In the UK, the economy and high costs of living are pushing more people to look into entrepreneurship. They’re considering starting their own businesses. This piece highlights various small business ideas that don’t need a lot of money at first. So, even if your budget is small, these options could work for you.
The business ideas range from those you can run at home to online opportunities. They also cover jobs like freelancing, delivery, and selling online. If you aim to turn a passion into profit, solve a problem, or enjoy working from home, this guide is for you. It gives you the tips and information you need to get started, no matter your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Explore a range of low-cost business ideas suitable for the UK market
- Discover home-based and online business opportunities that require minimal investment
- Learn about freelancing, delivery services, and e-commerce as accessible entrepreneurial paths
- Understand the steps to start a successful business with limited funds
- Find inspiration to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise
Home Business Ideas
The UK offers many chances for people who want to start a business from home. This is great for those who don’t have a lot of money. Key options include looking after children, making cakes at home, and brewing beer at home.
Childminder
As of August 2022, there were 65,600 registered childminders in England. If you want to be a childminder in the UK, you must have a childcare qualification at least to a Level 3. You’ll need to register with Ofsted and meet some rules about keeping children safe, ratios of adults to children, and what they learn.
Starting a childminding business in the UK can cost you nothing. This makes it a good choice for people with not much money.
Home Baker
The need for baked goods like bread, cakes, and pastries is growing in the UK. This is especially true for special bakes that are vegan or free from allergens. During the pandemic, sales of baking things went up by 67%. This love for comfort food continues to grow.
If you want to start a home bakery in the UK, you need to know about food safety. You must register with your local council and get a food safety certificate. You can start with just £50 for baking equipment and ingredients.
Home Brewer
The UK’s craft beer scene is doing really well, with about 3,000 breweries. These make over 14,000 different beers. People who brew beer, cider, or wine at home with special tools can make their way into the shops. In the UK, you can make up to 100 litres of beer or 90 litres of cider a year at home.
Setting up a home brewing business can cost around £500 for the basic kit.
Online Business Ideas
Thanks to social media’s popularity, blogging has become a great way to earn money in the UK. Bloggers make money by showing ads, getting sponsorships, doing affiliate marketing, and selling online things. Starting a blog doesn’t cost much, but it takes time and effort to get people to follow you and be successful online.
Blogging
In the UK, blogging is a smart way to earn cash. With thousands using social media daily, there’s a big market for online content. To make money, bloggers do things like show ads, get sponsors, do affiliate marketing, and sell digital items. The costs to start a blog are low, but it takes work to get a lot of followers and be noticed online.
SEO Specialist
Businesses in the UK now know they need a strong online presence, making SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) services more in demand. An SEO specialist makes a company’s website show up better in online searches. It’s a good way to make a living, as SEO experts can earn good money by the hour or with set price packages. While you don’t need special certificates, knowing a lot about SEO and showing you’ve done good work for clients is key.
Web Design and Development
With more shopping and work being done online, high-quality websites are essential. If you’re good at designing and building websites, you can work for yourself or set up a small company. It’s not hard to start, with tools and systems that make website building easy. You can make custom websites, update old ones, and offer support to those who need it.
Copywriting
Good copy can make or break a business’s marketing and online content. As a copywriter, you can help a variety of clients from big to small businesses. You don’t need special qualifications, but having a strong portfolio and a history of creating great content for your clients is crucial. This way, you can make good money while showing off your copywriting skills.
Freelancing and Consulting
In the UK, the job market is very competitive. This makes it important for people to boost their skills. They want to catch the eye of potential employers.
If you’re good at writing CVs, you have a great opportunity. You can make resumes that ATS systems notice. This will help people see your clients’ key qualities. It’s easy to start a CV writing business, using word of mouth from friends and family.
CV Writer
Offering CV writing services in the UK is a smart move. The need for impressive resumes is growing. Plus, you can start with little money. This allows you to highlight your skills in improving resumes.
Consultant
Consultants give advice to professionals or businesses. They are experts with a degree and a lot of experience in their area. But having enough experience can be like having a degree. To find work, building strong connections is vital. The pay for consultants can vary a lot, from £100 per hour to £500 or more.
Delivery and Transportation Services
Starting a delivery or transportation business in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive. You just need a vehicle, a clean driving licence, a phone, and the right insurance. Platforms such as Uber or Amazon allow people to make money by delivering or giving rides. Besides the ongoing costs like insurance and vehicle maintenance, the initial expenses can be very low, around £500. If you work 20 hours a week, you might earn between £350 to £400.
E-commerce
A lot of successful companies began as simple online shops, some with just one item for sale. Although getting an online shop running costs more at the start, it’s a great way to make money. First, you need products, a business name, and a website. Then, you get a domain name, set up how you’ll get paid, and get a business licence and sales tax ID. The initial costs are about £500, and you’ll spend around £50 each month on things like website hosting and ads.
Dropshipping Business
Worried a full online store is too much? A dropshipping business might be perfect. With dropshipping, you sell products, but the supplier ships them to the buyer. This means you don’t need to keep any stock. It’s a low-risk way to try different products and find your place in the market. To start, you just need to find suppliers, set up your store, and promote what you’re selling. This can all be done without spending a lot of money.
Pool Cleaning Service
There are over 270,000 private pools in the UK, as noted by the Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association. This makes the need for pool cleaning business services high, especially in pool-rich areas. To begin a pool maintenance service, you must get the right tools, chemicals, and a vehicle. Some knowledge on pools is helpful, but a quick course can teach you what you need to know.
In the UK, pool cleaning businesses often charge between £80 and £150 a month for weekly service.
Starting a home-based service business such as pool cleaning can be a good chance to make money. This is particularly true in places where many people have pools. With the correct equipment and skills, you can offer a much-needed service to homeowners. This could bring in a good, constant income.
The costs to start are not very high, and you could earn money regularly. This makes it an exciting option for people wanting to start their own business.
Best Businesses to Start with Little Money
Starting a low-cost business in the UK needs you to think smart and be creative. It’s also about working hard and wanting to do well. You can save money by working from home. This way, you won’t have to pay for an office.
Buying second-hand equipment and talking to suppliers for discounts are great ideas. They help you keep your costs down. In the beginning, it’s better to do most of the work yourself. This saves you from having to pay employees.
Using the internet and social media is key. They are great for making people aware of your business without spending a lot of money. Websites, social media, and places where people can find you are all good tools.
If you are smart about it and focus on what’s important, you can start a business in the UK without a lot of cash.
Graphic Design Business
Starting a graphic design business from home is a smart choice for digital artists. They can sell their designs through online sites like Fiverr or Upwork. Or they can use networking to find clients.
First, they need to invest in good design software and create a website to show their work. But after that, the costs are pretty low. In the UK, graphic designers can earn about £25 an hour for their work. This makes starting a design studio in the UK a good idea.
With the demand for design work on the rise, now is a great time to start. Designers can work with local clients or look for work online. This way, they can turn their creativity into a successful business.
Pet Sitting and Grooming
The UK’s pet care world is blooming, worth over £7 billion. With more people owning pets, it’s set to keep growing. A pet sitting or grooming venture can be budget-friendly. It all starts with a passion for animals and some know-how. Pet sitters must get a licence if they watch pets in their place. But for those visiting pet homes, no licence is needed. For pet groomers, having the right skills and tools is key. The initial cost can be as little as £350, with monthly expenses at about £60.
Property Management
Starting a property management business is a great way to run your own show in the UK. You can help homeowners rent out their places. Or assist on platforms like Airbnb for short stays. The best part? You don’t have to own the properties to make money.
You don’t need a degree to get into this field. But, checking for any needed licences or insurance is a good idea. It might cost about £700 to start, then around £30 a month to keep it going. This makes it quite affordable, especially for those just getting started.
There’s a big need for property managers in the UK, whether for long or short rentals. Homeowners look for pros to deal with all the details. From finding good tenants to looking after the place. Being a trusted manager helps earn you a share of the rent.
To begin, study the local market and the laws. Create a full package of services you can offer. Then, use smart marketing to find clients and build your business. With effort, a property management business can be a real money-maker from your home.
Personal Training
If you love fitness and healthy eating, setting up a personal trainer business in the UK is both fulfilling and budget-friendly. You don’t always need a sport science degree or a fitness certificate. Personal trainers often work from their homes or travel to clients. This means you don’t have to worry about renting expensive studio space.
Starting a fitness business costs about £850. Every month, expect to pay around £60 for things like insurance and marketing. This covers your other running costs too.
Mobile Car Washing Service
A mobile car washing service is a brilliant weekend business. It needs little money to start. You’ll need a wet/dry vacuum, pressure washer, buffer, and cleaning items. Also, showcase your services on a website, local directories, and Google Business Profile.
The start-up costs are about £800. And each month, you may spend around £60 on insurance, fuel, and other expenses.
Starting a car detailing business is also a low-cost choice in the UK. You can provide a thorough cleaning and polishing service wherever your customer is. This way, you avoid the costs of a fixed location. Your first investment could be £800. This will cover the essential equipment and supplies you need.
The UK’s need for affordable, trustworthy car care is going up. A mobile car washing business suits this trend well. It offers quality service at people’s convenience. With the right tools, marketing, and customer care, you can succeed. Your company will offer value and quality in the automotive services market.
Creative and Craft Businesses
Turning your craft hobby into a business can pay off well. It’s both fulfilling and doesn’t cost much to get going.
Take jewellery making. You can start with little cash, just buying supplies and tools. Then, you can sell these pieces at local spots or online on sites like Etsy. This way, you test if people like your things and get feedback before growing further.
Jewellery Making
If you love design and are creative, jewellery making might be perfect for you. It’s easy to start with not much money. You just need some tools and materials.
After making your pieces, try selling them at markets or online on Etsy. This helps you see if people are interested. Plus, you learn what customers like and don’t like. Then, you can decide if you want to make your business bigger.
Interior Design
If you’ve got a knack for making spaces look beautiful, why not turn it into a business? Interior designers help people make their rooms or houses look great. They work on things like layout, colours, and picking the best furniture.
This kind of work is in demand as more people want their spaces to reflect their own style. Starting this business doesn’t need much upfront. Just a good portfolio and some ways to tell people about your services.
Low-Cost ‘People Businesses’
Childminding is a great business idea in the UK. It involves caring for and educating children in your own home. As of August 2022, England had 65,600 childminders. To start, you need a valid childcare qualification and to register with Ofsted. You must also meet safety and curriculum rules.
The start-up costs for childminding can be as low as £0.
Dog Walking
The UK, being a nation of animal lovers, has a big need for dog walking services. It’s a business you can start with little money. You’ll need to pay for things like insurance, marketing, and dog gear.
Dog walkers can find clients locally, online, or through pet care platforms. This business is cheap to start and flexible.
Mobile Hairdressing
The UK’s home hairdressing scene is growing. Offering hairstyling in clients’ homes makes it a low-cost business. You don’t need to rent a salon.
The start-up costs for mobile hairdressing are basic. Equipment might come to around £15. Remember, you must register with your local council. Also, you need the right hairdressing qualifications.
Tutoring
The UK values its music education at £4.5 billion. This market is growing, making music tutoring a good business idea. You can teach from your home or travel to students.
You need to play an instrument well and have a calm teaching space. Tutors in the UK can charge between £20 and £100 per hour. Your rate depends on your skill and where you live.
‘Physical Business’ Ideas
For those who love hands-on work and are ready to dig in, ‘physical business’ ideas are perfect. These businesses are cost-effective and offer nice returns. Think about starting businesses like home and loft clearing, garden work, fixing things, setting up furniture, and moving jobs. They don’t need much to begin but keep the money coming in.
Clearing services for lofts and homes, for example, are in high demand. Many people need help tidying and organising their homes. You just need a few cleaning items and a vehicle to get started. You can then grow your services to include light removal and getting rid of unwanted items. Garden work is another hit. Homeowners who can’t keep up with their yards could use your help.
If you’re good at fixing things, consider starting a handyman business. It covers minor repairs, painting, and some plumbing or electric work. Being known for doing great work will pull in customers. This might let you charge well for your services. You can also look into setting up furniture or moving items. These take little money to start.
Many people who start these businesses like helping out. They enjoy making their areas better. Plus, it’s a way to start a service business without a big cost. This meets the need for reliable local services in the UK. If you’re ready to work hard, these ideas could be a great fit for you.
