Small business ideas – best businesses to start yourself

Running your own business is the dream for many. But with so many possibilities out there, it can be hard to find the right business idea to make your dreams come true.

Whether you’re skilled in a trade and think you’re ready to call the shots, or you’re a budding entrepreneur who doesn’t want to be stifled by the traditional 9-5, here are the best small business ideas in the UK – plus how you can get started.

Small business ideas for:

• tradesman jobs
• care jobs
• real estate jobs
• animal care jobs
• creative jobs
• professional services

Tradesman jobs

There’s a reason that traditional trades jobs remain popular to this day, as these skills are consistently in demand. From job security to high earning potential, choosing a trade and sticking with it can be a great way to start your own business.

You might be drawn to a trade if you value practical skills with hands-on learning, as many trades roles don’t require a university degree. Working in the trades also allows you to see the direct results of your work as you get to see your completed projects firsthand.

So if you’re a practical worker with the drive to work for yourself, why not consider some of the business ideas below?

Handyman

Becoming a self-employed handyman can be a good choice for those who work with their hands and have a desire to learn. It’s often more varied than other trades jobs, as you’ll work across a range of maintenance issues.

And according to Simply Business data, there was a five per cent rise in handymen between 2022 and 2023. Learn more about becoming a handyman in our dedicated guide.

Gardener or landscaper

If you prefer to work in the great outdoors, perhaps starting a gardening or landscaping business could be for you. If you do choose to be a gardener or landscaper, you’ll need to be aware that you may have busier months in Spring and Summer than in Winter – so you’ll need the business skills to budget and plan for this properly.

Yet the industry is booming, with our data showing an 11 per cent increase in 2023 for garden maintenance businesses.

If this sounds like it could be a good fit, you can learn about the differences between starting a gardening business and a landscaping business in our specialist guides.

Electrician

From installing electric equipment to maintenance and repairs, work as an electrician can keep your business in high demand. You’ll usually need at least a level three technical qualification to start your own electrician business, but the upfront costs of study can be worth it in the long run.

Learn more about becoming a self-employed electrician to get started.

Roofer

As long as you’re not scared of heights, you could find work as a roofer. There are plenty of college courses or apprenticeships that would qualify you to start your own roofing business.

You’ll need to be physically fit, technically-minded, and a good communicator in order to find success as a roofer. But to learn more about this business idea, read our full guide to starting a roofing business.

Plumber

Plumbing is another popular trade that is consistently in demand. While you’ll need qualifications or an apprenticeship to get you started, once you’re experienced enough you should be ready to start a plumbing business of your own.

You could even find a specialism – like a late night or emergency plumber, which will allow you to charge more. Read our full guide to see how to start your plumbing business.

Plasterer or painter and decorator

If you like working with your hands and also have an eye for design, you might think about starting a painting and decorating, or plastering, business (or both). A plasterer would create a base surface and create decorative finishes like cornices, while a painter and decorator will develop those surfaces by painting, varnishing, and staining.

Some people choose to work just as one or the other, while others will combine the two and offer both services. To learn more about the differences between them, read our guides to becoming a plasterer or a painter and decorator.

Carpenter or joiner

Both carpenters and joiners work with wood but their roles differ slightly. To help decide which business idea is best for you, you can read our full guides on becoming a carpenter and joiner.

But in summary, a carpenter will work on large scale projects, usually on a worksite. This can include installing floors, windows, staircases, and doors. A joiner will generally work in a workshop, crafting items that a carpenter may go on to install. This could include creating furniture and cabinetry, or restoring antique furniture.

Whichever route for your business you choose, you’ll need a strong understanding of woodworking, a good level of physical fitness, basic maths skills, and a knowledge of safety precautions.

Glazier

A glazier is responsible for installing and repairing glass in windows, making it a skill that’s always in demand. Like with some other trades we’ve covered here, you’ll need to be comfortable working at height if you plan to start a glazing business. So if you have good attention to detail and are business savvy, read more about starting a window glazing business.

Bricklayer or builder

Bricklaying is one of the world’s oldest trades and it’s still going strong, making it a good choice for tradespeople hoping to work for themselves. And while both bricklayers and builders contribute to construction, their roles differ slightly.

A bricklayer specialises in laying breaks, including cutting and shaping bricks and even creating intricate masonry structures like chimneys. Whereas builders tend to run entire construction projects, which includes planning work, organising teams, ordering materials, and making sure projects are run safely.

To see which role best suits you, learn more about becoming a bricklayer or a builder.

Groundworker

Another valuable role in the construction industry is that of a groundworker – as you’ll be required to prepare the ground of a building site before construction work begins. From installing drainage to laying foundations, groundworkers will need to be able to communicate well with different teams to solve problems and make sure work isn’t held up.

Sound like the right career for you? Find out what you need to start your own groundworking business.

Window cleaner

Window cleaning is another business idea that could appeal to those who like working outdoors and seeing the finished products of their work. And while you could start a window cleaning business with as little as a bucket, the more you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.

You don’t need any formal qualifications to start a window cleaning business (though these do exist and may be helpful to you). But it is important to be fully trained in health and safety matters, especially since you’re likely to be working at height.

Learn more about how to start your own business as a window cleaner here.

Man and van

However, if you’re looking for a business idea with low startup costs, starting a man and van business could be for you. As long as you have your own van and you’re physically fit, you could make a living helping move or deliver items.

Work may be inconsistent but with good business planning skills, starting a man and van business could be a good business fit for you around existing commitments.

Care jobs

If working a trades job isn’t for you, some other popular business ideas can be found in the care sector. So if you want to start a business where you’re helping people and having a positive impact, these are some business ideas you might want to consider.

Social worker

If you have a relevant university degree or have completed a similar training course, you could start your own social work business. Typically, a self-employed social worker will already have experience working for local councils, but once you have that knowledge, you should have the necessary industry skills to start your own business.

To check you have what it takes, read our full guide on becoming an independent social worker.

Childminder

If you love children but don’t want to go down the traditional route of working in education, perhaps starting a childminding business could be for you. Childminders generally work out of their home, so you may be able to avoid the startup costs associated with securing a business premises.

To become a childminder, you’ll need to be registered with Ofsted to make sure your business is running as it should. We’ve broken down how to start a childminding business in ten simple steps to help you get started.

Massage therapist

If you’re interested in healthcare, starting a massage therapist business may appeal to you. While more flexible and requiring less training than other healthcare roles, you can still make a real difference in people’s lives. Check out our full guide for more information on the different types of massage therapists and how you can get a massage therapist accreditation.

Carer

Working as a carer requires both empathy and physical work. You’ll need to relate to your clients and their family and have great communication skills. You can work as a self-employed carer without any qualifications, though they can be helpful for building credibility for your business.

When working in care, you may find a specialism that appeals to you, or you may offer general care services. Read our guide on working as a self-employed carer to get started.

Professional cleaning services

Another way you can help those who need it is by starting a cleaning business. Offering professional cleaning services is a good business idea for those prioritising low startup costs (as you may ask your clients to provide equipment) and no qualifications.

You’ll need to be knowledgeable about cleaning to be successful in your cleaning business, but you’ll also need good business skills on top of this. Knowing how to attract clients and price jobs fairly are key skills to succeed.

Run a charity

Maybe you want to help change the world but your skills are more aligned with negotiation, business, and advocacy. Starting your own charity is a great way to support the causes important to you whilst running your own business.

The first thing you’ll need to do is identify your trustees and prove you have a charitable purpose, but we have a whole guide on starting a charity to help.

Real estate jobs

Real estate is also an area that offers lots of opportunities to start your own business. Depending on your skillset and whether you want to get your hands dirty doing physical work or try your hand at sales, here are some small business ideas you could try.

Property developer

Property developer is a varied job that works for a lot of different skills. You’ll renovate existing homes or build new ones to increase their value and make a protift. To be a successful property developer, you’ll need to be comfortable with project management and negotiation.

You could then choose to sell the property or rent it out as a landlord. You can find out more about property development in our guide.

Property management

But if building sites and the property market don’t appeal to you, perhaps you’d prefer to start a property management company. A property manager will be responsible for the upkeep of rented properties, so you’ll need to have good communication skills and enjoy dealing with people.

Estate agent

Of course, you might be an excellent sales person, in which case starting your own estate agency could be a good business idea for you. As an estate agent, you’ll be selling properties on behalf of clients – so you’ll need excellent negotiation and communication skills, as well as thorough understanding of the property market.

See what it takes to start your own estate agency business in our guide.

Animal care jobs

If you love animals, there are plenty of business ideas that mean you can work with them all day. For example, becoming a dog walker has a low startup cost. Dog walkers also don’t legally require any qualifications (though related qualifications do exist and may be helpful) and it’s a great business idea that can fit around your existing responsibilities.

You could also start a dog grooming business. There are plenty of courses you can study to learn the ropes, and you could even start the business from your home before moving to a commercial premises.

Creative jobs

Whether you want to turn your hobby into a business or are looking to leave the traditional 9-5 behind, the pull of a creative career can be strong. And with the rise of digital technology, you can easily sell your creations through an online shop – though selling in person at market stalls and pop-up shops is also an option.

Whether you make jewellery or create artwork, we have a whole guide on how to start a crafting business. And if you’re looking for something more specific, we have guides on how to start your own candle business and clothing brand too.

Professional services

Perhaps you’re already skilled in a certain role and want to go out on your own. You could be freshly graduated or already be traditionally employed in this area and are now looking to start your own business. Here are a couple of examples that could give you inspiration for starting your own business.

• recruitment agency: whether you’ve worked in recruitment before or just feel you have the skills to succeed in the area, this could be the role for you
• private investigator: if you have a great attention to detail and the ability to be discrete, we have a guide on becoming a detective
• security company: already working in security but want more flexibility and control of the jobs you take on? Our guide helps you start your own business
• engineer: there are many fields of engineering making it a sought after skill – going freelance can help you earn a higher salary with more flexibility

Best business to start in the UK

Still don’t know what your calling is, but know you want to start your own business? If you’re driven, ambitious, and looking for the flexibility that comes with running your own business, here are some of the best businesses to start in the UK.

We looked at our own customer data to find the top 10 fastest growing new businesses in 2023. Some we’ve already covered in this guide – but there are even more emerging business trends you can get started with.

But you also may need a business idea that works around your existing responsibilities. We have seven business ideas for stay at home mums looking to earn some extra income or get back to full time work.

And if you’re a student looking to balance employment with your studies, you could try everything from event planning to acting as a tour guide in your city.

Still need some inspiration or want something a little more achievable? Here are seven simple self-employed business ideas to get you started.

What business to start?

Ultimately, the industry you want to work in is up to you. As long as you’re passionate about what you do and are willing to go the extra mile, you could find success as a small business owner.

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.