What Is The Easiest Business To Start In The UK?

Some of the easiest businesses to start in the UK would likely be freelance services, handmade products, simple service-based businesses, and low-cost online retail arbitrage. These are all relatively straightforward and require minimal startup costs, can be operated from home initially, leverage existing skills, and offer flexible hours.

These are all factors that simplify the process of getting a new business off the ground. With some hustle and tapping into the right resources, these types of small startups have relatively low barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Setting Up Your Own Business

So you want to be your own boss? The dream of starting your own business can be thrilling but also intimidating. Where do you even begin? The good news is that with some smart planning, there are many easy business ideas that you can turn into a profitable company in the UK.

This article will give an overview of some of the most straightforward businesses to launch for aspiring entrepreneurs. We’ll look at low-cost options, businesses you can run from home, ideas requiring little training, and more. You’ll get tips on streamlining the startup process so you can get your company off the ground as smoothly as possible.

Who Should Consider Starting a Business?

Opening your own business is appealing for many reasons but it isn’t right for everyone. Some key factors to consider are:

• You have a business idea you’re passionate about. Startups take a lot of work, so your heart needs to be in it.
• You’re willing to take on risk. There are no guarantees when starting a company.
• You have savings to cover initial costs. Most businesses take months or years to become profitable.
• You don’t mind long hours, especially in the beginning. Expect to put in 50+ hour weeks until your company is established.
• You have experience in sales, marketing, accounting, or relevant skills. Some can be learned but background knowledge helps.

If this sounds like you, then starting your own business could be highly rewarding. Even if some factors don’t apply yet, you can work towards gaining skills and saving money to prepare for your future startup.

Easy Business Ideas to Launch

Next, let’s look at some of the easiest business types to start in the UK today.

1. Freelance Services

One of the simplest ways to start a business is to begin selling your existing skills as a freelancer. This could be anything from graphic design to management consulting.

Pros:

• Very low startup costs – you already have the expertise.
• Easy to get started – start small with just a few clients.
• Flexible schedule – work when you want.

Cons:

• Income fluctuates based on number of clients.
• Need to be proactive about finding new business.
• No guaranteed salary like a regular job.

Some examples of freelance businesses include:

• Copywriting
• Web design
• Bookkeeping
• Virtual assistance

You can start out freelancing in your spare time as you retain a day job. Then gradually transition to full-time freelancing as your client roster expands.

2. Selling Handmade Products

Many entrepreneurs get started selling their own handmade items, tapping into the growing consumer interest in unique, locally-made goods.

Pros:

• Creative and personally fulfilling.
• Low startup costs if you already own needed supplies.
• Easy to do in spare time until sales pick up.

Cons:

• Standing out in a crowded market can be challenging.
• Scaling production could become difficult.
• Time spent making each item limits earning capability.

Popular handmade product ideas include:

• Jewellery
• Soaps and beauty products
• Clothing and accessories
• Ceramics
• Candles
• Woodwork

You can sell through markets, local retail partners, Etsy, your own e-commerce site, and other channels.

3. Service-Based Business

Everyday services are also relatively easy business ideas. Think dog walking, house cleaning, lawn care, personal training, and more.

Pros:

• Startup costs are very low – just basic equipment/supplies.
• Easy to attract clients through ads, flyers, and websites.
• Build recurring revenue with repeat customers.

Cons:

• Very hands-on – you do all the work yourself.
• The customer base depends on location.
• Scaling can be challenging.

Examples of simple service businesses:

• Residential cleaning
• Personal training
• Dog walking/pet sitting
• Errand running for seniors or busy professionals
• Home inspection

Many service businesses can be run from home at first as you build your reputation and customer base.

4. Online Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage involves buying products cheaply, usually from clearance sales or liquidators, and reselling at higher prices online.

Pros:

• Very low inventory costs if buying at deep discounts.
• Fast returns are possible with the right products.
• Can be done part-time from home.

Cons:

• Sourcing high-margin products takes work.
• Listing and shipping items is time-consuming.
• Storage space needed for inventory.

Profitable products to focus on include:

• Clearance clothes and shoes
• Liquidated toys and household goods
• Overstock beauty items and supplements

eBay and Amazon make great sales channels, where you can reach buyers searching for specific products.

5. Information Products

Creating information products like ebooks, online courses, and membership sites can make for a relatively easy business you can start from home.

Pros:

• Very low overhead – just basic technology needed.
• Products are digital – no shipping/storage costs.
• Income is mostly passive once products are created.
• Unlimited scalability.

Cons:

• Significantly more startup work is involved in product creation.
• Need expertise in your topic to create compelling products.
• Marketing is required to drive traffic and sales.

Types of information products:

• eBooks
• Online video courses
• Membership websites with premium content
• Templates like business plans, budgets, social media calendars

Sell through your own website, online course marketplaces, affiliate partners, and platforms like Etsy and Amazon.

6. Low-Cost Franchise

Buying into a franchise lets you start a business with an established brand and proven model.

Pros:

• Get training and ongoing franchise support.
• Established operating procedures to follow.
• Marketing materials and branding provided.
• Easier financing approval.

Cons:

• High upfront franchise purchase fees.
• Less flexibility and control than an independent business.
• Ongoing royalty and marketing fees.

Franchises can cost £ 10,000 or more but there are also low-cost options like:

• Commercial cleaning – £750 franchise fee
• Home inspection – £1,700 franchise fee
• Packaging shipping stores – £2,500 franchise fee
• Senior care consulting – £2,900 franchise fee

Look for franchises with affordable options and reasonable ongoing fees to keep costs in check.

Is Starting A Business Ever Easy?

While starting a business is rarely “easy” per se, there are certainly ways to simplify and streamline the process.

Here are a few thoughts on making business startups more manageable:

• Choose a lean startup model that allows you to get an MVP (minimum viable product) to market quickly without a lot of upfront development costs. This lets you validate your business idea early.
• Take advantage of modern software, tools and services that handle a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to business functions like accounting, payroll, payments, marketing automation, etc. This can save you countless hours.
• Start as a solopreneur or microbusiness that you can run and test initially before bringing on employees and lots of overhead. Keep things small and nimble at first.
• Bootstrap financing through personal savings, crowdfunding, and business loans/credit rather than chasing VC funding which is time-consuming and dilutive.
• Leverage online courses, find online mentors, and other free resources to gain business knowledge vs paying for expensive education. Learn as you go.
• Begin selling online and/or marketing digitally to minimise the physical overhead associated with retail stores, office space, etc. Keep costs variable.
• Use a simple legal business structure like an LLC to avoid the complex regulatory and compliance issues of a corporation.
• Automate menial tasks so you can focus on big-picture strategy and priorities to move the business forward. Don’t get bogged down.

At the end of the day, there will always be challenges and hard work involved in getting a business off the ground. But by keeping the model flexible, costs low, and leveraging modern tools/services, you can reduce unnecessary friction and simplify the process considerably. It may not ever be “easy”, but it can be made much more achievable.

Starting a Business Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

As you can see, you have lots of options for easy startup ideas to pursue your dream of entrepreneurship. Nearly any skill set or interest can be turned into a business with some effort.

Here are some tips to streamline starting your own company so the process is as straightforward as possible:

Choose a Simple Business Structure

Opting for a sole proprietorship or limited liability company (LLC) keeps things easy versus a more complex corporate structure. Less paperwork and compliance requirements mean you can focus on growing your business.

Start from Home to Minimise Costs

Operating your business from a home office when you’re first starting out means you’ll have very low overhead. Avoid committing to long commercial leases and other major costs until your revenue justifies it.

Automate Key Processes Where Possible

Tools like payroll services, bookkeeping/invoicing software, email marketing platforms, and more can save you time on daily tasks. Focus your energy on high-impact activities instead.

Master DIY Skills

Learning to handle basic legal paperwork, accounting, web design, and marketing yourself keeps startup costs down. You can always outsource tasks later as your business grows.

Take Advantage of Free Resources

Small business support organisations offer free advice and mentoring for startups. Local colleges or online programs also provide free business education. This knowledge can get your business going for little to no cost.

Starting a new business involves effort but it should not be daunting if you choose the right opportunity and use the resources available to make the launch straightforward. With some planning and support, you can turn your startup dreams into reality.

The Keys to Launching Your Business

If an easy startup idea appeals to you, here is an overview of the basic steps required to actually get your business off the ground.

Choose and Register Your Business Name

Your business name needs to be unique, memorable, and reflect your brand identity. Check the Companies House name database to ensure your chosen name isn’t already registered.

Pick Your Business Structure

Common options like sole proprietorship, partnership, and LLC provide liability protection while keeping legal requirements simple. Know the implications of each structure before deciding.

Get Any Needed Licenses or Permits

Certain industries require special licenses like food services, childcare, transport, etc. Be sure to research and obtain all needed credentials for your area.

Open a Business Bank Account

A separate business account helps keep your company finances organised and easier to track. Shop around as account fees and offerings can vary greatly between banks.

Set Up an Accounting System

Using accounting software helps track income, expenses, profitability, taxes owed, and other key financial metrics right from the start.

Create a Business Plan

A business plan forces you to analyse all aspects of your business – ideal for turning your idea into reality. Include market research, branding, operations, financial projections, and a marketing plan.

Build Your Team

Consider any staff you may need from the beginning like virtual assistants, accountants, web designers, or sales reps so you can focus on core operations.

Arrange Insurance Coverage

Protect your business with the right policies. At a minimum, get general liability insurance. Also consider coverage like professional liability, errors and omissions, etc. if relevant.

Develop Your Branding

Define your brand identity and desired image through logo design, packaging, website creation, business cards, style guidelines, and other branding elements.

Market Your Business

Start spreading the word about your company through advertising, search engine optimisation, networking, social media, and other low-cost marketing tactics. Offer promotions to attract initial customers.

Opening your doors ready for business may take a few weeks or a couple of months depending on the type of company. The important thing is laying the right groundwork so your startup is set up for success.

Financing Your New Business

One major factor to consider when starting a new business is how to fund your initial costs and operating expenses until your company generates a steady profit. Here are some options for financing a new business startup:

Bootstrapping

The most straightforward approach is bootstrapping, where you self-fund startup costs from your own savings or income. Many successful companies began this way. The benefit is you retain full ownership and control. The downside is you may need to limit initial growth goals based on your available capital.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo let you raise startup funds from a large pool of backers. You offer rewards for different contribution tiers. This is great for gaining momentum and valuable feedback. However, you need an existing audience base to tap into and may give up some equity.

Business Loans

Traditional bank loans are an option but can be difficult for brand-new startups to secure due to a lack of operating history. Borrowers also must have good credit and collateral. Terms are usually 1-5 years for smaller loans. The benefit is you keep full ownership of your business.

Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards allow you to spread startup costs over time with flexible repayment options. They are easier to qualify for than business loans but have higher interest rates. Use judiciously and make payments on time to avoid ballooning debt.

Angel Investors

Wealthy individuals or angel investor groups can provide startup capital in exchange for partial ownership of your company through equity shares. This lets you access larger amounts of capital but involves giving up some control. Ensure you find investors who bring added value beyond just money.

Government Programs

Government agencies like the British Business Bank and Start Up Loans Company offer various lending schemes and grants for UK startups that meet certain criteria. Benefits are low interest rates and you retain ownership. Competition can be stiff and uses are restricted.

The best funding solution depends on your specific business and financial circumstances. Often a combination of methods is used. Seek professional advice to determine the best capital strategy for your new venture.

Leveraging Technology to Simplify Business Operations

Once you have funded your startup, leveraging the right technology can help streamline business operations and reduce workload as you begin building your company. Here are some key solutions to consider:

• Accounting software like Xero for simplified bookkeeping and invoicing.
• Payroll solutions like Sage Payroll to automate paying staff and filing taxes.
• Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms like Salesforce for organising leads and sales.
• Project management tools like Trello or Asana to manage workflows.
• Email marketing software like Mailchimp for newsletters and promotions.
• Cloud storage like Dropbox for easy file sharing and virtual data backup.
• Slack or Microsoft Teams for improved team communication and collaboration.

Many solutions now use automated workflows and integrations to sync data across tools for greater efficiency. Pay close attention to cybersecurity when choosing and implementing new systems.

The right technologies enable small teams to accomplish more in less time, critical for any startup. Reevaluate needs frequently as your business grows to ensure your stack supports evolving goals. With robust solutions in place, you can focus energy on building your customer base and scaling operations.

Start Working Towards Your Goals Today

Starting a business always involves some unknowns and learning curves but it should not be something that scares you away from trying. As you can see from the ideas and tips provided, there are many straightforward ways to turn your passion into a prospering business.

Identify an easy startup concept that excites you and take the initial steps to make it happen. Tap into available resources for help and don’t be afraid to start small. With drive and dedication, you can join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs in the UK. Wishing you the best of luck!