24 business ideas for 2024

After the challenges aspiring new business owners have faced amid the rising cost of living, 2024 can offer fresh opportunities to begin your start-up journey.

You might be thinking of starting a business because of a change in circumstances, such as a loss of employment, or simply because you want to be your own boss – but whatever the reason, you need a good idea for your new business before you begin.

Perhaps you have a skill or hobby you can make the most of, or you’ve found a gap in the market that could open the door to running a successful business.

We’ve collected 24 business ideas for 2024 to get you started if you’re looking for inspiration.

Our 24 business ideas for 2024

Secondhand marketplace

Secondhand trading platforms such as Vinted have surged in traffic since 2022 as sellers look to make extra money and buyers shop on a tighter budget.

Many people start by selling unwanted items they already own, but you can shop for bargains to trade at a profit or find items that need repair.

While many secondhand marketplaces are dedicated to clothing and vintage wear, you could consider reselling previously loved books, accessories, technology, bicycles, toys, and jewellery.

Event catering

If you’ve ever been complimented on your cooking and organisational skills, you might consider a career in event catering.

From weddings and parties to corporate events and charity functions, there are countless ways to turn your love of food into a successful start-up.

You might need a licence to get started and invest in professional equipment and transportation, but you can provide catering services nationwide.

Discover how a Start Up Loan can help cover these costs.

Vehicle repairs

There are more than 40 million vehicles in the UK, but surprisingly few people know how to fix their cars when they have a breakdown.

You might consider starting a vehicle repair firm if you’re a talented mechanic.

You could consider offering general motoring services or specialising in specific repairs, such as restoring classic cars or maintaining electric vehicles.

Other ideas include car body shop and upgrades – from adding accessories and audio equipment to cars – to capitalising on trends for vinyl-wrapping cars for a distinctive look.

Delivery courier

The average person in Britain has 200 parcels delivered each year, while more than a third of us have takeaway food delivered at least once a week.

There is a thriving demand for delivery services, covering deliveries directly to homes and businesses.

Services can be local, have a specific selling point such as using electric vehicles, or be targeted at long-haul requirements as part of business supply chains.

You’ll need appropriate vehicles and qualified drivers, but it’s perfect for people who like to be on the move or operate a fleet of vehicles.

Animal boarding services

Millions of UK workers have second jobs and need someone to take care of their pets while they’re away.

A kennel service can be a great way to capture this growing demand if you enjoy caring for dogs.

You could consider providing boarding for cats and other pets – or even offer ‘plant sitting’ services where you store and take care of prized houseplants for owners.

Translation services

When a business expands into a new market, it might need translation services to reach a wider audience.

If you know a second language, you can tap into this demand by creating your own business.

It’s easily scalable and requires almost no start-up costs, making it a low-risk option with plenty of potential upside.

You could specialise in a particular field of translation, such as technical or business documentation, or more sectors, such as travel and tourism translation services.

Technical support

Even after the pandemic, more than 25 million UK workers still work from home at least one day a week.

It’s created a rise in demand for technical support, with many workers relying on personal computers, broadband, and home printers – all of which can be prone to connection issues, malware, and glitches.

A technical support start-up could be ideal for anyone with relevant skills, and you could expand your operations and services as the business grows, such as offering mobile home servicing or opening a repair store.

Industrial cleaning

To comply with government health and safety standards, some UK businesses must regularly clean equipment and workspaces to an acceptable standard.

An industrial cleaning start-up could provide regular income, particularly if you highlight a niche in the market.

Sell houseplants

The average UK resident now spends more than £300 a year on houseplants, as they make the most of the health and decor benefits that come with indoor greenery.

If you love growing houseplants and want to create a dedicated space to nurture them, this could be an ideal business idea.

You could create a website showing your range of plants and ship them directly to customers after they are ordered online.

Clothing alterations

Amid a sustained period of financial difficulty, many of us spend less on clothing to save money.

This could be a reliable income stream if you’re skilled at fixing damaged clothes or performing alterations.

Specialisms can be alterations for partywear, bridal dresses, or suit alterations.

Vehicle leasing

Owning a vehicle can be a significant expense, especially when you have to pay high insurance rates, repairs, and road tax.

It’s created an increasing customer demand for rental options throughout Europe, so a vehicle leasing start-up could provide customers with cost-effective, short-term private transport.

You’d need to invest in a fleet of vehicles to lease out, and options could include short-term rental, such as general car hire, to specialist vehicle leasing, such as commercial vans or vehicles for special occasions such as weddings.

Sustainability consulting

Many UK businesses are considering the ways they can reduce their energy consumption and operate more sustainably.

If you have experience in this area, you could consider becoming a sustainability consultant.

With consumer interest in sustainability growing year-on-year, you could find a demand for in-person or virtual sustainability consultancy.

Some businesses may need specific consulting help, such as becoming a B Corp or gaining an environmental certification such as ISO 14001.

Contract cleaning

For those who don’t have the time or skills to clean regularly, a contract cleaning business could be a profitable business idea.

With low start-up costs, a contract cleaning business can cover domestic and corporate premises, with plenty of room for growth as your client list expands.

Mobile car wash

A mobile car wash is a simple but in-demand business idea for people who want a simple, low-cost start-up.

Although it might not require you to invest in expensive technical equipment, mobile valeting services can specialise by offering a range of different valeting services.

Homemade confectionery

Sweets have always been a welcome treat during hard times, and selling confectionery could be a tempting move.

Options to consider include creating and selling your own confectionary products – from sweets to cookies – to buying sweets in bulk and reselling them in innovative ways, such as sweet hampers and chocolate bouquets.

Upcycling

Upcycling might be the business for you if you enjoy renovating old clothes or furniture.

Upcycling involves taking unwanted items and giving them a new lease of life.

It can be rewarding work and a great way to promote sustainability.

Specialist waste disposal

Some UK industrial businesses might have large volumes of waste that need to be disposed of using special methods.

This could be the business for you if you have a background in environmental regulations and safety protocols.

More general collection and recycling services – from manufacturing waste to office rubbish such as cardboard, batteries, and paper are all candidates for collection for a fee.

Furniture repairs

Rather than buying new, some people would rather have furniture repaired and restored so it gains a new lease of life.

This can be sentimental reasons – such as restoring or repairing a family heirloom – or simply saving money and having a positive environmental impact.

From sofas and chairs to bookcases and sideboards, you can specialise in plenty of areas – or you can take a general approach.

Other specialisms to consider include furniture cleaning, from polishing to cleaning upholstery stains.

Baby and toddler group

Parents who take on second jobs may struggle with a shortage of childcare availability in the UK.

A baby and toddler group can give working parents a safe space for their children to socialise with others of the same age.

You might need to gain a licence and ensure safety regulations are in place, but it can be a rewarding and lucrative business.

A Start Up loan could help cover the costs of creating appropriate premises, along with supplies and the necessary licenses and qualifications.

Discover how you can apply for your loan.

Homemade products

Making your own products can be a creative outlet, but you might also turn your skills into a successful start-up.

Jewellery, soaps, and clothing can make profitable homemade products, and you can consider ranges that are sustainably made or entirely vegan.

Landscaping

With UK residents going out less to save money amid the rising cost of living, many are focusing on making their homes more enjoyable.

This often means sprucing up their gardens, from rockeries and manicured lawns to patios.

A landscaping start-up could tap into this demand, and you could consider specialising in hard landscaping, such as fencing and patios, through to lawn care.

Dropshipping

Dropshipping can be an excellent option for budding entrepreneurs who might not have the space to store stock for an e-commerce business.

It’s a business model that allows e-commerce websites to sell goods without investing heavily in stock.

Find out how you can start a dropshipping business.

Virtual fitness coaching

The fitness industry has significantly shifted towards online platforms, especially since the pandemic.

With many people opting for home workouts, there’s a growing demand for virtual fitness coaching.

If you have expertise in fitness and health, you can offer personalised workout plans, diet charts, and live virtual workout sessions.

Digital design skills workshops

Many aspiring artists want to hone their skills in digital mediums – from graphic design and digital painting to 3D modelling.

You might consider launching online workshops or courses if you have expertise in any digital art domain.

With platforms such as Udemy and Skillshare, you can reach a global audience eager to learn.