80 of the best small business ideas

Some of the ​​most successful small business ideas are the simplest. Use your car to start a ride-share service, organisational skills to help others declutter their homes, or local knowledge to create a fun and informative walking tour. 

Or perhaps you’re looking to share your creative work with the world. Sell your illustrations, become a voice-over artist, or finally show the rest of the world that jewellery you’ve been making.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you might want to get a new qualification or venture into an industry you don’t know much about.

Read on for a diverse assortment of small business ideas, insight into what’s currently in demand, and a cheat sheet on how to start a business in the UK. 

Small (and profitable!) business ideas

Small business ideas from home 

Your home might just be the perfect place to kickstart your empire.

1. Nanny / babysitting service. If you’re good with kids, you could be in high demand for families in your neighbourhood. 

The first step is to show parents that their children’s safety comes first. Start by getting an up-to-date Disclosure and Barring Service check, so that you have a copy of your criminal record. You can do so here. 

While it’s not a legal requirement to get a special qualification to become a nanny or babysitter, it will definitely add legitimacy to your business and help you gain relevant training. Head to this government website to explore your options. 

It’s also important to register on the government’s database if you are paid to look after children under the age of 8 in your home for more than 2 hours a day. Here’s where to do that.

2. Elderly care. If you’d like to care for those on the other end of the age spectrum, caring for our vintage citizens may be the route for you. 

Because you will be caring for a vulnerable population, it’s important that you follow all the right channels when setting up your business. You’ll have to apply for a licence from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Head here for all the details on how to apply.

If you are setting up an organisation (rather than applying as an individual), you’ll have to have a qualified manager who also registers with the CQC. 

3. Decluttering service. If you have a passion for putting things in their place in your own home, you can help others do the same in theirs. Decluttering garages, studies, and living spaces can transform other people’s lives (and perhaps your bank account). 
4. Herb farming. If you have a backyard and a green thumb, why not start a herb business? It’s important that you lay the groundwork (excuse the pun!) and do the research on what kinds of plants are in demand and grow easily in your area. You will have the option of selling your wares to a retailer or individual customers. 
5. Doggie daycare. If you’re not turning your backyard into a profitable garden, you may want to transform it into a pet paradise. 

You will need a licence from your local authority to operate and ensure that you comply with all the regulations of Animal Welfare. 

6. Pet grooming. If you have the patience and the skill to give a poodle its pom poms, you’re already qualified — there are no specific licences to apply for to start a pet grooming business. 

That being said, it’s definitely worth training before you get shaving and styling. You can do this through an apprenticeship, a college course, or specialist training with a private organisation. 

Read all about the different avenues you can take on the government’s careers website.  

7. Subscription box provider. Meal prep? Monthly supply of beauty products? Treat a Month box? The possibilities are endless. The great thing about this model is that you have built-in returning customers. 

Small business ideas for digital entrepreneurs

8. Content creation. This is a broad category of small businesses that encompasses content that can be read, watched and/or heard. Start a podcast, create a course, or a useful blog or vlog. Once you have an audience, sponsorships, paid subscribers, and selling merch are some ways to earn money. 

It’s a gamble, of course — there’s a lot of content out there. But there are also many success stories. 

9. Web design company. If you have the know-how, web design can become a thriving business. It’s wise to identify a niche, such as the health, fintech or fashion spaces. While marketing is important for any business, having a great website is particularly important here as it serves as an example of your work. 
10. Web/app development company. If you’d prefer to work behind the scenes and have the tech know-how to do it, building a web development agency is a great way to monetise your skills. Web development is great for those who are looking for a crossover in the Venn diagram of creativity and coding, as it involves both the programming and design sides of website and app building.
11. Copywriting and communications services. Wordsmithing your jam? Help clients with everything from their blog posts to web copy to cover letters. 
12. Proofreading and editing services. If you have a keen eye for details (and know the terror of sending anything out that contains a damning typo), you may be well suited to providing proofreading or editing services. From tweets to theses, texts of every size need a second set of eyes. 
13. Digital marketing consultancy. Digital marketing is a broad category that encompasses everything from paid advertising on search engines to working with influencers on social media channels to boost your clients’ brands. 

You may want to focus your work on a particular digital channel or offer comprehensive services so as a digital marketing all-stop shop.

14. SEO agency. Rather than looking at digital marketing as a whole, you might want to hone in on search engine optimisation. Bring together wordsmiths and keen strategists to help your clients’ businesses get found online by the right people.  
15. Social media management agency. Being visible (for the right reasons and on the right channels for your brand) is a full-time job. That’s where social media management agencies come in. They help businesses manage their socials to increase visibility, synthesise messaging across platforms, and engage with a brand’s community. 
16. Voice over. If you have a voice that melts the hearts of listeners or are carrying the voices of hundreds of different people inside you, you may be able to turn your sweet sound into a small business. Bonus points if you have a background in the performance arts. 

There are some start-up costs involved, like the right kind of mic, soundproofing, and editing software, but once you’re up and running, the running costs are minimal. 

17. IT services and computer repair. If this is your forte, you’re likely to be in demand in any neighbourhood. 

Creative small business ideas

18. Furniture upcycling. Scour the thrift stores and online marketplaces for furniture that needs a little love. Then get to work upholstering, nailing and patching. 
19. Antique dealing. Hunt for rare finds and one-of-a-kinds on online forums and brick-and-mortar antique stores. 
20. Vintage clothing store. Another treasure hunting enterprise, a vintage clothing store is a great way to prioritise sustainability while being fashion forward. Check out our complete guide to side hustles and second-hand shopping.
21. Flower arranging. Specialise in flower arranging for special events like weddings and funerals, or put together the perfect posies for markets in your area.
22. Home decorating. If you have a particular flair for making spaces beautiful, spread your talents beyond your home. 
23. Personal shopping. From helping high-end clients with fashion finds and one-of-a-kind items for their homes to assisting companies with corporate gift buying, a personal shopping business is perfect for expert treasure hunters.
24. Gift basket supplier. Make your name by putting together the ideal assortment of treasures for customers looking for the perfect present.
25. Graphic design company. From posters for live performance events to business cards to political campaign flyers, visual communication skills are needed in a variety of arenas. 
26. Card and stationery company. If you’re an illustrator, painter, or collage-maker, you can transform your creations into a card and stationery brand.  
27. Event photography. Give your clients visual proof of their special event so that they don’t have to rely on the selfie-taking abilities of their guests.
28. Candle-making company. Wax lyrical. Melt hearts. Light up lives. 
29. Jewellery making. Put your signature style on your wearable wares which you can sell to a retailer or market online. 
30. Online art dealer. Source out the works of local artists and create an online exhibition platform to show off their creations. 
31. T-shirt design. The custom t-shirt industry is on the rise. Identify a niche, come up with creative designs, and get your marketing machine up and running. You may want to opt for an e-commerce platform as the base for your business. 
32. This one’s for those who have the gift of seeing the table in the tree.
33. DJing service. If it’s always been your dream to create the soundscapes for special events, it may be time to start your DJ business. While you may need an injection of capital to get a full set of gear, you don’t need much for a very basic setup. 
34. Make-up artist. If you want to work on film sets or events, there is a range of diverse opportunities for talented, skilled make-up artists. Head here for advice from the National Careers Service on how to follow this path. 
35. Children’s entertainment. If you have the ability to delight younger audiences as a performer, face-painter, or games organiser, this can be a lucrative avenue to go down. From funfairs to birthday parties to corporate events, there are endless opportunities for children’s entertainers. 

Best business to start with little money

36. Dog walking. While dog-walking can get a little hairy, it’s a great business to start from almost nothing. Just be aware that a lot of responsibility comes with becoming a personal trainer for other people’s four-legged family members.
37. Pet sitting. Feeding, brushing, cuddling — drop in for the day or, if you have the flexibility, you might want to offer a live-in service.
38. Leaflet distribution. The bar to entry is low here, and you can work up to having a team of postpeople that do your distribution for you. 

Small business ideas in the tourism and hospitality industry

39. Catering company. The Nationwide Caterers Association provides a full breakdown and resources on how to start your own catering company, as well as how to ensure that you stay compliant with the regulations for different events.
40. Private chef. From busy working families to high-end clients wanting to wow guests at a dinner party, private chefs are invited to do their magic in more intimate environments. There’s no specific licence that you need to become a private chef in the UK, but it’s advisable to have at least a Food Safety and Hygiene for Catering qualification.
41. Baked goods supplier. If you have a talent for turning out sumptuous scones and beautiful biscuits, it may be time to turn your gift into gold. Again, food safety is important here. This free course for food businesses is offered by the Food Standards Agency.
42. Bed and breakfast. Love making others feel at home in your home? You may want to sign up with a short-term rental service like Airbnb or advertise through your own channels.
43. Property management. Instead of renting your own space, you may want to offer others your property management services. While you don’t need specific qualifications to open a property management company, there are a number of options available, both in residential and business property management. The Chartered Institute of Housing offers great resources.
44. Food truck. Take your culinary talents on the road with a food truck that can be stationed at markets, fairs, or in places where there is a lot of foot traffic. You’ll have to register with your food business, get a street trading licence and ensure that you have the proper permits to operate from your desired locations. Insurance for your vehicle is extra important here!
45. Coffee stall. Like a food truck, a coffee stall will likely require a street trading licence and food business registration. 
46. Local products store. Open a store that offers the best of your neighbourhood. Are you famous for your honey, gin, or textiles? Why not share the wonder of your wares with passersby?
47. Walking tours of your neighbourhood. Whether you’re a history buff, literature fanatic or have sprouted from a family tree that has grown in your particular area, your expertise can transform a tourist’s travel to your home. Public liability insurance is important here. 
48. Vending machine owner. This could be a good option for you if you’re looking for more of a hands-off business option. Vending machines can sell anything from snacks to tech gadgets. As an owner, you can rent your vending machine to an outlet like a hotel, convenience store or live performance venue. You will need some start-up capital, equipment insurance, and any necessary permits the location might require. You’ll also have to factor in some sort of storage for your inventory.
49. Wedding planning. You don’t need a specific qualification to become a wedding planner, although there are courses available. Gaining knowledge through apprenticeships can also be a great way to get in-the-know. It’s also important that you check that your business is compliant, particularly if you’re handling food or operating in any public areas. Check with your local council to find out precisely what’s needed. 
50. Event planning. Branch out from weddings into other forms of event planning. If you’d like to operate in public spaces, licensing and permissions are particularly important. The Parks Community offers some great resources to help you stay compliant. 
51. Travel agency. Strictly speaking, you don’t need a specific qualification to become a travel agent. However, it can really help! A BA in Travel and Tourism is a real asset, but if you don’t want to go that route, there are various short courses that you can take. An apprenticeship in a travel agency can also go a long way. Check out the National Career Services website for resources.

Cleaning business ideas

52. Commercial cleaning company. Clean up office cubicles, meeting rooms and cafeterias. There’s no specific license required to operate a cleaning business, unless you are dealing with waste, in which case you may need to register as a waste carrier. As you will be working on other people’s properties, public liability insurance is highly recommended. 
53. House cleaning. If you’d prefer to keep things domestic, a house cleaning business may be a better option. A house cleaning business has low startup costs and can quickly grow through word of mouth.

We take you through how to start a cleaning business in this article. 

54. Laundry service. Offer a drop off, collection or self-service laundry service to individuals or companies. Beyond registering your business with HMRC, it’s also important to ensure that you are properly insured while operating heavy machinery and handling the property of others. Recommended insurance types include public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance and employers’ liability insurance. 
55. Carpet cleaning. Start up costs will include the professional carpet cleaning machinery and potentially a vehicle that is large enough to transport large, weighty carpets. Insurance is vital as you’ll be dealing with others’ property — potentially in their spaces — and heavy equipment. Chat with us to get a tailor-made package. 
56. Window cleaning. Start by visiting the National Careers Services page on window cleaning. Joining the Federation of Window Cleaners is also a good idea. If you live in Scotland, you’ll need a window cleaner’s license.
57. Gutter clearing. Your services can be a lifesaver after a long mulchy winter. Invest in a gutter vacuum and/or leaf blower and check whether you need to register as a waste carrier. Again, the public liability insurance is a must here.
58. Car cleaning. Choose your scale here from a small portable mop-and-bucket operation to or a large automated car wash. The bigger you go, the more important it is to stay government compliant (check to see that you have the necessary permits to operate in your area) and insured. 
59. Power washing. A pressure washer, the right kind of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adequate insurance are must-haves here.

Skills-oriented small business ideas

60. Odd jobs. Transform those handy skills into a money-making venture. Offer to hang heavy pictures and curtains, patch cracks and holes, and repair broken household items. 
61. Appliance repair. Insurance is once again a must here as you will be dealing with other people’s goods. Define your offering and then check here to see if you will need a license to operate. 
62. Clothing alterations and mending. If you’ve been darning your socks and tailor-making vintage finds, your skills can be used by others. This is a business that you may already have all the equipment you need to get going and one that can spread through simple marketing and word-of-mouth.
63. Gardening or landscaping service. A green thumbs up to this business venture for those who have the ability to transform saplings into budding beauties. A qualification in landscaping, gardening, arboriculture or weed control is a definite advantage, as is membership to the relevant professional gardening association. 
64. Bookkeeping service. If you don’t qualify yet, it doesn’t take long to get a start on your education. Check out the government’s breakdown of the opportunities that are available and the routes to get there. 
65. Massage therapy. While not mandatory, it’s a good idea to start by getting a qualification, such as a diploma in massage or sports massage. An apprenticeship with a qualified therapist is another avenue to take. 
66. Nails and eyelash business. As with a massage business, you don’t need a specific qualification to do nails and eyelashes — but you need to learn your skills somewhere. This can either be from a formal course or through an apprenticeship. It’s important to check with your local council to see if you need to register to operate legally. 
67. Beauty parlour. Put all your beauty services together and open a salon. Head here to see check whether you will need a special premises license for your company. 
68. Tutoring company. Maths whiz? Grammar nerd? Science buff? Tutors are in high demand for all students, from tiny tots to adult learners. The National Careers Service offers advice on avenues to become an e-tutor. You may want to opt to give in-person tutoring from your home or in the homes of your students.
69. Sports coaching. If you’d prefer to take your instruction outdoors, a sports coaching business can be an incredibly rewarding endeavour. Head here for the advice from the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) for working with children in sports. 
70. Translating services. If you are multilingual, you are sitting on a valuable asset. Translating business can range from small-scale translation services for individuals to working on long-form works for large clients.
71. Bike repair. If you already have the skills, the path to coming a bike mechanic is a short one. If you’re just starting out, that’s fine too! Here’s what the National Careers Services has to say. 
72. Construction company. A vital part of starting a construction company in the UK is registering as a contractor with the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). Here’s how. 

Small business ideas for drivers and their cars

73. Neighbourhood ride share. Help others get to their destinations with ease. Beyond insurance, you will of course need a driver’s license but there are other types of licenses that will be necessary too. Head here for the details on how to get a drivers licence for taxis and private hire vehicles. 
74. Niche ride share. A safe travel idea for teens to get home safely in the evenings? A way for pet parents to get their babies to the vet and groomers with ease? Ensure that you are properly licensed and insured.
75. Local delivery service. Become a delivery service for small online shops or simply help the neighbours get their goods from A to B. 
76. Gift delivery. Whether you craft the gifts yourself or team up with a local crafts company, it’s possible to make a business out of making other people’s days.
77. Errand-running service. Get the tasks done that other people don’t have time to do. Pick up laundry, drop off keys, take an unwanted item back to the store. 
78. Car rental. The start up costs can be large here — as can the risk as you’re relying on others to drive your cars safely. However, if you are properly insured and have the start up capital, you may want to take it on. 
79. Moving company. Your biggest asset here will likely be your moving van. It’s vital that this is properly registered and insured. Other kinds of insurance like public liability insurance are also vital. If you’re moving goods across a border, register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service. 
80. Junk removal. Ensure that your vehicle is properly insured and registered. It’s also vital that you register as a waste carrier. 

How to start a small business at home in the UK 

1. Get a business plan in place.

Before starting out on your exciting new venture, it’s important to have a plan in place.

A business plan should outline factors such as:

• A clear set of business objectives (what do actually want to offer?)
• Operational needs
• Sales projections
• Marketing strategy
• Metrics you will use to measure your progress
• Potential problems and challenges that might come along  

2. Register your business.

You can register as either a sole trader or a limited company. 

(We take you through the difference in this article.)

It’s important to factor in the tax implications of the type of business you register. You can check out the pros and cons of registering as a sole trader here and limited company here. It’s advisable to seek professional advice before starting a business venture. 

3. Open a bank account for your business.

Quite simply, it’s not advisable to mix business and pleasure when it comes to your bank accounts. 

Starting a business account will help to keep your business finances separate and clear cut, a major benefit at tax time.

4. Keep it legal.

Find out if you need a license to operate your business. The government offers a search option for their database of different business licenses and permits. You can access it here. 

5. Tap into the benefits of being small.

If you’re just starting out, chances are that you will be able to take advantage of some of the perks of being a very small business. You can prepare simpler accounts, provide Companies House with less information and benefit from auditing exemptions. 

A micro-entity is a very small company that meets any two of the following three criteria:

• Ten employees or less
• A turnover of £1 million or less
• £500,000 or less on its balance sheet

Head to this government website to find out exactly what you need to prepare for Companies House.

Another perk? You can take advantage of business loans to start or grow your business.  

6. Get the right insurance in place

If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry! We break it down in this article. 

Head here for tailor-made advice on the business insurance you need.