Whether it’s unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit or the rising cost of living, more and more people are looking to earn additional income in the form of a side hustle.
Some people have a passion they want to share with the world while others are more tactical – jumping on a trending industry in order to make a profit. And with 45 per cent of people looking to start a side hustle (NatWest survey, 2024), there’s no shortage of people considering this as a viable moneymaker. But what are the best part-time businesses and side hustles that actually work?
We scoured internet trends and Simply Business insurance data to understand popular side hustles and trades worth exploring – from creative businesses to those with low start-up costs.
How to make extra money
Before you choose a side hustle, there are a few things you need to consider in order to make a profit in the fastest way possible:
- will you need to invest in materials or supplies?
- will you need to invest in marketing to attract initial customers?
- will you need specific training, which may cost money?
- will you be charged fees when you make a sale?
In this guide, we’ll cover what you should expect about any initial startup costs – as well as how often (and how much) you may get paid.
Best side hustles – side hustle ideas you could start today
A report from Small Business Britain and eBay found more than a third of small businesses (39 per cent) started out as a side hustle. So we’ve researched some of the best side hustle ideas to help give you some inspiration for earning extra income.
Low-cost side hustles
These ideas involve relatively low start-up costs and can technically work well as a full-time job or a side business.
Dog walking
Up front costs
Very low
You could get started right away. Costs involve leads, waste bags, promotion, insurance.
Flexibility
Moderate
You set your schedule, but bookings often cluster around standard working hours (lunchtime, early morning, evening).
Earning potential and viability
Moderate
Great for consistent, local income. Viability is excellent in densely populated areas with many pet owners.
We saw a 43% rise in dog walkers between 2020-24*, so it’s definitely a growing trend.
Pet sitting
Up front costs
Very low
Similar to dog walking, you won’t need qualifications or any specific equipment to get started, just some basic supplies and insurance.
Flexibility
Low to moderate
Generally requires overnight stays or long blocks of time.
Your schedule is dictated by the owner’s travel dates.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate to high
You can charge premium rates for overnight care.
We saw a 49% rise in pet sitters between 2020-24*, and pet ownership has soared since the pandemic so there’s no shortage of potential clients.
Takeaway delivery
Up front costs
Low to moderate
You’ll need a reliable mode of transport – a bike can be the most affordable option. Insurance.
Flexibility
High
Most platforms allow you to log in and work when you want (shift-based systems are less flexible but offer better guarantees).
Flexible around consumer demand for takeaways but you can choose your hours.
Earning potential and viability
Low to moderate
You’re paid for each delivery, so busy periods can be lucrative. Viability is excellent in cities with lots of restaurants.
Handyman/odd jobs
Up front costs
Moderate
Depends on the tools you have, but might need investment in ladder, power tools, spirit level etc. Public liability and tools insurance is a good idea.
Flexibility
Moderate
Likely to be more evening and weekend work but it’s flexible around you and your clients.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate to high
You’ll set your rates depending on the job, but it can be an easy way to make cash – particularly if you have specialised trade skills.
Related guide: Must-have money making apps to diversify your income
Creative side hustles
Handmade craft markets and Etsy shops
Up front costs
Low to moderate
Costs involve craft supplies and materials, basic tools, and listing fees.
Other costs might be a website with ecommerce functionality or market stall licence and booking fees.
Flexibility
High
You set your own production schedule and pace. Craft markets will involve giving up time (perhaps on weekends and holidays).
Packaging and shipping times need careful management.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate to high
Viability depends on your niche and demand. The more you make, the more you can sell. Remember Etsy takes a proportion of your earnings as a fee too.
Airbnb experiences (guided walks workshops)
Up front costs
Low
Primarily involves time for planning, local licensing, and small costs for materials (for example ingredients if you’re offering a cooking class).
Flexibility
Moderate
You set the dates when you’re available and people can book your experience. Once they’ve booked, you’re committed.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate to high
Viability is strong in tourist-heavy areas or for unique, high-value local offerings. Earnings are directly tied to the number of attendees and your pricing.
Music lessons or tutoring
Up front costs
Very low
If you already own the instrument or have the knowledge, costs are minimal (perhaps materials, online platform fees, or background checks).
Flexibility
High
You control the number of students and scheduling. Online lessons offer the most flexibility in terms of location. Evenings and weekend classes are common, but linking with schools could mean more daytime opportunities.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate
People will pay you for your time, so your scalability is limited to how much time you have. Hourly rates could range from £20 to £50 an hour depending on your skill and demand.
Food stall
Up front costs
High
Requires licenses, commercial-grade equipment (grills, fridges, serving setup, takeaway containers), and initial inventory. Health and safety compliance is essential.
Flexibility
Low to moderate
If you’re tied to a specific market then you’ll have to follow their hours, but if you’re a pop-up stall then you might have more flexibility. Preparation time also needs to be factored in.
Earning potential and viability
High
Simply Business found a 9% rise in food stall businesses between 2020 and 2024, so this could indicate a viable side hustle for budding chefs.*
Location and operating hours play a part in earning potential. Viability depends how well you manage food waste and operating costs.
Florist (pop-up or home-based)
Up front costs
Moderate
Costs include floral supplies, ribbons and packaging, sourcing fresh flowers regularly, and basic tools. Website or market stall setup adds expense.
Flexibility
Moderate
Daily sourcing and working with perishable goods require a consistent schedule. Event work (weddings) can be intensive but sporadic. Seasonal trends can mean busier periods, like Mother’s Day.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate to high
Excellent viability with good design skills and local connections.
Floristry has grown 96% in the last four years (2020-24), and there will always be demand for wedding flowers.*
Profitable for events and corporate clients. Viability relies on managing inventory freshness and supplier relationships.
*Based on the number of Simply Business customer policies for this trade between 2020 and 2024, to see percentage growth over time.
Digital skills and online businesses
These online side hustles in the UK could be worth exploring if you have digital skills or want to try your hand at voiceover acting.
Building websites for other small businesses
Up front costs
Very low to moderate
A computer and subscriptions to website builder platforms and plugins you might need. It’s also worth investing in training.
Flexibility
Can be done from home, from anywhere.
Earning potential and viability
A freelance hourly rate ranges from £30-£60 an hour.
Voiceover artist
Up front costs
Moderate
Requires a quality microphone, decent headphones, editing software. Professional demo reels can be expensive.
Flexibility
High
You record on your own schedule to meet client deadlines. Auditioning and administrative work can be done anytime.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate to high
Viability is strong due to demand in e-learning, audiobooks, and corporate videos. Pay can be high per project, but work consistency can be variable until you build a strong portfolio and agency representation.
Varies with experience and job, from audiobooks to corporate narration and video games. Listing services on Fiverr can be a good place to start, from £40 for short reading jobs up to hundreds of pounds an hour.
Virtual Assistant
Up front costs
Very low
Requires standard office equipment (computer, secure internet, good organisational software like Asana/Trello). Specific skills (e.g., bookkeeping) may require software training.
Flexibility
Moderate
You work around client schedules for key tasks (e.g., scheduling meetings), but much of the administrative work can be flexible. Trustworthiness and quick response times are vital.
Earning potential and viability
Moderate
Excellent viability, particularly when offering specialised skills (e.g., email marketing management, specialised software support). It’s a direct trade of your time for an hourly rate, which limits maximum scalability.
Profitable side hustles – more inspiration
1. Food stall
If you love to cook and want to share your creations with the world, you may be happy to know that food stalls are still a growing trend. Our research shows a nine per cent rise in food stall businesses between 2020 and 2024, so this could indicate a viable market*.
Food stall businesses offer lower startup costs compared to traditional restaurants – as well as more flexibility when it comes to location, opening hours, and the ability to reach diverse customer bases.
We have a whole guide to setting up a food stall at a market if you want to make sure the popularity of food stalls continues to grow.
Natasha started The Vegan Patty Lady as a side hustle in 2024 and since then has grown to need a bigger kitchen premises and being stocked in national retailers.
She’s done pop-up stalls selling her patties as well as selling online and in shops.
2. Floristry
Whether it’s creating a floral wedding arrangement or advising on an “I’m sorry” bouquet of flowers, florists enjoy a unique look into the lives of others.
You may find enjoyment as a florist if you love working with flowers, expressing your creativity, and contributing to those important moments in people’s lives.
There will always be a demand for flowers – from special occasions to expressions of sympathy – which provides florists with a steady market.
You also don’t need any formal qualifications to be a florist (though they can help), meaning there aren’t any difficult entry barriers to getting started. The rise of online florists also means that nowadays you don’t even need a physical shop to begin in floristry – though you can always test out running a temporary pop-up shop if you want to explore offline sales.
Florist startup costs
You can’t be a florist without fresh flowers, so this will be your first upfront cost. But you’ll also need vases, ribbons, wrapping, and whatever else you want to decorate your creations with. While you’ll need an upfront amount to get started, you’ll also need to budget for replenishing your stock.
If you’re just starting out and you’re working from home, investing in a good workstation can help you focus on your business. Try to save money by using furniture and lighting you already own.
You’ll also need basic tools and equipment like scissors and pruning shears to create your bouquets – as well as fuel or postage costs if you plan to offer a delivery service.
And of course, if you’re selling your creations online, then you’ll need to consider any costs associated with creating an online shop.
Even if you’re working from home, there are still risks to running a floristry side hustle – so investing in florist insurance may help you save money in the long run.
From nursing to floristry business
Abi started out working in nursing before qualifying in horticulture and going on to set up her own floristry business: Blackdown Blooms flower farm. In the video below, she shares how she got started and gives a tour of her workshop, complete with the custom-built workbenches she uses for arranging flowers, wrapping, and workshops.
3. Craft stall
Whether you’re a crocheting expert or a pottery wiz, craft stalls are a great way to earn money doing what you love. As well as creating a personal connection between you and your customers, it’s also a great way to receive immediate feedback and build relationships.
If you’re already selling your crafts online (perhaps in an Etsy shop), attending a local craft market can help you reach more customers without the need for additional marketing. You’ll also be able to test new products on the market and refine your sales technique.
Will 2026 be the year you take your products to the market? Read our guide on setting up a market stall to help get you started.
Craft stall startup costs
The startup costs for your craft stall will depend on what items you sell, so your initial costs will be for the raw materials and tools that you need.
And as a creative with a visual eye, you may also want to invest in packaging and labelling for your items.
If you’re selling your products at a market, you’ll probably be renting the stall space, so reach out to the markets you’re interested in to get an indication of the specific costs.
You’ll probably also need your own display equipment – including tables, shelving, and signage. And check the transaction rate set by your card reader provider if you plan on taking card payments.
Selling online comes with its own set of costs. If you’re selling on an ecommerce platform, they’ll probably take a commission from any sale you make. You should also make a note of when your chosen online sales platform will release your earnings. For example, Etsy will release funds to new sellers weekly on a Monday.
No matter where you’re selling, investing in craft insurance can be a way to avoid unexpected costs in the future.
‘Huge market in the wedding industry’
Sian entered the craft market world with a calligraphy side hustle, which initially starting as a hobby. She now does calligraphy on the side of her full-time graphic design job.
She said: “All you need is a pen and some paper. Being able to work from home and fit it in around family responsibilities is also really appealing. There’s also a huge market in the wedding industry as people want unique items for their big day.”
If you think a calligraphy side hustle could be a good fit for you, Sian has some advice: “My tips for anyone starting out would be to practise and get feedback on your work before you start charging. It’s an amazing skill to have and the more you focus on refining your skills, the more successful you’ll be.”
4. Outdoor leader
Being an outdoor leader is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time in nature – all while earning extra income and keeping physically fit. You’ll get to guide others and share your skills, which can be rewarding.
Work can be seasonal and involve weekends, so opportunities to earn are limited. As a freelance guide or leader, you can often choose which trips to take and set your own rates, giving you a sense of control over your schedule and income.
Outdoor leader startup costs
You’ll need some outdoor leader training and the costs vary widely. You’ll also need a DBS check if you’re working with children.
Depending on the activity, you might need specialist equipment (mountaineering gear, headtorches), and insurance is recommended.
How much does an outdoor leader make?
Earnings can be good for multi-day trips. If you live near natural attractions or tourist hubs, you might find it easy to make more money.
One Reddit user in the UK said they work as a leader on Duke of Edinburgh trips and earn £170 a day, so there’s opportunity for it to be quite lucrative.
5. Fitness instructor
Health and wellness is becoming increasingly important – and supportive fitness instructors play a big part in that. Becoming a fitness instructor gives you the chance to inspire others and promote healthier lifestyles.
Catherine from Women Gone Strong knows how rewarding working in fitness can be.
Catherine says: “Being a coach is something that comes easy to me – but being a business owner most definitely doesn’t. Wearing all the hats as a solo entrepreneur is definitely what I found the most challenging. But I’ve learnt so much about how to run a business, understanding financial reports, and making management decisions.”
Fitness instructors need strong communication skills, the ability to motivate, and a passion for health and fitness. Having good organisational skills are also a plus – as freelance fitness instructors will be in charge of managing their client schedule.
You don’t need a university degree to be a fitness instructor, though it’s usually recommended to have at least a Level 2 qualification from a college. This will help you develop the skills you need to safely help your clients.
When asked about her own journey to becoming a fitness instructor, Catherine explained: “I started off freelancing in local communities and gyms. I did love it – but made the decision to open my own studio in January 2023.
“My personal and business growth have come a long way. I’m completely proud of my achievements and I feel like I’m just getting started.”
Fitness instructor startup costs
If you’re starting out as a fitness instructor, your first investment will likely be getting qualified. Prices can vary depending on the type of course you do, so look for one that’s a good fit for your budget while still teaching you something new.
The equipment you’ll need will also depend on the type of training you offer but could cost up to £500, so make sure you budget for this.
If you rent a space in a gym for your classes, you’ll likely be able to use their equipment – but the tradeoff for this is you’ll be paying rent.
Some other things to consider include paying for a music streaming service, a good supply of workout clothes, and insurance costs.
How much money does a fitness instructor make?
A fitness instructor makes £20.08 an hour on average, according to Indeed. You’ll be able to charge more the more experience you have, or the more niche a class you offer. Check to see what’s available in your area to find a gap in the market.
How often you get paid will depend on how many clients you have. Consider offering discounts to customers who book multiple sessions in order to have a steady income.
Starting your side hustle
If you’re inspired and ready to jump in, we have a whole guide on how to start a side hustle to help you get going.
You may also be interested in our list of best cities to start a business in – does your town feature?
And make sure you’re aware of the trading allowance for your side hustle, which will let you know when you need to report and pay tax.
Reporting your side hustle income and paying tax
You’ll need to register for Self Assessment and start paying tax to HMRC if your annual gross income is more than £1,000. From 2029, this reporting threshold will increase to £3,000. Read more about tax changes for side hustles.
Protecting your side hustle with insurance
Side hustles are like any other business, so it’s important you don’t forget business insurance. This can protect you and your business if something were to happen.
Not all side hustles are alike, but Simply Business can help build a tailored business insurance policy that fits your needs.
More guides for side hustlers
- Tax on a second job – a guide for your side hustle
- Growing your business – what are the habits of successful people?
- What type of business insurance do I need?
Ready to set up your cover?
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