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Writer's pictureSophie Wilson

Five of the Best Small Business Ideas in the UK

Updated: Apr 5, 2022




So, you're looking to start your own business. Exciting!


Here we will look at some great and trendy ideas among other small businesses and the self-employed. Read on for some ideas that can give you the inspiration and start that you need!


1. Online Retailer


During the pandemic, high street stores have struggled and some, unfortunately, had to close their doors. Online retailers however have boomed. Selling on platforms such as Etsy has made it super easy to get your products and business out there quickly. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a 62 per cent rise in the number of new online retailers.


A key benefit of being an online retailer is that the business can essentially be operated from anywhere. Also worth noting is the ease of running a business from your laptop leads to much simpler bookkeeping for your business. So, what are you waiting for?


2. At-Home Baker


With many people spending more time at home due to the pandemic, and because of the increasing popularity of cooking shows, there has recently been substantial growth in the baking sector. The amount of home-baking businesses increased by 24 per cent between 2020 and 2021, after a 157 per cent rise between 2019 and 2020.


Owning a bakery business offers the potential for creativity and being part of a market that has long been considered recession-proof. This business can also enable you to connect with your local community, not to mention you get to eat fresh bread every day.


3. Dog walker


The UK is a nation filled with dog lovers! Since the start of the pandemic, approximately 3.2 million of us have bought pets. As many people are no longer working from home, and due to the increase of pets, the demand for dog walkers has just gotten bigger. The number of dog walking businesses has increased by 22 per cent year-on-year.


A dog walking business can offer independence and flexibility. As well as lots of exercise with furry friends! The time outdoors and time with animals can promote positive well-being.


4. Handyman/Handywoman


Another impact of the pandemic is that many people have spent time and money upgrading their homes. Due to this, there has been a sudden increase in the demand for self-employed handymen and women. In this type of business, there is typically a 44 per cent year-on-year rise.


There are many benefits to doing this type of work, such as meeting lots of people and working in a range of environments rather than being sat in an office all day. Being a handyman or woman could also allow you to specialize in your favourite fields.


Being self-employed means you will have to work out your Self Assessment Tax return once per year, by the end of January, an accountant can help with this if you're no good with numbers.


5. Tutoring


Education has been struck particularly hard ever since the pandemic began. Due to the learning that many students have missed, there is an increased need for tutors. The number of new businesses in this field has increased by 21 per cent year-on-year.


There are many advantages of becoming a tutor, such as doing a highly rewarding job and the ability to decide your own schedule. Technology has also meant that there is more flexibility in this sector, as you are not limited by area in terms of those you can tutor.


Get Out There


There you have five of the best small business ideas for all you budding entrepreneurs out there. We hope this list has been informative and we would like to take this moment to wish you luck on your small business journey!


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