70 UK Small Business Ideas To Start in 2024

Starting a business in the UK offers a multitude of opportunities, particularly for those seeking flexibility and minimal initial expenditure. This guide provides insight into small business ideas that are ideal for beginners, part-time entrepreneurs, or those with busy lifestyles. These ideas are perfect for launching a side venture without sacrificing your current commitments.

2024 Simple Small Business Ideas to Launch in the UK

1. Custom T-Shirt Design and Sales: Utilise print-on-demand services to offer unique t-shirt designs. This approach minimises the need for inventory management, as a third-party supplier handles production and shipping.
2. Service Provision: Capitalise on your skills by offering services such as writing, graphic design, or virtual assistance. Time management is crucial, as your hours are your primary investment.
3. Affiliate Marketing: Earn commissions by promoting products through your blog, social media, or website. This is a low-investment route with potential for substantial returns over time.
4. House and Pet Sitting: With the rise in travel, there’s an increasing demand for reliable house and pet sitters.
5. Tutoring: Share your expertise in a particular subject or skill by tutoring. This can be a flexible way to earn additional income.
6. Personal Assistant Services: Help business owners with administrative tasks. This requires little upfront investment and offers the chance to work with various businesses.
7. Dog Walking: Start a dog walking service, a rewarding and physically active job.
8. Airbnb Hosting: Utilise extra space in your home by hosting on Airbnb. This can be a lucrative option, especially during tourist seasons.
9. Baked Goods Sales: If you have a flair for baking, consider selling homemade cakes and pastries locally.
10. Cleaning Services: Start a cleaning business if you’re detail-oriented and enjoy tidy environments.

    If you are looking to start any small business in the UK – your best friend would be the Funding Database, as it contains over 1,500 funding options that the UK government has to help you cover your startup costs – as much as 100% of the total costs.

11. Car Washing: Offer car washing and detailing services in your local area.
12. Dropshipping: Start an online store without the need for inventory management. Products are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer.
13. Digital Products and Online Courses: Create and sell digital products like courses, templates, or podcasts. This requires minimal physical resources.
14. Social Media Consulting: With the vast number of social media users, businesses need help managing their online presence. Offer your expertise as a consultant.
15. Resume Writing Services: Assist job seekers by crafting effective resumes and cover letters.
16. Translation Services: If you are fluent in multiple languages, offer your skills as a translator.
17. Virtual Assistant: Provide administrative and creative assistance remotely, allowing you to work with clients globally.
18. Web Development and Coding: With the digital world constantly evolving, web development services are in high demand.
19. Data Entry Services: Offer to organise and manage data for businesses, an essential and often overlooked task.
20. Content Creation: Utilise your creativity to generate content for social media platforms, blogs, or YouTube.
21. Bookkeeping: If you’re good with numbers, consider offering bookkeeping services to small businesses.
22. Personal Training: Share your fitness expertise by becoming a personal trainer, offering personalised workout plans and guidance.
23. Personal Chef Services: If cooking is your passion, offer your culinary skills as a personal chef.
24. Meal Prep Services: Cater to the busy lifestyles of others by providing pre-made meals or meal kits.
25. Moving Services: Start a moving company, assisting individuals and businesses with their relocation needs.
26. Voiceover Work: Use your unique voice to provide voiceover services for advertisements and videos.
27. Tour Guide Services: If you’re knowledgeable about your local area, consider becoming a tour guide.
28. Online Classes and Workshops: Teach skills or academic subjects through online platforms.
29. Professional Organiser: Help people declutter and organise their spaces.
30. Personal Shopping: Offer your taste and expertise to assist clients in purchasing clothing, furniture, or jewellery.
31. Print-on-Demand Art and Gifts: Sell your artwork online as prints, greeting cards, or posters.
32. Online Fashion Boutique: Curate and sell fashion items from various vendors through an online store.
33. Handcrafted Goods: Sell your handmade products, such as soap, candles, or pottery, online or at local markets.
34. Photography Services: Offer your photography skills for events, or sell your photos as prints or stock images.
35. Beauty Products Sales: Capitalise on the beauty industry by selling unique beauty products or technology.
36. Phone Accessories: Enter the vast market of mobile phone accessories with a range of products like cases, chargers, or earbuds.
37. Subscription Box Services: Create and sell subscription boxes around a specific theme or interest.
38. Alterations and Sewing Services: Offer your sewing skills for alterations, mending, or custom creations.
39. Makeup Artist Services: Provide makeup services for weddings, photoshoots, and special occasions.
40. Furniture Restoration and Upcycling: Refurbish and sell upcycled furniture, tapping into the growing trend of sustainable living.
41. Bed and Breakfast Owner: Turn your home into a welcoming B&B for travellers.
42. Specialist Food Store: Start a store focused on a specific type of food or product, like cheese, wine, or craft beers.
43. Food Truck: Offer a unique culinary experience with a food truck, which requires lower upfront costs than a traditional restaurant.
44. Massage Therapy: Offer massage services, either at your own location, at clients’ homes, or in collaboration with other wellness professionals.
45. Coffee Shop: Start a coffee shop to cater to the growing coffee culture, providing a community space and quality beverages.
46. Online Dating Consultant: Use your matchmaking skills to help others find love online.
47. Vending Machine Business: Invest in vending machines, placing them in strategic locations with high foot traffic.
48. Landscaping Services: Offer landscaping and lawn care services, tapping into the growing demand for residential outdoor maintenance.
49. Event Planning (Virtual and Physical): Plan and organise events, either in-person or virtually, catering to various needs and occasions.
50. Charitable Business Ventures: Start a business with a social cause, partnering with charities or focusing on social good.
51. Pet-Related Businesses: Cater to pet owners with products or services like grooming, walking, or custom accessories.
52. Membership Programs: Create online memberships for exclusive content or services, such as yoga classes or educational materials.
53. Consultancy Services: Offer your expertise in a specific field as a consultant, helping businesses improve practices or strategies.
54. Newsletter Publishing: Start an email newsletter around a topic you’re knowledgeable about and monetise through sponsorships or subscriptions.
55. Bicycle Repair and Maintenance: Offer services to repair and maintain bicycles, capitalising on the growing cycling trend.
56. Home-Based Business Ideas: Explore opportunities like writing a book, creating digital courses, or managing social media for brands from the comfort of your home.
57. App Development: Develop and launch apps, either for consumer use or for businesses, such as those on the Shopify App Store.
58. Online Coffee Shop: Sell coffee and related products online, utilising the high demand and varied market positioning opportunities.
59. Travel Planning Services: Use your travel planning skills to offer bespoke, luxury travel arrangements.
60. Coding and Development Services: Offer your coding skills for website or app development.
61. Digital Product Sales: Design and sell digital products like templates, journals, or guides.
62. Pet-Focused Business: Cater to the lucrative pet industry with products or services like pet accessories or grooming.
63. Personal Training Services: Share your fitness expertise by offering personal training sessions and tailored workout plans.
64. Personal Chef Business: Turn your culinary skills into a personal chef service, catering to clients’ specific dietary needs or preferences.
65. Meal Preparation Services: Offer meal prep services for busy individuals, delivering pre-made meals or meal kits.
66. Moving Services: Start a moving company, assisting people with relocation and transport of their belongings.
67. Voiceover Artist Services: Offer your voice talents for advertising, narration, and other voiceover needs.
68. Tour Guide Business: Create unique tour experiences in your city, focusing on specific interests like food, history, or culture.
69. Online Teaching and Workshops: Share your knowledge or skills through online classes and workshops, catering to various learning needs.
70. Professional Organising Services: Help clients declutter and organise their spaces with your organization services

How to start a small business in the UK in 2024

Embarking on the journey of starting a small business in the UK goes beyond mere ambition. To set the gears in motion, consider the following steps:

1. Utilise Available Time: Striking a balance between ambition and practicality is key in your business ventures.
2. Discover a Business Idea: Your idea could stem from personal passions, a gap in the market, or any unique experience.
3. Validate Your Idea: Determine if your business concept is feasible. Are consumers willing to pay for your product or service?
4. Choose a Business Name: Opt for a name that is concise, memorable, and distinctive. Assistance is available through tools like business name generators.
5. Craft a Business Plan: A well-structured business plan is vital for maintaining focus and attracting partners, investors, and lenders.
6. Understand Business Finances: Set up business banking accounts, secure funding, and establish robust bookkeeping and accounting systems. Consider outlining your financial goals in a business plan template to aid in securing funding.
7. Develop Your Product or Service: This exciting phase involves turning your idea into a tangible product or service.
8. Decide on a Business Structure: Your choice of business structure will impact your taxes, operations, personal liability, and more. It’s about finding the right balance between legal and financial protection and operational flexibility.
9. Comply with Licenses and Regulations: Familiarise yourself with the legal requirements specific to your industry and the general laws for businesses in the UK to prevent future complications.
10. Select Software Systems: Choose the necessary technology for accounting, email, advertising, project management, and other business operations.
11. Find a Business Location: Determine the ideal location for your business, considering space, retail, and fulfillment needs.
12. Plan Workload and Team Size: Decide whether to operate independently, which limits you to the hours you can work, or to employ staff, considering the associated costs and time for recruitment and training.
13. Launch Your Business: Utilise your network, create excitement with promotions, and experiment with paid advertising to spread the word about your new business.

Starting a business in the UK requires careful planning and execution, but with these steps, you can turn your business dream into reality.

Getting funding for your business in 2024 in the UK

One of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of launching a business in the UK is securing the necessary capital to bring your idea to life. There are several avenues to explore for funding your business idea:

1. Small Business Loans: Various financial institutions in the UK offer loans tailored for small businesses. Eligible entrepreneurs can apply for funds to support the growth of their business. Loan amounts and terms can vary significantly.
2. Investors: Many investors are on the lookout for promising new ventures, particularly those with the potential to make a significant impact. Prepare a compelling pitch to present your business idea to potential investors.
3. Crowdfunding: This approach involves raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via online platforms. It’s a way to garner both funding and public interest in your business idea.
4. Self-Funding: If feasible, investing your own money into your business can be a direct approach. This is more viable for less capital-intensive business ideas but comes with its own set of risks.
5. Government Funding: A number of different government funding schemes exist to help startups get into business and cover their initial startup costs. These schemes include grants, government loans, tax credits – many that can be see in the Funding Database.

Navigating the funding landscape in the UK requires a strategic approach, but with the right plan and resources, you can secure the necessary funds to turn your business concept into a reality.

2024 Trends for Small Business Startups in the UK