If you are thinking about starting a business in the UK with minimum or no investment, this article can help you find ideas to start your business. If you're starting full-time entrepreneurship or taking on side work, there are various options available for you to start your own business.
SUMMARY
- Easy business to start in UK
- When starting a business, it is important to improve your skills and address potential challenges. It doesn't matter what type of business you're thinking of starting, clarity of purpose is important.
Government grants for women particularly in helping female entrepreneurs.
You can remotely manage businesses ranging from single-run online stores to large enterprises with physical locations and teams of employees.
What Are Easy Businesses to Start in the UK?
Here are some easy businesses to start in the UK, both online and offline. It can be started with zero to minimum investment and you can also earn good profits.
Online tutoring
Online tuition involves teaching students in a virtual environment where the teacher and the learner are in different locations. These can also be separated according to time. Online tuition is becoming increasingly popular to overcome academic shortcomings.
If you are highly skilled in a subject or have experience working with children, you will have a significant advantage. You don't need to be a fully qualified teacher, but you should understand the UK education system and school curriculum, which you can research on gov.uk. Marketing costs are low because word of mouth from satisfied parents can be very effective.
Although no qualifications are required to become a tutor, if you plan to become a tutor for recognized education, it is beneficial to have a degree relevant to the level you want to teach. A valid DBS certificate is preferred. Online tutoring is one of the easy businesses to start with no money.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a business where suppliers ship products directly to your customers on your behalf. You don't need to stock inventory, so there are no extra costs to fill the warehouse or your home with boxes and packaging. Your main task is to promote your business and build your audience.
However, dropshipping has some drawbacks, such as handling returns and refunds. Choosing a reliable supplier is important and can determine your success. Despite these challenges, dropshipping is one of the easiest, fastest, and cheapest businesses to start in UK. You don't need qualifications or follow specific rules and regulations. This is one of the easy businesses to start in the UK with no money.
Copywriting
Copywriting involves creating original content to help customers achieve specific goals, usually convincing customers to buy or use a product or service, increasing sales. This can include product descriptions, flyers, social media content, and more.
To understand what motivates your audience, you need to have a good understanding of written English and basic human psychology. No formal qualifications are required, just proper knowledge of spelling and grammar. Without any strict rules or regulations, copywriting is one of the easy businesses to start in the UK with no money.
Web designer
Web designers use website-building platforms to combine their creative vision and coding skills as well as create websites for clients who lack the expertise or desire to do it themselves. As more people start their own businesses or pursue other work, there is a high demand for user-friendly, professional-looking websites at reasonable prices.
No formal qualifications are required, but an understanding of HTML, CSS and JavaScript, as well as basic knowledge of web programming and design tools such as Adobe Dreamweaver, is useful. Web designing is a skill-based business where you can earn good income without any investment.
App Developer
Mobile apps generate billions of revenues, making it a huge opportunity for tech-savvy individuals. You need the ability to write computer programs and strong analytical thinking skills.
You can work as a freelance developer or create your own app ideas to develop and sell. No formal qualifications are required, although a degree in computer science may be helpful. App development is a skill-based business where you can earn good income without investment.
Social media manager
A social media manager is a professional who represents a company on social media platforms. They handle the job of responding to comments and creating engaging content, always looking for ways to increase brand exposure. If you're a digital social butterfly, you can turn your passion for Instagram and social media into a profitable career.
Social media managers create engaging content, track analytics, and are the brains behind viral tweets, Instagram posts, and Facebook updates. They know how to attract and engage an audience by building a community around a brand. Many businesses in the UK are seeking online attention, the demand for social media experts is higher than ever.
If you love connecting with people and are skilled in data management then this is a great business. No formal qualifications or specific rules are required.
Affiliate marketer
Affiliate marketing involves promoting someone else's product and earning a commission on each sale made through your efforts. Essentially, you are acting as an intermediary. To get started, it's helpful to have a blog, active social media following, or a website that attracts customers who will click on your affiliate link. Commission rates vary widely from 5% to 50%.
Some of the most popular options in terms of affiliate programs in the UK are Awin, Skimlinks, FlexOffers, CJ Affiliate, eBay and Rakuten Advertising. Although no formal qualifications are required, one should check the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) guidelines before starting an affiliate marketing business. Affiliate marketing communications must be clearly identifiable and comply with data protection and privacy laws, including GDPR. This is one of the easy online businesses to start in the UK with no money.
Selling eBooks
If you can write interesting stories that engage readers or you are an expert in writing on topics like cooking, self-help, photography, poetry or novel writing, creating an ebook could be a good business idea. Although it may take a lot of time, the financial cost is minimal.
You can sell your eBook through third-party providers like Amazon or your own online store. To ensure sales before launching, you can arrange a pre-sale or start a crowdfunding campaign to generate interest. No formal qualifications or specific rules are required to start selling e-books, and the costs to get started is zero.
Proofreader / editor
Proofreaders are always in high demand because every industry produces written material that must be reviewed for professionalism, accuracy, and tone. This is an ideal online business for someone with qualifications in English or journalism, although this is not essential. You can be successful as long as you can refine your writing to perfection and pay attention to details.
It is helpful to familiarize yourself with style guides such as Oxford or AP style and grammar guidelines. These guides ensure uniformity in the style and formatting of documents. This is an easy online business to start in the UK with no money and does not require any formal qualifications.
Blogger
Blogging is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ideas to start because you can discuss a topic you are really passionate about. The key is to select a topic that resonates with others in order to build a following and monetize through affiliate marketing or sponsored content.
You'll need your own website and some understanding of SEO and keyword research to ensure visibility, but this can be self-taught. There are no qualifications required to start blogging as a business, and there are no rules. This is one of the easy online businesses to start in the UK without any no investment.
Stock photographer
With a passion for photography, a camera, a steady hand, and a keen eye, you can start making significant money online with stock photography. Simply upload your images to a stock website like Alamy or Shutterstock, where they will be licensed to clients for a fee.
With high-quality stock photos of popular lifestyle and landscape shots, you can earn a good amount of money every month. No formal qualifications are required to start stock photography. Rules and regulations vary depending on the stock website chosen, but always get permission from the individuals and owners of the property you are capturing.
Start-up costs for stock photography are minimal, it only requires a basic camera. With a passion for photography, this can be an easy business to start with minimal investment in the UK.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant provides administrative services to clients remotely, usually from a home office. It is a straightforward startup for highly organized individuals. As a virtual assistant, you can provide services like scheduling appointments, managing a diary, handling phone calls, making travel arrangements, and managing email and social media accounts, all without the need to meet with various small business clients in person.
All work can be completed online. You can choose to charge per hour, day, task or project. The only qualifications required are a good understanding of basic English and mathematics, as well as some computer skills, which are very useful. This is one of the easy businesses to start in the UK without any no investment.
Voiceover artist
Voiceover artists are artists who specialise in providing audio for various media, such as video games, commercials, audiobooks, apps, and e-learning courses. They can make their career in film, video, television and theater. Your sweet and charming voice can serve as a profitable business.
You can lend your voice to a variety of media, including TV, film, and video games. According to figures from industry body AudioUK, the UK audio sector is growing year on year, with voiceover work making a considerable contribution to this growth. Starting a business as a voiceover artist is simple, one just needs a portfolio that showcases their attractive voice.
Upcycling
If you're creative and skilled at do-it-yourself projects, turning trash into treasure can be a profitable endeavor. Simply repurpose unwanted items into something desirable or aesthetically pleasing. The main thing is to find the right platform to sell handmade goods, whether it is locally or online.
This is an excellent option for those looking for a sustainable business with low startup costs, as there is no need to wait for products to be manufactured or sampled. Sites like Etsy, Amazon HandMade, eBay, and Wix can provide inspiration for upcycling projects. With minimal investment and innovative recycling ideas, upcycling can be a profitable business.
Language tutoring
As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, people are trying to broaden and enhance their language abilities. Parents are also constantly looking for ways to boost their children's grades. If you are fluent in native languages like French, Spanish or Mandarin, you can offer language tuition and it can be a profitable business with an hourly rate.
Websites like Craigslist are great platforms to advertise your tutoring services, often at no cost. It is important to note that there is demand for English language tuition from individuals and businesses as well. No formal qualifications are required, but proficiency in the language being taught is preferred.
Videographer
Freelance videography offers a great opportunity to earn extra income if you have skills in filming and editing, although acquiring the equipment can be expensive. However, there is a wide market, ranging from customers hosting events such as weddings and parties to businesses needing videos for marketing purposes.
It's important to gain expertise in honing your style and showcasing your work effectively – which is vital to promoting your side hustle. With the increasing influence of social media, the demand for videographers for various occasions and trips is increasing. Having a passion for videography, you can earn a good amount of money.
Recruiter
A recruiter is a professional who matches qualified individuals to vacant positions in organisations. Their responsibilities include reviewing candidates' job experiences, negotiating salaries, and ensuring a good match between candidates and employers. The era of long-term employment is fading, with great resignations leading to record-high employee turnover rates.
Any business idea that helps job seekers improve their CV and attract the attention of recruiters will be successful. There is also a trend towards niche recruiters catering to specific groups, such as neurodiverse individuals or those looking for flexible working arrangements.
Cyber Security consultant
The role of a cybersecurity consultant involves identifying, evaluating, and resolving security issues to protect a company's computer networks and systems. According to a cyber security survey report, more than 50% of business owners believe that remote work has increased the risk of cyber attacks in their business. This creates an opportunity to enter the cyber security field.
If you're tech-savvy, experienced in cybersecurity, or have innovative ideas for mitigating cyber threats, you now have the chance to secure businesses across the country. Even without expertise, you can hire freelance programmers and IT professionals to help you develop your ideas. It is one of the profitable and easy businesses to start in the UK.
Automated accounting software
Startups are facing many tax challenges, especially with respect to imports and exports after Brexit. HMRC has provided new guidance on complex processes such as paying customs duty and VAT. Many individuals look for solutions that simplify these processes. However, developing financial software requires careful consideration of industry regulations to increase user confidence.
Clients should be assured that your system remains up to date in accordance with the law and maintains strict accounting standards. Ensure compliance by consulting the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before offering any product or service. Automated accounting software can be a profitable business idea as many people want to streamline the accounting process for themselves.
Translator
Fluency in another language is a highly sought-after skill. Translators may handle tasks such as translating website content or facilitating personal conversations.
Specialising in a specific type of translation, such as medical or financial documents, can be beneficial. Establish an online presence through a website or distribute flyers to promote your services.
Conclusion
When starting a business, it is important to improve your skills and address potential challenges. It doesn't matter what type of business you're thinking of starting, clarity of purpose is important. Focus on identifying your target customer base and meeting their specific needs more effectively than competitors.
Starting a business can be difficult, but no reward can compare to the joy of seeing your dreams and ideas come to fruition. With proper planning, even a small business idea can become highly profitable.