can be identified in case of any issues or emergencies, and placed at a safe distance from public areas
💵 Cost: You will need to purchase beekeeping equipment such as hives, frames, smokers, and protective clothing, as well as bees to populate your hives. To get started, you will likely need around £750-2000

54. Tarot card consultancy

Whether you believe in it or not, there are customers out there who are looking for solace in what Tarot cards reveal. Although traditionally tarot card readings happen face-to-face, there’s been a rising demand for readings on Zoom, WhatsApp or FaceTime. Whilst no qualifications or accreditation is strictly necessary if you are offering the service professionally (as opposed to just for friends and family) you may find a course gives you everything you need to know from the history of Tarot to tips on how to respond to individual concerns. 

❓ See also: The side-hustle effect: meet those running successful side gigs
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: A pack of tarot cards can cost as little as £2.98

55. House-sitting

People need to leave their houses (and pets and plants) unattended for short or longer periods of time whether for business or pleasure. House-sitters allay the anxiety of an unattended home. There are no real operational costs apart from maybe a bit of marketing to ensure homeowners know about your services. That said, you do need a responsible attitude and organised nature to make sure the property is kept secure and be sure to deal with any emergencies such as break-ins or floods.  

❓ See also: Running a business from a rented property
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

56. Market stallholder

Market stalls are an excellent, low-budget way if you have a product to test or a brand to launch. Whether you want to set up a permanent stand or focus on ad hoc, open-air markets, stalls are a quick and mobile way of giving your brand and products exposure and seeing if people actually want them! The main thing to be wary of is your profit margin, as you’ll need to source your products and research your market to make sure that you can do more than just break even. In this way, having a market stall is also really helpful in determining your pricing strategy.

❓ See also: How to start a market stall
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Dependent on the specific market
💵 Cost: Start from £0

57. Jewellery maker

Whether it’s fine or fashion, jewellery making is a side hustle that fits those part-time entrepreneurs who are adept with stones, silver and soldering. You can choose to sell your items online (make sure your photos are dazzling!) or at weekend markets or local retail stores. There’s lots of flexibility (and courses for beginners), but you’ll just need to be careful to balance out the cost of your materials and equipment with the profit made from sales. 

❓ See also: How to start a jewellery business

🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check health and safety considerations for making and selling jewellery, for example EU REACH chemical standards still apply post-Brexit
💵 Cost: Varies depending on jewellery-making supplies and equipment 

58. Online paid surveys

Businesses are always looking for customer feedback to improve their services. However, the average Joe isn’t exactly keen to answer multiple-choice questions just out of goodwill. Therefore, companies will pay money to survey takers to get the feedback they need. You can choose how many surveys you want to take and when, making this side hustle extremely flexible. Individual payouts, however, can be low. But when you complete multiple surveys across several sites, you can earn up to £800 a year. In general, surveys will pay around £6-9 per hour and your best bet is to sign up with several agencies as they will shout out for specific demographics and interests.  

❓ See also: Customer needs: how to identify and meet them
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Laptop or personal computer (£500-£1000)

59. Repair person

If you are handy with a hammer, swish with a spanner and fond of fixing things? Then offering up your DIY skills to people with household problems or small projects might be the side hustle for you. Start off with friends and family and you’ll soon find you’ll have referrals galore. You could charge an hourly rate of £20 or a daily rate of £120, and offer your repair expertise and bookings online via local community forums or your own website.  

❓ See also: Starting a car repair business: what you need to know to open a garage
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None for basic fixes but be mindful of qualifications necessary for any electrical or heating repairs
💵 Cost: Start from £35 for a basic DIY toolkit

60. Car washing

Car washing can be a lucrative side hustle. It’s estimated that there are over 20,000 car washes operating in the UK. Key factors to consider will be how specialised you want the service to be (deep cleans, waxing etc), where you’re going to be based, and the quality and cost of your equipment. There can be heavy upfront costs when setting the business up, alongside electricity and water. However, considering around 25.6 million people in the country own a car, you have a pretty large market to cater to. 

❓ See also: GoWashMyCar Ltd: Adam Matthecka
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £20 for basic cleaning equipment

61. Selling prints

If you’ve got a knack for graphic design, a quick and easy small business idea is to sell your prints. Whether they appear on a tote bag or on a mug, you can easily set up an ecommerce store or page on Etsy to sell your designs. Although there are some significant upfront costs like buying high-quality paper (if you’re selling posters) and an at-home office printer, the rest of the production is relatively cheap and straightforward. If you want a business that showcases your creative talents,  this might be the one for you.

❓ See also: Marketing for ecommerce businesses: strategies and tips for success
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £30 for a basic printer and £20 for paper

62. Quiz runner

Who doesn’t love a pub quiz? According to YouGov data, 98% of Brits do! So this time-honoured trivia tradition can now be monetised and turned into a business. All you’ll need is some quiz questions (these could be on pop culture, sport, music or anything!), a bit of banter and of course a venue looking for a host. 

❓ See also: Best small business printers
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

63. DJ

Are you a party animal that can keep the floor filled with your banging beats? Maybe you could use your magic at mixing to start a DJ business. To take off, you’ll need to invest in a DJ set, promote yourself on social media, and create a website so people can book you for events. As you put on a good show – whether at parties, weddings, bar mitzvahs or work dos  – and recommendations travel through word of mouth, you’ll get more bookings and potentially make a stable income.

❓ See also: What is social media marketing: the ultimate guide
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £140 for basic DJ equipment

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64. Curbside composter

Green waste is no longer just waste – it can be a source of revenue. The best part is that as you develop your business venture you’ll also be taking care of the environment by ensuring that waste is properly recycled and doesn’t end up in a landfill. What’s more, around 80% of the materials deposited in landfills could be recycled. You’ll have a wide target audience as garden centres, landscaping companies, and common-or-garden gardeners all use composts to inject life into their gardens. Plus, the startup costs are minimal as you can DIY a lot of the materials to compost, base the business at home and get your local community to contribute their green waste too.

🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £20 for a basic composter

65. Dating app profile consultant

Hate them or love them, dating apps are here to stay as the most convenient and streamlined solution to meeting your match. However, with such an active market of daters, polishing up your profile so it stands out in a sea of fish can be the crucial difference between someone swiping right or not. If you think you can advise those seeking a soulmate on how to improve their images and copy – diplomatically! – then this could be a great side hustle for you. The upfront costs are quite low as you’ll mainly need to set up a website and advertise yourself as the ultimate Cupid. As long as you do your research, and can transform swipes into dates (and maybe more), you’ll be able to build up credibility and get yourself more clients. 

❓ See also: How to start an online dating business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Around £100-1000 for the cost of a phone with internet access or a laptop

66. Car boot sale trader

Selling unwanted items from the back of your car can be a quick and easy way to make extra cash. The upfront costs are low since all you need is your car, your stock and a card reader. However, the trick is understanding how to pitch to sell and where to set yourself up to ensure as many passers-by see your store-cum-car boot! As long as you remain organised and preempt customer pain points (like bringing bags for big spenders and change for cash buyers) be prepared to drive back home with an empty trunk. 

❓ See also: The best fuel cards for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £5-10 for the cost of a pitch, plus around £20-200 for a card reader

67. Personal organiser

A personal organiser is a professional who helps clients declutter and organise their living spaces, often working on tasks such as rearranging belongings more practically, creating storage solutions, and developing systems to maintain order. They may also provide guidance on time management and productivity. According to a survey by the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO), there has been a significant increase in demand for professional organising services in the UK. The survey found that 85% of respondents had seen a rise in inquiries in the past year, and 70% reported that their client base had expanded. The study also revealed that the average fee charged by a personal organiser in the UK is £40-£50 per hour. So, a lucrative side-line for those whose drawers are already tidy. 

❓ See also: 7 best project management methodologies for small business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

68. Mystery shopper

Whilst you would be hard-pressed to make a full-time living from this on its own, masquerading as a real shopper is a great way to earn some extra money. Although the tasks will vary from job to job, you’ll normally be told what to buy, the questions you need to ask employees, the photographs to take, and other things to look out for like cleanliness and lighting. If you’re not keen on physically going to a store, you can also do mystery shopping by phone or email, making it a super flexible option for a side hustle.

❓ See also: Local shopping boom expected to outlast pandemic, surveys show
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

69. Equipment rental

Equipment rental has a large market and what you offer can vary from party supplies and filming gear to large tool rentals and heavy catering machinery. The great part about this business model is your equipment can be making money whilst you are doing something else.  It requires minimal labour as all you’re doing is picking up and dropping off equipment. However, there may be a significant upfront investment, especially if what you’re supplying is expensive. The upside is that there will be stable demand as lots of customers are looking to simply borrow equipment rather than make a big investment in things they won’t use again.

❓ See also: The best accounting software for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the type of equipment you purchase

70. Woman (or man) with a van

A woman (or man) with a van is a self-employed service that helps customers move items, make deliveries, and carry out one-off transportation jobs. The idea is that it’s a flexible option for clients as the service can be offered on short notice at a competitive rate. You can tap into the removals, house clearance, and deliveries market. The upfront costs are quite low, especially if you already own a van, although fuel expenses could quickly pile up. However, if you have repeat customers and a good supply of bookings, your van could have you speeding towards a successful side hustle venture. 

❓ See also: Recession proof business ideas
🎓Qualifications needed: A valid driving licence
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: £13,000+ for a van (if you don’t already have one)

71. Caricature artist

A caricature artist creates humorous drawings of people that exaggerate certain features. These cartoon-like creations are a growing trend at weddings, corporate dos and community events as well as being commissioned online. The average price of a caricature artist depends on the event, the artist’s experience and the complexity of the caricature, though some charge between £100-300 per event.

❓ See also: How to make an online portfolio
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: £30-200 to get started with art supplies

72. Pop-up shop

A pop-up shop is a temporary retail space that is set up by a brand or individual for a short period of time, usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks. These shops are often located in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls, markets, or city centres, and are used to showcase products or services. Excellent for those not yet ready to fully commit to their side-hustle, pop-up shops can be used for various purposes, such as introducing a new product line, promoting a brand, testing a new market, or generating buzz and excitement around a particular event or season. According to a report by Popup Republic, the UK pop-up industry is worth around £2.3 billion.

❓ See also: How to set up a pop-up shop in four simple steps
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: The cost of setting up a pop-up shop depends on the size and location of the venue

73. Musician for hire

A musician for hire provides live music for events such as weddings or parties or corporate events.  In addition to being a skilled musician, you must also be able to handle the business side of things – including negotiating fees, contracts, and managing your own schedule – as well as some potentially anti-social hours. You can work alone or make sweet music with some other like-minded instrumentalists. According to a report by the Musicians’ Union, the average musician in the UK earns around £23,000 per year.

❓ See also: How to start a record label
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

74. Mobile detailing service

A mobile detailing service cleans the exterior and interior of a car at the customer’s location. According to a survey by the AA, the average car owner in the UK spends around £162 per year on car detailing so there is money to be made here from people’s desire for cleanliness and convenience. That said, you will need a mode of transport to get you and your equipment to and from jobs plus a website so customers can make bookings. According to Airtasker, you can charge from £37-183 depending on car size which means a sizable profit per clean.

❓ See also: How to start a car valeting business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £100 for transportable vacuum and cleaning materials

75. Rent out your car

Renting out your car to others through a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform can be a profitable business. According to research by Start Rescue, you can earn between £35-50 per day after any fees or commission from car sharing apps.

❓ See also: Vehicle tracking costs for businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: These will vary depending on which platform you use
💵 Cost: Start from £0

76. Ghost kitchen

In spite of its name, there’s nothing supernatural or spooky about a ghost kitchen. Instead, it’s just a kitchen facility that prepares food exclusively for delivery through third-party apps such as Deliveroo or Uber Eats. According to a report by Euromonitor, the UK food delivery market is worth around £8.6 billion and you can have a slice of that pie if you have the cooking or baking skills and access to a kitchen. 

❓ See also: What is a dark kitchen (and how does it work)?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: As with home baking, you will need to follow food hygiene and safety regulations, such as registering with your local council and obtaining a food hygiene certificate
💵 Cost: The cost of renting a ghost kitchen depends on the location and size of the kitchen itself

77. Drone videographer

A drone videographer is a professional who captures aerial footage using a drone. They are skilled in operating drones equipped with high-quality cameras to capture stunning visuals from above. Drone videography is becoming increasingly popular in a variety of industries, including real estate, advertising, tourism, and filmmaking. According to a report by PwC, the drone industry is estimated to be worth £42 billion by 2030, and drone-related services are expected to create more than 628,000 jobs in the UK.

❓ See also: How to start a production company
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: You will need to follow the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)’s regulations. Insurance will also be important, as it will cover you for potential damages or accidents that could occur during filming. You must also obtain a drone pilot certification from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which ranges from £1000-3000
💵 Cost: The cost of drone equipment can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds, depending on the type of drone, camera, and other accessories you need

78. Custom 3D printing service

Running a custom 3D printing service involves using specialised software and equipment to create customised 3D objects for clients. The process typically involves designing the object in 3D modelling software, converting it into a printable file format, and then printing it using a 3D printer.

❓ See also: 3D printing company Robox secures £280,000 seed funding on Kickstarter
🎓Qualifications needed: None, but you will need to have a strong understanding of 3D printing technology and be able to work closely with clients to understand their design needs and create high-quality 3D prints
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: The cost of a 3D printer can range from a few hundred pounds for an entry-level desktop printer, to tens of thousands of pounds for high-end industrial printers. You will also need to consider the cost of 3D modelling software, materials, and other equipment such as scanners and post-processing tools

79. Alternative funeral planner

For decades, the death services industry has been short on innovation, but big on expensive fees and complicated admin. Post-pandemic, however, things have shifted. Forget a formal ceremony, as you can now celebrate the life of a loved one through burial in a woodland area, at sea or even an “aquamation” (as requested by Sir Desmond Tutu) – an environmentally friendly cremation alternative that uses water, heat and alkali to dispose of the body. For those who want their funeral to take place in a particular manner or location that represents them, you could offer alternative burial or cremation services.

❓ See also: Best business ideas: easing life’s hard decisions
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check government and local council requirements
💵 Cost: Varies depending on equipment and premises

80. Cremation keepsake maker

As personalised funeral planning becomes increasingly sought after, customers are looking for personalised designs that they can use to store the remains of a loved one. Whether you’re a jewellery designer, florist or carpenter, turn your talents to help someone create a cherished keepsake that will celebrate the life of the deceased. There are already some beautiful memorial methods, including growing a tree or making fireworks from ashes into bespoke urns. 

❓ See also: Experiential retail: what is it and how can you get involved?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on equipment

Settld helps bereaved families deal with the bureaucracy of death, cutting days or hours of the process into mere minutes.

Startups 100 2024 - Settled

81. Specialist recruiter

There are many recruitment agencies out there, with 30,035 active agencies operating in the UK as of 2022. Setting up a regular recruitment agency will make it difficult to stand out, so if you’re interested in starting your own, it’s worth finding a niche to serve specific employees, such as those with disabilities or looking for flexible work.

❓ See also: How to start a recruitment business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

The inspiration behind Flexa came from cofounder Molly Johnson-Jones’ own appalling experience when flexible work wasn’t offered to her.

Read how the startup now has over 450,000 users, and recently secured a £2.3 million investment.

82. Professional cuddling service

Cuddling is known to provide comfort, relieve stress, and improve mental well-being. A professional cuddling service offers strictly platonic cuddling sessions to individuals for stress relief and emotional support. According to a study by The Stress Management Society, 79% of UK adults experience stress at least once a month, with 74% feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope at some point in the last year. Cuddlers can charge from £60 an hour and can take on multiple clients at once (but are also responsible for ensuring their personal safety and vetting potential clients).

❓ See also: Best business ideas: wellbeing
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None, but we would highly recommend establishing a strict code of professional conduct to ensure your personal safety
💵 Cost: Start from £0

83. Same-day courier company

Keeping customers engaged is even more imperative now that face-to-face customer experiences are vanishing. Today’s consumers are used to contacting brands via instant messaging apps, utilising virtual checkouts over real ones, and scanning QR codes instead of speaking directly to wait staff. Customers want to get their products quicker than ever, which makes offering speedy same-day delivery for urgent items a winning business idea. To make this business goal easier, you could offer your services specifically to local businesses – think Deliveroo but for retail.

❓ See also: How to start a courier business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the type of car or van you purchase (if you don’t already have one)

Packfleet is a tech-enabled, carbon neutral courier that seeks to overhaul the delivery sector as the antidote to Amazon.

Packfleet is connecting with customers and disrupting the Amazon model

84. Wellbeing consultant

Businesses across the UK are waking up to the important role that good health and wellbeing play in boosting employee productivity. Starting a wellbeing consultancy is a shrewd way to help more companies tap into the trend and offer robust support for their team members. Make yourself even more valuable by concentrating on a specific sector, like mental health therapy for construction workers, an industry that has a historically poor record of mental health.

❓ See also: Employee wellbeing and mental health in the workplace: everything you need to know
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Dependant on specialism
💵 Cost: Start from £0

Self Space is on a bid to tackle the mental health crisis by offering easy access to in-person therapy sessions with real professionals.

Startups 100 2024 - Self Space

85. Long COVID health tech app

While testing may have stopped, the legacy of the COVID-19 outbreak will no doubt continue for decades. Long COVID brings with it lots of hard to manage symptoms including increased fatigue and decreased lung capacity. In turn, these can have a negative impact on mental health. Apps to help users with breathing exercises or brain training to cope with brain fog will be sought after as the true scale of long COVID becomes better understood. Anyone with tech expertise will be well-placed to cater to the growing demand.

❓ See also: Best business ideas: healthtech
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check the gov.uk website for requirements
💵 Cost: Start from £30,000

OK Positive utilises machine learning and AI to identify and pre-empt triggers that can cause Mental Health issues, enabling early intervention.

Startups 100 2024 - OK Positive

86. Online divorce consultancy

Divorce is never pleasant to go through – not to mention its long and outdated process – so many startups have seen a golden opportunity to simplify this and help those going through a difficult time. Not only is a divorce an emotionally taxing time for those involved, but it also brings a huge cost burden. The average cost of divorce in the UK is between £600-2,000 for an uncontested divorce but goes up significantly between £3,000-30,000 for a contested divorce, which can be much higher depending on the complexity of each case. For those in the early stages of divorce planning, you could gather a team of experts, or even just a well-designed AI chatbot, to make legal advice more accessible. Make sure to provide the basic, must-know information for consumers before they spend a fortune on legal fees.

❓ See also: How to start a consultancy business
🎓Qualifications needed: None. However, a law degree or some legal experience would be preferable
📜Rules and regulations: It’s important to let your customers know that you cannot and do not provide legal advice
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the amount of employees you hire, or up to £300,000 for a custom AI chatbot

87. Same-sex divorce consultancy

The legislation of same-sex marriage has also contributed to increased divorce rates in the UK. The most recent figures reveal that there were 1,298 same-sex divorces in England and Wales in 2022. While same-sex marriage has been legal in the UK since 2014, some consumers may feel more comfortable using a service that’s specifically designed for LGBTQ+ divorce. As with heterosexual divorce consulting, you could hire employees or implement an AI chatbot to provide accessible legal advice for same-sex couples planning a divorce.

🎓Qualifications needed: None. However, a law degree or some legal experience would be preferable
📜Rules and regulations: It’s important to let your customers know that you cannot and do not provide legal advice
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the amount of employees you hire, or up to £300,000 for a custom AI chatbot

88. Communications app for divorcees

Sometimes, divorces end particularly badly. Communication can fall apart in these situations, so it might help some ex-couples to have a messaging application where they can talk to each other on fair ground. You could include specific elements to aid the settlement process, such as file uploading, as there’s a lot of paperwork involved in this procedure.

❓ See also: Best business ideas: easing life’s hard decisions
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the app development tool you use (e.g. Xamarin, Ionic, Flutter, etc.)

89. Low-cost pet insurance

According to Tesco Bank Pet Insurance, 44% of UK pet owners don’t have pet insurance during the cost of living crisis. By offering less risky plans, such as for common pet breeds or innocuous ailments, you’ll be able to bring more competitive pricing to the market and target a previously untapped audience.

❓ See also: Pet business insurance: what protection might I need?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: As with human insurance, pet insurance is heavily regulated – check Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) requirements
💵 Cost: £25,000 for a new insurer authorisation

90. Premium pet food manufacturing

The UK’s pet food industry was worth £3.8 billion in 2023, capitalising on the obsession with our pampered pets. Thanks to the Instagrammable wellbeing movement that has swept across the UK, the general food industry is now striving for a more minimally processed and natural ‘feel’ — and the pet food market is following suit. Obviously, developing pet supplements or food requires some background in nutrition or chemistry. But, these can be outsourced if required. The more important factor in pursuing this business idea is your ability to think creatively, which will help you invent recipes and manage resources as a small business manufacturer.

❓ See also: Best business ideas: pet care
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check basic requirements at gov.uk
💵 Cost: Start from £5000 – £200,000 (depending on the size of the operation, be that working from home or possibly buying a premise)

91. Male fertility education

Men are gradually facing up to the vital role they play in the conception process, and many are now keen to take co-ownership of the reproductive health journey. However, there’s a knowledge gap here. While female reproductive health has been discussed for decades, its male counterpart has been largely ignored. Something that tackles the subject from a male perspective, then, could have a big audience – whether that’s a simple book or even a mobile app that guides men through what they should be doing to help their partner conceive.

❓ See also: Leading digital health platform completes $60.1M Series B funding round
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

92. Fertility improving products

As the public becomes more aware of the infertility issue, a market of fertility-boosting accessories and digestibles has arisen designed to enhance the chances of conception. Pregnancy supplements, made with ingredients like folic acid, is one trend. Meanwhile, so-called ‘cooling’ underwear has been found to naturally improve male fertility and testosterone. Whatever the product, this business idea is about converting science-backed research into a B2C business model.

🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Food supplements don’t need to be licensed or registered with the UK Government but must comply with food law as detailed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
💵 Cost: Varies depending on supplement ingredients

93. Cybersecurity consultant

A report by Evelyn Partners revealed that 1 in 3 UK business owners believe a cyber attack or data breach will likely happen in their business in 2025. Plus, in the first quarter of 2024, businesses encountered an average of 180,174 cyber attacks each. All of this means it’s an ideal time to jump into the cybersecurity game. If you’re tech-savvy, have experience in cybersecurity or have a revolutionary idea to help reduce the risk of cyber attacks, this could be your chance to protect businesses around the country. But, even if you’ve got a great idea without the expertise, there are plenty of freelance programmers and IT professionals who you can hire to help develop the concept. 

❓ See also: Cyberattacks peak in February – what can SMEs do to protect themselves?
🎓Qualifications needed: None. However, a computer science degree or strong computer skills would be preferable if you’re not planning to hire experts
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the type of programs you use

Quantum Dice leverages quantum physics to provide verifiably secure random numbers to enable encryption.

Startups 100 2024 - Quantum Dice

94. VR workplace training simulations

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in the workplace are no longer the stuff of science fiction but are playing a part in permanently shifting our ways of working. You don’t have to be a design wizard or VR expert to get started in this sector. If you have experience in a particular industry or profession that you think would benefit from VR training, then why not put together a training programme? You will need a number of solid ideas for specific training programmes, and be able to confidently explain these to your VR designers. Do test before you invest though with a minimum viable product. If user feedback is positive, you know you can sell the product to businesses.

❓ See also: VR companies braced for 2022 after record investment
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Varies depending on tools for VR and AR content development (e.g. Unity, Maya, A-Frame, etc.)

95. Automated accounting software

In a post-Brexit world, startups have tons of new tax challenges to contend with – particularly when it comes to importing and exporting. HMRC has set out new guidance on complicated processes like paying duties and VAT on customs. What a lot of people really want, though, is something that just takes all the hassle away and does (almost) everything for them. However, building any financial software requires consideration of the industry’s rigid regulation to build user confidence. Your customers will need to trust that your systems and processes stay current on legislation, and provide a safety net for maintaining rigorous accounting standards.

❓ See also: Best self-employed accounting software
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before selling or endorsing any products or services
💵 Cost: Varies depending on the tools for creating accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks, NetSuite, etc.)

With a specialist focus on R&D tax claims, WhisperClaims has an intriguing niche for future growth.

Find out how the founders went about making finance easy

96. Financial education mobile app

The bad news is that 49% of employees with a defined contribution workplace pension don’t understand what their pension is invested in. The good news? This presents a terrific opportunity for new startups to simplify complex personal financial matters for their customers. The key? Make sure you approach what can often be a pretty dry subject in an engaging and entertaining way. Interactive or gamified elements will be your friends here.

❓ See also: Business finance
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before endorsing any products or services
💵 Cost: Start from £30,000

❤️‍🩹Recession-proof small business ideas

Starting a business during a recession can be challenging, but not impossible. 

Recession-proof business models are designed to weather economic downturns and thrive in uncertain times. These businesses offer products or services that are in demand regardless of the economic situation, and they often have low overhead costs and high flexibility. 

As of September 2024, there have been 2,130 company insolvencies in the UK. However, by embracing a recession-proof business model, entrepreneurs can not only survive but also thrive during tough economic times.

97. Online reselling

When times are hard, people don’t want to buy less – they just want to spend less. And they always need shoes, clothes and bags. With a myriad of reselling sites available – think eBay, DePop and Vestiaire – you can resell clothes, shoes, bags, jewellery and other accessories to cash and climate-conscious consumers. 

❓ See also: 6 best ecommerce hosting providers for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

98. Confectionary subscription boxes

The UK snack food market was valued at over £3 billion in 2023. At first glance, you might think confectionery is not price-inelastic. After all, you don’t exactly need sweets. However, during hard economic times, it seems people do need a little sweetening and confectionery provides small, regular and cheap comfort. Find your niche – it could be vegan or gluten-free chocolate, exotic or American classic bubblegum – and hook your sweet-toothed customers in with an affordable subscription service. 

❓ See also: The subscription business model: is it right for your business?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Products must comply with food law as detailed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
💵 Cost: Start from £100

Olly’s range of treats is filling the taste gap for snacks that are healthy and delicious.

Startups 100 2024 - Olly's

99. Tutoring

Whether you’re catering to parents who need their kids to perform well in their GCSEs or A-levels or to someone who got made redundant and wants to get an online certification, demand for education remains constant regardless of what happens to the economy. If you have specialised knowledge in any area and are good at transferring your wisdom to others, this could be a good bet.

❓ See also: Starting a tutoring business: 5 simple steps
🎓Qualifications needed: Dependent on specialism or topic
📜Rules and regulations: May require a DBS check if tutoring children
💵 Cost: Start from £0

YouMakr.ai helps students better prepare for their exams by analysing course material to predict upcoming exam questions.

Startups 100 2024 - YouMakr.ai

100. Low alcohol beer brewer

Alcohol is a ‘guilty pleasure’ industry that tends to perform well even as the country’s economy begins to crush any joy. It certainly serves as a coping mechanism for some and whilst people tend to stay away from pubs and bars, home consumption increases significantly during hard times. But people are continually looking for ways to turn this into a healthier habit and the UK low-alcohol / no-alcohol beer market is rapidly growing. So get brewing!

❓ See also: How to start a microbrewery
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: It is illegal to distil alcohol without a licence in the UK, even for personal use. In England, Wales, and Scotland, the limit is 100 litres per person per year for beer and 90 litres per person per year for cider. In Northern Ireland, the limit is 60 litres per person per year for both beer and cider
💵 Cost: Start from £500 for a basic home brewing kit

A challenger brand disrupting the drinks industry by combining the refreshment of a fruit cider with the sessionability of a crisp lager.

Startups 100 2024 - JUBEL

101. Pet care consultancy

In the UK, 57% of households owned a pet in 2023, translating to 16.2 million homes. To avoid super long and expensive veterinary training (on average £32,000 in degree fees) take shorter courses, like nutrition or grooming, which would allow you to sell expert services to consumers who are tired of expensive vet bills and want to find affordable advice on primary pet care.

❓ See also: Best business ideas: pet care
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Dependant on specialism
💵 Cost: Varies depending on equipment (e.g. grooming equipment or food ingredients)

102. Eco-friendly baby boxes

While lots of adults will cut back on their own expenses when times are hard, it’s unlikely they’ll be stingy when it comes to their kids. From diapers to baby formula, demand for baby products remains pretty stable throughout periods of negative economic fluctuations. Combined with growing awareness of environmental issues, there is a demand for eco-friendly baby products such as organic cotton clothes, reusable cloth diapers, and biodegradable wipes. Could you curate subscription boxes full of sustainable goodies for time-poor eco-conscious parents? 

❓ See also: The subscription business model: is it right for your business?
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

103. High-tech pet products

People might joke about their pets being their children, but during a recession, the same logic as childcare products applies to pet products. Regardless of how tight someone’s wallet is, they will still need to buy pet essentials so this is a viable recession-proof business venture. There is a growing market for high-tech pet products – expected to grow to $4,402 million (£3,475 million) by 2030 – such as GPS-enabled collars, smart feeders and water dispensers, and pet cameras that allow owners to check on their pets remotely.

🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: £10,000 – £50,000

104. Reskiller or upskiller

If you have particular experience in an industry or sector with lots of jobs available – such as software development – you could offer your expertise to those who are looking to upskill or retrain to help them put their existing talents into a new area, such as coding. The good thing about this business idea is it can be a low-maintenance or flexible operation. You could offer live lectures, online consultations or you could simply upload a training course for people to pay for at a reduced rate.

❓ See also: Mind the AI skills gap: Only 1 in 10 global workers have key AI skills
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

105. Financial adviser

This one is pretty self-explanatory. When people are struggling in the middle of a recession, they reach out to financial connoisseurs to help them break even. If you have the tools and know-how, it’ll be easy to sell yourself to those looking for guidance to navigate turbulent economic waters.

❓ See also: Best self-employed accounting software
🎓Qualifications needed: Financial advisors must hold a Level 4 qualification approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This usually means obtaining a Diploma in Financial Planning or a similar qualification. For accountants, the most common qualification in the UK is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification.
📜Rules and regulations: All financial advisers must be regulated by the FCA
💵 Cost: Start from £0

106. Commercial cleaner

No one likes to work in squalid conditions, regardless of how badly the Bank of England says the British economy is doing (and how messy their own home is). Hygiene, especially, became paramount after the COVID-19 pandemic as employers look to sanitise workspaces, bathrooms and public areas. You can start small with local businesses and expand your empire when you get a feel for the sector. 

❓ See also: How to start a commercial cleaning business
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: On average, starting a commercial cleaning business could cost between £5,000 to £20,000. If you plan to provide deep cleaning or specialised services, you may need to invest in additional equipment and training, which could increase your startup costs

107. Odd job person

During a recession, people are much more likely to make do and mend rather than get something new. An odd job person is someone who performs a variety of small jobs or tasks for clients, such as minor repairs, furniture assembly, or cleaning and clearing. According to a survey by Rated People, the odd job industry is worth over £9 billion in the UK, with 51% of homeowners admitting to having unfinished odd jobs around their homes. Now is a great time to take advantage of people’s desire to repair rather than replace. All it takes to start is a few flyers, a basic toolkit and word-of-mouth. 

❓ See also: Why starting a business in a recession isn’t as crazy as you think
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: Start from £0

108. Cosmetic chemist

In layperson’s terms, a cosmetic chemist is someone who creates beauty products. During a recession, the “lipstick effect” means consumers continue to purchase makeup, skincare, and hair care products as a form of self-care and affordable luxury. In the UK, the beauty industry is worth over £27 billion, with the average British woman spending £70,000 on beauty products in her lifetime, according to a study by Superdrug.

❓ See also: How to start a beauty salon
🎓Qualifications needed: None
📜Rules and regulations: Check gov.uk website for details
💵 Cost: The cost of starting a beauty product business can range from £2000 – £20,000, depending on whether or not you want to create the products yourself, or buy from a manufacturer or wholesaler that you can then whitelabel and sell on

Fussy has created a refillable deodorant that saves people stinky pits, and saves the planet from single-use plastics.

Startups 100 2024 - Fussy

109. Job application coach

Given the increase in workplace layoffs over the last few years, 1.5 million people in the UK were unemployed between July and September 2024 (around 4.3% of the population). Being out of work is stressful enough without the time-consuming tasks of designing a CV, drafting an application letter and preparing for an interview. That’s where you come in. If you have experience in HR or people management, you could consider becoming a coach to support someone in the application process and interview stages. Advice can be presented digitally, so you can offer your services to people across the country. You could also consider advertising a discounted rate for multiple sessions.

❓ See also: How to start a recruitment business
🎓Qualifications needed: None. However, a degree in HR Management or strong skills in people management would be preferable
📜Rules and regulations: None
💵 Cost: £0

👀 Business ideas for 2025

Is starting a business part of your plans for the new year?

You’re not the only one, as over a third (35.2%) of people in the UK want to start their own business in the future. 

And who can blame them? With the way tech is evolving at lightning speed, there are loads of exciting business opportunities popping up. From diving into the world of AI to tapping into growing industries, these ideas are all about meeting increasing demand and staying ahead of the curve.

If you’re ready to mix innovation with opportunity, these business ideas could be your next big move.

110. GPS tracking business

These kinds of businesses use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to track the real-time location and movement of vehicles, equipment or people. Think fleet management services that provide GPS tracking solutions to help track vehicle locations, optimise routes and manage fuel usage, or personal GPS tracking devices for children and pets, allowing parents or pet owners to monitor their loved ones’ locations in real-time through an app. The global GPS market is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.4% in 2025. Technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, big data and cloud computing are expected to create huge growth opportunities, so it’s a good time to consider starting a GPS tracking business or getting involved in GPS solutions.

❓See also: The 7 best vehicle tracking systems
🎓Qualifications needed: None. However, a computer science degree or strong computer skills would be preferable
📜Rules and regulations: Adherence to GDPR rules, understanding of the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (including data security and rights of data subjects), obtaining consent from individuals being tracked (applies to personal tracking devices, fleet management systems and any form of GPS tracking that involves identifiable data), understanding of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (any GPS tracking device sold must be of satisfactory quality, for its purpose and as described)
💵Cost: The cost of GPS tracking devices can range from £30-500 per device, depending on the features (e.g. real-time tracking, waterproofing, battery life)

111. Home energy auditing

Amid the cost of living crisis, more people are becoming increasingly wary of energy bill costs, especially considering that the energy price cap is expected to increase by 1.2% per year from January 1 to March 31 2025. If you know a thing or two about improving energy efficiency or reducing energy consumption, you could start your own energy auditing business. The energy audit market is growing as well and is expected to reach a value of $16.7 billion (approx. £13.53 billion) by 2031, so it’s a great opportunity to get started and tap into a high-demand market while helping homeowners save money. Not only that but with people becoming more eco-conscious, becoming a home energy auditor can help households and businesses to adopt greener practices by identifying ways to reduce energy waste and lower carbon footprints.

❓See also: How to switch your business energy provider: a guide for small businesses
🎓Qualifications needed: Domestic Energy Assessor (DEAO) qualification, Level 3 Award in Domestic Energy Assessment, Level 4 Award in Energy Assessment of Non-Domestic Buildings (if you want to audit both domestic and non-domestic buildings), Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
📜Rules and regulations: Compliance with the UK’s energy regulations, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
💵Cost: Start from £1,000 for the relevant qualifications

112. AI instructor

With the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) technology, it’s no surprise that an AI-related business would be included here. AI’s vast popularity has sparked a growing demand for AI training in businesses, as companies seek to upskill their employees, integrate AI technologies effectively and stay competitive. 61% of employees reported that they want generative AI training and while 82% of firms were investing in AI, 50% were unclear on how to implement it effectively. If you’re knowledgeable in AI, this gives you a good opportunity to become an AI instructor and offer tailored workshops and courses for different industries. Whether it’s teaching the basics or diving into advanced AI tools, there’s a huge opportunity to help both businesses and employees get comfortable and confident with AI.

❓See also: Artificial Intelligence is creating a skills gap: here’s what HR teams can do
🎓Qualifications needed: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning or a related field. Alternatively, you can earn certifications in AI and machine learning from recognised organisations, such as Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer, Microsoft Azure AI Engineer or other online courses
📜Rules and regulations: Adherence to GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, as well as guidelines from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
💵Cost: Varies depending on the cost of the AI course

113. AI prompt engineer

By now, we’re all familiar with AI language models, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT platform. Well, an AI prompt engineer is someone who does all the groundwork to make these platforms functional – specialising in designing, developing and optimising prompts that are used to interact with those models. As language models continue to evolve, so does the demand for AI prompt engineers, with the global prompt engineering market value expected to hit $2,515.79 billion (approximately £1,939.14 billion) by 2032. As an AI prompt engineer, there is a wide range of clients you can serve across different industries and sectors, from tech companies and startups aiming to develop AI products to marketing agencies looking for creative content.

❓See also: Why is AI failing for businesses?
🎓Qualifications needed: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning or a related field. Alternatively, you can earn certifications in AI and machine learning from recognised organisations, such as Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer, Microsoft Azure AI Engineer or other online courses
📜Rules and regulations: Adherence to GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, as well as guidelines from the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
💵Cost: Varies depending on the cost of the AI course

114. Medical courier service

As more people receive healthcare at home, the traditional model of collecting prescription medication from a pharmacy is becoming increasingly outdated. After all, if we can have clothes and takeaways delivered to our doorsteps, why not medication as well? People are beginning to recognise this as well, meaning there’s a need for more services that deliver medications and other health products directly to patients. What’s more, the medical courier market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 6.1% from 2024 to 2030, so it’s a promising venture for anyone looking to get into the growing demand for fast, reliable delivery of medications and medical supplies. However, as you’ll be handling patients’ medication, you must have a good knowledge of medical terminologies and specimen-handling procedures.

❓See also: How to start a courier business
🎓Qualifications needed: GCSE-level education, Transport of Dangerous Goods Certification (TDG) for transporting certain medications or biological samples, relevant training programs
📜Rules and regulations: Compliance with the UK’s Health and Safety (HSE) and GDPR
💵Cost: A reliable van or car for medical deliveries could cost between £5,000-20,000 if purchased outright or between £200-2,000 if leased

115. Notary public services

A notary public is an official who acts as a neutral witness to the signing of an important document, helping to verify the identities of the signers and ensure that everything is carried out correctly and legally. They often handle a wide range of documents, such as real estate agreements, power of attorney, wills and affidavits. Starting a notary public business can be a solid business, especially as Brexit has led to an increase in demand for notary services. With more people and businesses dealing with international transactions, legal paperwork and cross-border documentation, this has made notary services even more essential. That being said, starting a notary business isn’t something you can just jump into, as there are specific qualifications and experience you need to obtain first.

🎓Qualifications needed: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in law (or equivalent legal qualification), completion of the Notaries Society’s notarial practice course, admittance as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales (or have a membership of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEX), admittance to the Roll of Notaries by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a minimum of 5 years legal practice experience
📜Rules and regulations: Compliance with the Notaries Practice Rules 2019 and the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury
💵Cost: Start from £1,500 for a notarial practice course

116. Computer vision engineer

A computer vision engineer is someone who creates and builds systems that help computers understand and interpret visual information, kind of like how humans use their eyes and brains to process what they see. They develop systems that help machines understand and identify images and videos, and make decisions based on what they see. Right now, there’s a high demand for computer vision engineers, with over 3,000 related jobs available on LinkedIn. But if you prefer to be your own boss and start your own venture, becoming an independent computer vision consultant could be a great new path.

❓See also: 40 innovative startups to watch
🎓Qualifications needed: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or software engineering would be preferable
📜Rules and regulations: Compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
💵Cost: High-performance computers or workstations equipped with graphics processing units (GPUs) for model training and development can range from £1,500 to £5,000 each

117. VR programmer

Virtual reality (VR) technology is all the rage right now, and it’s easy to see why. While it’s best known in the gaming industry – letting players immerse themselves in virtual worlds – it’s also branched out into other areas like virtual fitness, training simulations and even social meetups. Many industries in the UK now use VR, most notably gaming and automotive, with 2.2 million businesses adopting it into their operations, whether it’s to enhance training, develop product designs or improve the customer experience. With many organisations embracing this technology, it’s no surprise that VR programmers are in high demand in the UK. Whether it’s crafting epic gaming experiences, building super-realistic training tools, or creating virtual showrooms, businesses need skilled programmers to make their VR ideas a reality. If you’ve got the knowledge and skills, starting a VR programming business could be a great way to ride the wave of this growing industry.

🎓Qualifications needed: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, graphic design or game development or an MSc in immersive technologies. Alternatively, there are online courses as well
📜Rules and regulations: Workplace safety regulations, adherence to GDPR
💵Cost: A high-performance computer that can handle VR development will cost around £1,500-3,000 while VR headsets and other accessories can cost from £400-1,200 per unit

118. Budget nutritionist

UK consumers are becoming more health-conscious, with over 40% of shoppers saying they often purchase food based on its health properties, while 59% say they’re actively trying to stay healthy. The problem? Healthier alternatives aren’t always the best option for our wallets. According to The Food Foundation, healthy foods in the UK cost an average of £8.51 for 1,000 calories while the same amount of calories for less healthy options is just £3.25. So if you’re someone who’s into a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank, then becoming a budget nutritionist could be your next calling.

❓See also: How to start a nutritionist business
🎓Qualifications needed: You’ll typically need a degree or postgraduate qualification that’s approved by the Association for Nutrition (AfN), such as food and nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, public health and health promotion. Good financial and budgeting knowledge is also a must
📜Rules and regulations: Nutritionists aren’t legally regulated in the UK. However, you can join voluntary associations, such as the UK Voluntary Register for Nutrition (UKVRN)
💵Cost: Joining associations such as the AfN will cost around £103-361, depending on your registration type

🤔What makes a good business idea?

Coming up with a business idea is never easy. Even if you do, it might not always have the potential to be profitable or scalable. An idea that looks promising on paper might fail in practice if it doesn’t gain market traction, address customer needs or prove commercially viable.

So, how do you know whether you have a good business idea? Here are a few factors to consider.

1. Addressing a real market demand

A strong business idea addresses a clear pain point or unmet market need. Customers are more likely to adopt a product or service that makes their lives easier or solves a pressing issue. The idea must cater to a viable target audience that’s willing to pay for your product or service. Understanding customer needs is crucial – whether it’s convenience, affordability or quality, your business should align with what your target market values most.

Moreover, you need to look at how competitive the market is. Ideally, you’ll want to avoid overly competitive or saturated markets, as it’ll be difficult for your business to stand out. Try to avoid trends in the market as well, as these are often short-lived and once interest dies down, you’ll be left with little to no customers left.

2. Scalability and potential for growth

A good business has room to grow, meaning you can expand your operations, reach more customers and increase your revenue without your costs growing at the same rate.

Scalability often comes from using smart tools, streamlining processes or building a business model that gets more efficient as it grows. For example, businesses based on digital products, automation or subscription services can scale up pretty easily without spending a lot more money.

But it’s also important that your idea can handle bigger markets and increased demand, while still delivering great quality and keeping customers happy. Having a clear plan for growth – like expanding to new locations, creating new partnerships or expanding product range – can be really useful to ensure scalability.

In short, a scalable business isn’t just good for now – it needs to be ready to grow and adapt to new challenges, seize opportunities and meet increasing demand without losing its quality.

3. Good profitability

Last but not least, a good business idea should be profitable.

Beyond solving problems, your business should have a clear path to generating revenue and achieving profitability within a reasonable timeframe. This means understanding how your business will make money, whether through direct sales, subscriptions, advertising or other revenue streams. It’s important to have a pricing strategy that covers costs and leaves room for a healthy profit margin.

Moreover, a good business idea should be able to manage expenses effectively. As mentioned above, keeping operational costs low and finding ways to increase efficiency can make a significant difference. A good way to do this is by using accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero or Sage, as it can help you track your spending, send invoices and get a quick snapshot of your cash flow anytime.

Looking for more inspiration?

Explore real-life startups' success stories in our Startups 100 2023 index.