Small business ideas – best businesses to start yourself

Looking to start your own business but unsure what to do? Whether you’re side hustling or going full-time, we’ve listed 36 low-cost, high-potential ideas tailored to UK entrepreneurs.

What are you most interested in? Take a look at small business ideas for:

Personal and home services

Dreaming of a business that helps people directly, often right in their own homes? The personal and home services sector is all about providing convenience and support to others.

If you’re looking to turn practical skills or a caring nature into a flexible, rewarding venture, this industry offers countless opportunities to start your own small business.

• courier: be your own boss, set your own hours, and hit the open road when you start your own courier business
• dog walker: with low startup costs and no legally required qualifications, this can be a great business to fit around your existing responsibilities
• dog groomer: dog groomers frequently start in their own homes (with the option to grow into a commercial space), making it a great gig for dog lovers with space to spare
• personal trainer: if you’re into fitness and have the time and budget to study a qualification, you could be a freelance personal trainer in your home or a local gym
• massage therapist: want to work from home and help others by alleviating tension, aches, and pains? Find a massage therapist course and get to work
• childminder: childminders generally work out of their home, so you may be able to avoid the startup costs associated with securing a business premises
• carer: have empathy, good communication skills, and capable of physical work?  A career as a carer can be started with no qualifications or startup costs
• man and van: as long as you have your own van and you’re physically fit, you could make a living helping move or deliver items around your existing commitments

Key skills

1. Excellent communication: clearly understanding client needs, providing updates, and building rapport
2. Customer service: being friendly, reliable, and going the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction
3. Adaptability: being able to adjust to different client personalities, unique requests, and changing circumstances
4. Self-discipline and motivation: as a self-employed individual, you’ll need to manage your own workload and stay motivated without direct supervision

Creative and digital roles

The creative and digital sectors offer exciting opportunities to turn your artistic talents or digital savvy into a thriving business. And thanks to the power of the internet, this industry lets you reach customers far and wide.

• make up artist: skilled with makeup and a good people person? Freelance makeup artists require artistry, self-discipline, and good communication
• influencer: influencers and content creators can make money online through a variety of platforms – find your niche to work this fully flexible and remote job
• photographer: while the upfront equipment and software costs of becoming a photographer are large, with good marketing and camera skills, this could be a rewarding and exciting career
• affiliate marketing: want to work online but being a content creator doesn’t appeal to you? Affiliate marketing lets you earn money by promoting a company’s products or services
• crafter: whether you’re making jewellery or art, being a crafter lets you turn your hobby into a career – with the choice of selling through online platforms or local markets
• online shop: with an online shop, you can sell your own products or curate a store with products from other suppliers – without needing to pay for a physical location
• florist: got green fingers? Grow and sell your own flowers with your own floristry business – you can start selling online and grow into your own store as your business earns money

Simply Business analysed policies that were trading less than a year in 2023 and 2024 to find the fastest growing sectors

Key skills

1. Creativity and innovation: to succeed in this industry, you’ll need the ability to generate original ideas, think outside the box, and bring fresh perspectives to projects
2. Technical proficiency: you’ll need to master all the relevant software (such as Adobe Creative Suite, video editing tools, e-commerce platforms) and digital tools related to your discipline
3. Problem-solving: a large part of your role will be identifying challenges and developing creative, effective solutions for clients
4. Time management: effectively juggling multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and managing your own schedule should be second nature to you

Trades and manual services

If you’re ready to build a career with your hands and expertise, in an industry that’s often in demand, take a look at some of the top trades and manual services business ideas that you could start yourself. Here’s how to lay the groundwork:

• handyman: covering a range of maintenance issues, working as a handyman can be more varied than other trades jobs
• gardener: love the great outdoors? Gardeners and landscapers can work with domestic or commercial clients – and have many specialisms within the industry
• electrician: while you’ll usually need at least a level three technical qualification to start your own electrician business, these upfront costs of study can be worth it in the long run thanks to supply and demand for the trade
• roofer: you’ll need to be physically fit, technically-minded, and a good communicator in order to find success as a roofer – as well not being afraid of heights
• plumber: plumbing is a trade that’s constantly in demand – and you could even find a specialism (like a late night or emergency plumber) which allows you to charge more
• plasterer or painter and decorator: like working with your hands and have an eye for design? A plasterer creates base surface and decorative finishes like cornices, while a painter and decorator develops those surfaces by painting, varnishing, and staining – could you be one or both?
• carpenter or joiner: both of these business ideas require a strong understanding of woodworking, a good level of physical fitness, basic maths skills, and a knowledge of safety precautions
• glazier: responsible for installing and repairing glass in windows, glaziers are always in demand – but you’ll need to be comfortable working at height
• bricklayer or builder: these are some of the world’s oldest trades and are still going strong, making them a good choice for tradespeople hoping to work for themselves 
• groundworker: as well as technical skills, groundworkers will need to be able to communicate well with different teams to solve problems and make sure work isn’t held up
• window cleaner: while you don’t need any formal qualifications or expensive equipment to start a window cleaning business, you’ll need to be trained to work at height

Simply Business looked at tradespeople who completed our quote form and requested a quote in 2023 and 2024, only taking into account trades with more than 3,000 submitted quote

Key skills

1. Practical and technical proficiency: you’ll need to develop a deep knowledge and hands-on skill in your chosen trade
2. Attention to detail: the key to repeat clients is ensuring high-quality workmanship, accurate measurements, and a professional finish
3. Physical stamina: many trades roles need strength, endurance, and fine motor skills
4. Customer service: you’ll need to clearly understand your clients’ needs – explaining work, providing quotes, and maintaining a professional demeanor
5. Estimating and quoting: accurately calculating costs for materials, labour, and overheads is a key part of any trades role

Professional services

If you’re looking to use your expertise and offer specialised advice or support, the professional services industry offers rewarding opportunities in a range of industries – so you can match it to your interests.

• accountant: accountants will need to study for vocational qualifications before they begin – but can find work in a variety of sectors once they’re qualified 
• project manager: if people are always saying you’re organised and a problem solver, you can put those skills to use working freelance for a variety of businesses helping them to deliver key projects
• virtual assistant: virtual assisting is a popular business idea as it’s fully remote, requires little start up costs, and can be flexible to fit around existing commitments
• tutor: if you have a passion for teaching and inspiring the next generation, becoming a self-employed private tutor can be a rewarding business venture
• driving instructor: you’ll need to pass a driving instructor course to become qualified – but other than that there are little start-up costs
• property management: responsible for the upkeep of rented properties, property managers need to have good communication skills and enjoy dealing with people
• business consultant: if you’re experienced in business, love solving problems, and helping others reach their goals, this can be a rewarding career with few start-up costs

Key skills

1. Sales skills: don’t forget about the ability to identify opportunities, pitch your services, and convert leads into clients
2. Communication: excellent verbal and written skills for client interactions, presentations, and reports are key to these roles
3. Problem solving: you’ll need to be able to understand complex issues and find effective solutions for clients
4. Client relationship management: building rapport, understanding client needs, managing expectations, and fostering long-term partnerships will help you find and keep clients
5. Strong digital skills: you’ll need to be adept with the relevant software, tools, and platforms essential for your specific service

What next?

Found a small business idea that works for you? Once you have an idea in mind, don’t forget to check out the following guides to help you on your journey:

• How to register a business name – and how to protect it
• How to set up a business bank account
• How to find a gap in the market
• How to advertise your business – the ultimate marketing guide

No matter what business idea you pick, it’s important to find an insurance cover that makes you feel the best. Watch our latest TV advert for some inspiration for even more small business ideas.

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