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The 17 top business ideas for 2017

An annual report from Startups.co.uk, the UK's leading online business resource, reveals the hottest start up openings with input from market experts, industry officials, and entrepreneurs.

The annual report, entitled What business to start in 2017, outlines 17 hot business opportunities to latch onto as interest in an eclectic mix of growth markets rises. Other encouraging sectors highlighted in the report include sugar-free drinks, food waste, 'kidulthood,' and alternative fitness classes such as 'voga.'

With more than 5.5 million small and medium-sized businesses already operating in the UK, and a staggering 2,000 new businesses set to launch each month in 2017, launching a start up has never been more popular, nor more prominent.

As funding for UK start ups has continued to soar and the government has pledged to do more to support businesses of all sizes, start ups and small business owners report being “happier and more determined” than they were in full-time employment. With this in mind, Startups.co.uk has created a timely showcase of promising business opportunities.

Sponsored by the Start Up Loans Company and created by Startups.co.uk’s team of business journalists, the report combines detailed research and analysis of emerging business and consumer trends, alongside insights from leading bodies such as Mintel and the Office of National Statistics. The report also features commentary from, and interviews with, serial entrepreneurs, business leaders, and new and established start ups.

Interviewees and contributors include the controversial Cereal Killer café founders Alan and Gary Keery, Vivien Wong of Japanese mochi brand Little Moons, and hummus entrepreneur Hannah McCollum of ChicP, alongside representatives from fast-growing brands like Bed Head creator TIGI and African superfood brand Aduna.

Startups.co.uk’s 17 best business ideas for 2017 are:

  1. Hygge
  2. Insurtech
  3. Co-living
  4. Mezcal
  5. Food waste
  6. Sugar-free drinks
  7. Brexit consultancy
  8. Kidulthood and nostalgia marketing
  9. Japanese food
  10. Men’s haircare
  11. Embracing multiculturalism
  12. Alternative fitness
  13. African ingredients
  14. Electric charge point installer
  15. Edtech 2.0
  16. Pollution protection
  17. Flavoured tea
Despite what you might think about the current economic climate it remains a great time to start a business and our What Business to Start in 2017 report illustrates that. We’ve examined a number of fast-growing sectors, using extensive market research and insights from industry experts, and the 17 business niches we’ve highlighted range from big opportunities to the more obscure for those looking to start a business in the UK. With stress levels among workers rising, business costs reducing, and advances in technology making it easier than ever to start a business, why not take a read of our report and start your business journey today? Whatever your budget, location or background, there are business opportunities to suit every budding entrepreneur. Megan Dunsby features editor at Startups.co.uk
Trends in the start up industry can be a great indication of what is going to thrive in the wider market. Start ups are all about building on existing opportunities and bringing something creative to consumers. It’s encouraging to see such a wide variety of themes across different sectors earmarked for 2017, from sugar-free and reduced-sugar drinks and alternative ingredients to Danish trends such as Hygge. From the businesses we’ve backed, like Dalston Cola, who produce reduced-sugar cola and use an alternative cola nitida ingredient, we know that tapping into growing demand for a healthy alternative to high-sugar drinks can be a recipe for success. These businesses bring something fresh to customers, catering to a demand that’s often overlooked by bigger retail businesses. Looking ahead this year, we’re keen to support more businesses introducing something new to an existing market. Tim Sawyer CEO of The Start Up Loans Company

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Thinking of starting a business? Check out our free online courses in partnership with the Open University on being an entrepreneur.

Our free Learn with Start Up Loans courses include:

Plus free courses on climate and sustainability, teamwork, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: While we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.

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