55 business ideas for 2025

If you’re thinking about starting a business this year, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Technology is moving fast, consumer habits are shifting, and people are more focused than ever on values such as convenience, sustainability and personal well-being. All of which is creating space for new ideas to take off in 2025.

However, bear in mind that not all trends last, so it’s important to come up with a business idea with strong potential for long-term growth.

Key trends to watch in 2025

• AI and digital transformation – Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming the way businesses operate and deliver services

• Sustainability and the green economy – Eco-conscious practices and products are going mainstream as businesses and consumers prioritise sustainability and low-carbon solutions

• Personalisation and customer experience – Businesses are increasingly tailoring products, services and communications to individual customer needs

• Upskilling workforces – Rapid technological change and evolving market demands mean companies are investing in training programmes to equip employees with the right skills

• Cybersecurity and data privacy – As digital adoption grows, safeguarding data and maintaining trust are critical, leading to more investment in cybersecurity

AI, tech and digital transformation 

There’s a lot of excitement surrounding AI and digital transformation. From smarter marketing tools to automated design platforms, new tech is reshaping the way companies run and how customers interact with them, as well as saving businesses time and money. 

Here’s an overview of some of the best small business ideas in this area:

1. AI-powered customer support platforms

Many small businesses can’t afford full-time support staff but still require a round-the-clock service. Why not fill this gap by creating or customising AI chatbots and voice assistants for specific sectors, such as restaurants, retail or estate agents? 

You can tailor the AI to the industry’s common queries, integrate it with booking systems and offer updates as the tech evolves. 

2. AI-driven content creation and editing

Many businesses are using AI to help create blogs and social media posts. But businesses still need help making the content feel authentic and bespoke. Think about offering a service that combines AI efficiency with human editing to help those companies that don’t have full marketing teams. It’s a low-cost business idea that you could easily run from your own home.

3. Digital upskilling and AI training

If you’re already comfortable with AI and understand how it’s developing, you could turn that knowledge into a business by offering training sessions or workshops to companies looking to get their teams up to speed. Part of this process could involve showing businesses how to use AI tools to help them save time and improve productivity, as well as explaining how AI might evolve and what companies need to be aware of. 

4. E-recruitment automation platform

Hiring is time-consuming, especially for small businesses without large HR teams. An e-recruitment automation platform could streamline the process by using AI to screen CVs, shortlist candidates, schedule interviews and even run initial skills assessments. 

5. AI-driven fraud detection 

As AI use increases, so do cyber threats. Those with previous experience in fraud detection could launch a business that uses AI to detect suspicious activity, phishing attempts and payment fraud, and offer a range of cybersecurity packages to counter them. 

6. Robotics

Manufacturers are increasingly turning to robots to boost efficiency, creating opportunities for AI-powered machines that handle tasks such as component assembly and quality checks.

Professional, B2B and creative services 

Many companies are now opting to outsource specialised services rather than hire full-time employees, because it’s often a more cost-effective solution. So, if you’re looking to start your own business, you might want to take advantage of this opportunity with the following profitable business ideas:

7. Digital marketing agency

If you have the right skills and experience, it can be relatively straightforward to start your own digital marketing agency. However, it is a competitive market, so to differentiate yourself, focus on niches or services that solve specific client problems, whether that’s helping with SEO, PPC advertising, social media marketing, content or email marketing. 

8. Technical support

With remote and hybrid working becoming the norm, the demand for technical support — ranging from computer troubleshooting to home printer setup — is higher than ever. 

If that is where your skills lie, consider tapping into this demand by launching your own technical support business to help individuals and businesses in your local area. You might initially carry out home visits but eventually expand to have your own repair shop.

9. Tax consultant

If you’re good with numbers and have accountancy experience, becoming a tax consultant can be a lucrative and in-demand service – particularly with Making Tax Digital coming into force next year.

Under the new rules, sole traders earning more than £50,000 per year must keep digital financial records and submit quarterly updates, as well as a year-end declaration, each tax year. By offering tax consultancy services, you can support businesses in ensuring they are prepared for the changes, including assisting them with accounting software and even making submissions on their behalf. 

10. Graphic design

Many businesses are willing to hire freelancers to help them design logos, flyers, brochures and display ads. To increase your chances of success, get access to a design application such as Adobe Illustrator and have a portfolio of your previous work to hand.

11. Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) provides remote administrative, technical or creative support to businesses, entrepreneurs or busy professionals. The role tends to involve diary management and bookkeeping, as well as arranging travel and setting up meetings. This type of business is usually quick and easy to set up, and you can start it from home.

Sustainable and green businesses 

As climate concerns and environmental regulations grow, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to operate more sustainably. As an entrepreneur, this can present a range of opportunities to launch a business focused on eco-conscious products and services. Some examples include:

12. Sustainable packaging solutions

With more pressure on companies to switch from plastic to biodegradable, compostable or reusable packaging, think about starting a business that helps customers achieve their sustainability goals.

Your business could help identify and supply sustainable packaging materials suited to the client’s product. If you have prior experience, you could even consider creating your own packaging that uses fewer resources to sell on to companies. 

Our Purple Planet Packaging business case study highlights what you can achieve with the right idea and approach.

13. Eco-friendly event planning

If event planning is your forte, why not use your skills to launch an eco-friendly event planning service? You could help organise corporate events, conferences, and workshops with zero-waste practices, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable food and beverage options. 

14. Energy efficiency consulting

If you’re an expert in green living, think about starting an energy efficiency consultancy service to advise businesses on reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as solar panels and other renewable energy solutions.  

15. Circular economy services

With growing pressure on businesses to adopt sustainable practices, you could offer services that help companies refurbish products for resale or donation, implement recycling programmes to reduce landfill waste, and transition to reusable packaging to cut down on single-use materials.

16. Eco-friendly delivery

Another opportunity is to launch green courier or delivery services using electric vehicles, e-cargo bikes and electric scooters. You could also use route optimisation software to help businesses plan multi-stop deliveries by determining the shortest routes and the most efficient stop order. 

Health, wellness and care services

With more of us prioritising health and well-being, demand for wellness and care services is on the rise, offering several opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. If you have expertise in fitness, nutrition or therapy, some of the best business ideas in this area include:

17. Telehealth and virtual clinics

Demand for remote healthcare is increasing, with many people preferring the convenience of receiving medical advice from the comfort of their own home. Telehealth businesses can provide consultations for general health, specialist advice and mental health support online, often through video or chat-based consultations. 

However, this type of business can be complicated to set up because you need the relevant experience and qualifications, and you must meet certain regulatory requirements.

18. Mental health and wellness coaching

Mental health awareness is rising fast, creating demand for personalised support. Wellness coaching can cover stress management, life coaching and therapeutic guidance. If you have the relevant professional credentials, you could offer group or individual coaching sessions in person or online.

19. Personal training services

Many people are looking to improve their fitness levels, but are often after flexible solutions that fit into their busy lifestyles. Tap into this market by offering one-on-one personal training, either in person or virtually, group classes or boot camps, or even specialised programmes, such as postnatal fitness. 

20. Nutrition and diet consultancy

If you’re a nutrition expert, you could offer a consultancy service to provide tailored advice to individuals or corporate clients. This might include personalised meal plans, nutrition education workshops or specialised programmes for weight management.

21. Corporate wellness programmes

More companies are investing in employee health to improve morale and productivity. Use this to your advantage by offering corporate wellness programmes tailored to the needs of each company. These sessions could include fitness classes, nutrition workshops, mental health support and wellness challenges. 

22. Alternative medicine services

As more people seek holistic approaches to health and wellness, alternative and complementary therapies have become increasingly popular. Think about offering services such as massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and reflexology, but be sure to investigate insurance and licensing requirements before you go down this route.

Personal and professional development

Professional and personal development services are in high demand as employees look to improve their skills and reach their full potential. If this is an area you’re interested in, consider the following ideas:

23. Personal development courses

You could offer workshops on communication, leadership, productivity and time management to help individuals enhance their skills and build confidence to achieve their personal or professional goals. You can help them understand common pitfalls and challenges, and equip them with strategies to overcome them. 

24. Career coaching

If you have experience in recruitment, think about setting up a career coaching business to help individuals navigate career changes, update their CV and prepare for interviews. 

25. Online learning platforms

You could also consider using your professional qualifications or skills to set up your own online courses. 

Platforms such as Skillshare, Teachable and Udemy enable you to create and sell online courses based on your expertise – for example, in computing or marketing. These platforms guide you through the entire process, and your earnings grow with the number of learners who engage with your content. 

26. Networking platforms

Networking and professional community platforms have risen in popularity as professionals seek to expand their connections and find new opportunities. You could, therefore, think about creating your own online platform where members can network, participate in discussions and access exclusive resources. Using a subscription-based or premium membership model could help create recurring revenue.

27. Public speaking and presentation courses

Many people get nervous about public speaking and presenting, so if this is something you excel at, consider offering a range of workshops or training packages to help individuals or teams improve their communication and presentation skills. 

Artisan, craft and maker small businesses  

Demand for handmade, one-of-a-kind products is growing as consumers look for alternatives to mass-produced goods you can pick up anywhere. If you have creative skills, there’s an opportunity to turn that talent into a business that caters to this market, using some of the ideas below:

28. Handmade jewellery and accessories

Why not make custom and personalised pieces from precious metals, recycled materials or unique designs? You need to source the materials yourself and have the right equipment, but you don’t need a huge space to launch your business. You could start by selling items at local markets or online through sites such as Etsy. As you expand, you might be able to explore the idea of setting up your own pop-up shop to bring in a more regular income.

29. Pottery and ceramics

If you’re a skilled potter, consider a business that makes decorative or functional pieces such as mugs, plates or planters. Again, you may be able to sell these on sites such as Etsy or at local craft markets. The downside is that equipment is expensive and you may need your own studio space, so it isn’t the cheapest option. However, if it’s something you already have experience in, it should be relatively easy to launch. 

30. Candle making

Candle making is a competitive market, so it’s important to find a way to make your business stand out. Perhaps you could specialise in eco-friendly candles with reusable packaging, premium or unusual fragrance combinations, or personalised candles for weddings, birthdays and special occasions. 

31. Fashion and textiles

With consumers becoming more conscious of sustainability and ethical fashion production, consider tapping into that market by creating your own eco-friendly fashion brand. It’s essential to have strong skills in both hand and machine sewing, as well as know-how to source reliable suppliers. You could think about turning old garments into something new or creating one-off pieces with a focus on quality stitching and natural fabrics. 

32. Stationery and greetings cards

If you have a background in art or graphic design, you could turn your creativity into a greetings card and stationery business. Use your artwork to create bespoke birthday cards, wedding invitations, signage, planners and journals that stand out from mass-produced options.

When starting out, consider selling on Etsy or at local craft fairs or pop-up markets to build an audience. As your brand grows, you could expand to your own online shop, offering a wider range of designs and reaching customers beyond your local area.

Niche e-commerce and subscription models 

The subscription market is continuing to grow, which means businesses in this sector can be relatively sure of a predictable cash flow. Consumers are increasingly looking for curated products and unique, personalised shopping experiences, providing plenty of opportunities for new businesses:

33. Book subscription boxes

Book subscription boxes have risen in popularity as readers look for recommendations and tailored experiences. Your business could offer genre-specific boxes, children’s books, wellness and non-fiction reading, along with personalised picks. 

34. Hobby club boxes

This could be ideal for anyone looking for creative inspiration or wanting to try something new each month. Examples include arts and crafts kits (knitting, crochet, painting and so on), gardening boxes, cooking and baking kits, or candle and soap making. You could pair boxes with video tutorials or offer starter kits for beginners and advanced versions for those with more experience. 

35. Health and wellness subscriptions

With more people looking to improve their health and well-being, you could opt to launch a subscription business offering supplements, skincare products or fitness gear. You could send out products each month and tie this in with personalised recommendations to increase customer loyalty. 

36. Digital content subscriptions

If you’d prefer to focus on teaching rather than selling physical products, consider launching a digital content subscription business. This could include memberships for exclusive tutorials, online workshops or full e-learning courses tailored to your expertise, whether that’s coding, photography, marketing or crafts. The big advantage is that it’s relatively inexpensive to start and you can scale quickly.

37. Personalised products

Another potential business idea is to create your own personalised products to sell online. This could include gifts such as engraved jewellery, monogrammed notebooks or photo-based products. 

38. Drop-shipping 

Drop-shipping is an order fulfilment business model where you don’t need to create or stock your own products. Instead, you set up an online shop that takes customer orders and then you pass those orders on to a supplier who ships the products directly to the customer. 

The advantage is that you never have to manage inventory, and you can set up an online business without hefty up-front costs. All you need to do is decide on your niche, set up an online store and market the products.

Pet, animal and outdoor services

If you love animals or enjoy spending time outdoors, there are several business ideas to take advantage of in these areas. There’s plenty of demand, too, given that 51% of UK adults own a pet, and outdoor leisure activities are also on the rise. 

Here are some of the best business ideas to consider: 

39. Dog grooming

With 28% of UK adults now owning a dog (compared to 23% in 2011), you shouldn’t have any problem finding customers for a new dog grooming business. Many owners simply don’t have the time to groom their pets, so if you’re confident working with animals, why not do it for them? 

40. Dog training

Are you a dog whisperer? If so, think about setting up a dog training business. This could involve teaching basic commands and general obedience, as well as addressing issues such as aggression and excessive barking. Alternatively, you might be more interested in offering training for competitive sports, agility courses or trick performances. Having certain qualifications and insurance makes you look more professional.

41. Pet daycare services

Pet daycare and boarding services are in high demand as busy owners seek safe, engaging environments for their animals while they work. This type of business can cater to dogs, cats and even small exotic pets, providing both short-term daily care and longer stays. Be aware that you must comply with local regulations regarding animal welfare, space and hygiene.

42. Guided wildlife and outdoor experiences

If your interests lie in bird watching, flora and fauna, or connecting with nature, why not start a guided wildlife and outdoor tours business? These experiences enable customers to enjoy the outdoors safely while learning about wildlife, ecosystems and conservation.cYou could start off offering small group tours, but might eventually be able to expand to offer premium, customised experiences to corporate clients.

43. Outdoor fitness classes

Many people enjoy exercising in natural environments, so if you’re already an experienced personal trainer, offering classes that go beyond traditional gyms could be an option to explore. Think about outdoor bootcamps, HIIT sessions or circuit training in parks or open spaces, yoga at sunrise or sunset, or even adventure courses, such as hiking, running or obstacle courses with structured training.

Experiences, tourism and events

Consumers are increasingly prioritising spending money on experiences such as travel and cultural activities over material possessions. Many would prefer to spend time connecting with others rather than buying a product or service they don’t need. If this is an area you could see yourself working in and you love spending time with other people, consider the following business ideas:

44. Interactive corporate events

If you have previous experience in event management, your business could offer team-building events for corporate clients. Depending on what you’re most interested in, you could offer outdoor retreats, wellness days, adventure challenges or gamified problem-solving sessions.

45. Adventure and outdoor experiences

If you don’t want to focus on the corporate sector, you could offer outdoor experiences to anyone who wants to pay for them. Examples include hiking trails, kayaking or mountain biking. You could package experiences as half or full-day trips or family-friendly outings.

46. Cultural and heritage tours

Anyone with a keen interest in where they live could offer local guided tours to show visitors key landmarks and historical areas, or immersive storytelling experiences. This is likely to be more successful if you live somewhere with lots of history; however, you can also create engaging, bespoke tours by drawing on your deep knowledge of the area, its hidden gems, or its unique quirks.

47. Pop-up markets and festivals

Fancy running your own market or festival? You could do this a few times a year, bringing together vendors, artists and communities, and looking at options such as food and drink fairs, seasonal markets (Christmas, summer festivals and so on), craft fairs and music festivals. 

48. Camping and glamping

Another option is to set up a camping or glamping business. You could offer traditional tent pitches, fire pits and basic facilities for campers seeking a low-cost outdoor experience, or safari tents, yurts or cabins with private bathrooms and hot tubs for those looking for a more luxurious experience. Keep in mind that initial investment can be high for glamping structures and facilities, and it’s crucial to investigate local regulations and the necessary permits and insurance. 

Skilled trades, repairs and home services 

If you’re already a skilled tradesperson or you want to retrain, setting up a reliable and professional service business could be highly profitable. And the great news is there are stacks of opportunities in this area:

49. Plumbing

Demand for plumbing remains high, so if you’re thinking about retraining, plumbing could be the way to go. To start, you usually need a level two or three diploma in domestic plumbing and heating, but some of the fast-track options from City and Guilds only take a few weeks to complete. 

50. Carpentry

Alternatively, you could offer carpentry services if you have a level two or three diploma in carpentry and joinery. Services include building shelving units, wardrobes and cabinets, as well as home renovations such as door hanging, staircases and other structural woodwork. 

51. Appliance repairs

If you have the required skills, an appliance repairs business would enable you to fix broken appliances, gadgets or electronics so that customers don’t need to replace them. This reduces consumer waste and could appeal to cost-conscious buyers. 

52. Handyman/handyperson services

A handyperson offers a wide range of home services, from repairs and maintenance to small-scale improvements. This type of work is ideal if you enjoy variety, are practical and take pride in doing a neat, professional job. One day you might be fitting shelves or hanging pictures, and the next assembling flat-pack furniture or fixing a garden fence.

53. Furniture upcycling

A creative and sustainable business opportunity, furniture upcycling transforms old, worn-out or discarded furniture into stylish, functional and often one-of-a-kind pieces. If you’re creative and love the thought of sanding, painting and re-upholstering old furniture, this could be the ideal business opportunity.

54. Pest control 

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and are happy to deal with all kinds of pests — from wasps and ants to mice and rats — a pest control business could be right up your street. Just be aware that you must have at least a level two qualification in pest management and take out public liability insurance. You must also use the correct sprays and traps, and wear protective clothing.

55. Sewing and alterations

If you enjoy sewing, starting your own alterations and textile service can be a simple and rewarding business. You could repair, adjust or redesign clothing and household textiles to extend their life. It might start off as a small side hustle, but could expand over time as word gets out.