6. MyBuilder.com

Founder: Ryan Notz
Website: www.mybuilder.com

Stonemason Ryan launched MyBuilder.com in May 2008 after winning tech start-up competition Seedcamp based on his prototype site the year before. The site allows users to post jobs they need doing on their homes and buildings to a network of registered tradespeople who then offer quotes for the work. Centred on customer reviews, Ryan says the site brings accountability and trust to an industry plagued by its often-slighted reputation.

The site has gained enormous traction since launching. Its revenue model, consisting of a subscription fee for the tradespeople, as well as commission on all work gained through the site, has allowed the company’s revenues to grow quickly and Ryan has already had over 85,000 jobs posted on the site.