30 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2026

Starting a business is exciting but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. At instantprint, we work with thousands of small businesses every year.

Because we’re right there with them, printing business cards, flyers and signs, we often spot the trends before they go mainstream.

One thing we’ve noticed recently is the rise of AI. It’s made it easier than ever to launch certain businesses, and it’s created brand new opportunities that didn’t even exist a few years ago.

If you want to go full time or just try something alongside your job, here are 30 small business ideas we expect to see a lot more of going into 2026.

1. Generative AI Services

Experience: Confident using current Ai tools. No formal background needed.

AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore. Businesses are already using it for everything from writing product descriptions to handling customer support. If you’re comfortable experimenting with AI tools, there’s a growing market for people who can help others get more out of them.

You don’t need to be a developer. You just need to understand the tools and explain them in a way that makes sense.

It’s especially useful for businesses looking to increase efficiency while cutting wages, boosting profits in the process.

Useful read: The AI tools businesses are investing in right now (ft.com)

2. Eco Consultancy

Experience: A background in sustainability or a degree in environmental studies helps. Some roles can be self-taught.

Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s becoming a requirement.

As an eco-consultant, you could advise on energy efficiency, carbon footprints, materials, packaging, or even help companies apply for sustainability grants. It's a role where solid knowledge really matters, but there’s also room for specialists in specific sectors like fashion, food or construction.

Helping people reduce their impact while staying profitable is where the value lies for homeowners and business owners.

Useful read: What does a sustainability consultant actually do? (forbes.com)

3. Digital Transformation Support

Experience: Essential. Background in IT, systems, project management or strong digital platform knowledge.

Plenty of small businesses in 2025 still relied on spreadsheets, paper records and outdated systems. If you know your way around CRMs, project tools or cloud software, there’s a real opportunity to help them work smarter and more efficiently.

Digital transformation is about helping businesses streamline how they operate. That could mean setting up automated processes, recommending the right tools or helping teams shift to remote-friendly systems.

At its core, it’s about saving time, cutting errors and improving how a business runs. In the long run, that helps boost profits – which is exactly what clients want to see in 2026.

Useful read: How digital transformation is shaping UK business (thetimes.co.uk)

4. E-commerce Specialist

Experience: Background in digital marketing is expected.

Selling online has never been more accessible, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Plenty of small business owners launch an online shop and quickly realise they need help making it work.

As an e-commerce specialist, you might help with setting up a store, improving product pages, managing stock systems or running marketing campaigns.

It’s all about helping businesses sell more while working less. And when you can boost conversion rates or cut wasted spend, your advice quickly pays for itself.

Useful read: What makes a great ecommerce consultant? (taqtics.co)

5. Accounting & Digital Bookkeeping

Experience: Formal qualifications help, but some small business work can be done with basic training and the right software.

Every business needs to keep their finances in order, but not every owner has the time or confidence to do it themselves. That’s where bookkeepers and accountants come in – and demand hasn’t slowed.

With the tech available in 2025, it’s become much easier to set this kind of business up. Tools like Xero, QuickBooks and FreeAgent make the day-to-day faster and more manageable. But those tools still need someone who knows what they’re doing.

Whether it’s reconciling accounts, chasing invoices or helping with VAT returns, the aim is the same:
• Reduce stress
• Save time
• Help business owners stay profitable

Useful read: Is bookkeeping a good business to start? (money.co.uk)

6. Tax & Financial Advisory

Experience: Formal financial qualifications are usually essential. Ideal for former accountants, advisors or finance professionals.

With interest rates, tax bands and legislation shifting constantly, many business owners want clear, trusted advice. Whether it’s help with self-assessments, cash flow planning or choosing the right business structure, financial advisors play a key role in keeping things on track.

It’s a service that’s always in demand, especially during uncertain times. And while the tech behind it has improved, people still want human advice they can rely on.

If you’ve got the credentials and a way of explaining things simply, this is a business where trust builds quickly, and referrals follow.

Useful read: How to become a financial adviser (prospects.ac.uk)

7. Franchise Acquisition

Experience: No direct experience needed, but business management skills are a big plus.

If you want to run a business but prefer a proven model over starting from scratch, buying a franchise can be a smart route in. From gyms and cleaning services to food delivery and tutoring, there’s a franchise model for almost every sector.

You’re buying into something that already works – a recognisable brand, established systems and ongoing support. That makes things like marketing, training and even finding customers much easier in the early stages, especially those with little experience in these.

It can be costly to get started, but for many people it pays off. You’re investing in a business that already has traction, which gives you a much better shot at success than going it alone.

Useful read: A guide to buying a franchise in the UK (startupdonut.co.uk)

8. Home & Garden Specialists

Experience: Previous hands-on experience helps, but many start with basic tools and good word of mouth.

Whether it’s garden maintenance, home repairs or bespoke outdoor builds, demand for skilled local help is steady. People want their homes to look good and work well and they’re happy to pay someone who can make that happen without doing the dirty work themselves.

This kind of business doesn’t always need a fancy setup to start. A van, a few tools and a solid reputation in your neighbourhood can take you far. As you grow, you can expand into bigger projects like garden offices or patios.

Useful read: How to start a gardening or landscaping business (forbes.com)

9. Renewable Energy Installers

Experience: Trade background or technical training needed. Ideal for sparkies or anyone from construction looking to specialise.

With energy bills on the rise and more government incentives pushing sustainability, homeowners and businesses alike are backing renewable tech.

If you’ve got the skills (or you’re up for retraining) this is one of the best long-term sectors to shift into. It’s not just good for the planet, it’s solid business. Plenty of installers are booked out months ahead, with word-of-mouth alone enough to keep your schedule packed.

It also puts you ahead of the game, especially as more new builds and commercial sites aim to hit energy targets over the next few years.

Useful read: How to become a solar panel installer in the UK (futurefit.io)

10. IT Security / Cyber Defence

Experience: Best suited to IT professionals or those with cybersecurity training.

In April 2025, Marks & Spencer was hit by a major ransomware attack that forced online ordering offline for six weeks. The outage is estimated to have cost them around £300 million in lost profits, plus another £25 million per week during peak disruption.

That incident shows how a cyber disaster can cripple operations, damage customer trust and drain finances. Small and medium businesses are taking notice. Many are now investing in defensive systems to reduce the risk.

Whether you’re configuring firewalls, running threat-detection tools, guiding phishing training or responding to incidents, clients want someone they can trust quickly. If you've got the skills and know-how, this sector has strong, growing demand and a clear sense of purpose.

Useful read: What is cybersecurity and how do you start a business in it? (techradar.com)

11. Virtual Assistant & Admin Support

Experience: No formal qualifications needed. Organisation, communication and reliability are key.

As more businesses go remote or scale down office space, the demand for flexible admin help keeps growing. Virtual assistants (VAs) handle everything from inbox management and diary planning to research, data entry and basic marketing tasks.

You don’t need years of experience to get started. Many VAs begin part-time and grow through referrals, eventually specialising in areas like social media, customer support or executive assistance.

It’s a business that fits well around other commitments, and it’s easy to scale up as you find your niche.

Useful read: How to become a virtual assistant in the UK (investopedia.com)

12. Local Notary Services

Experience: You’ll need to qualify and register as a notary public in the UK. A legal background is helpful but not essential.

A notary public is authorised to certify and witness documents for legal, financial or international use. That might include:

• Verifying signatures on official documents
• Certifying ID for property sales or business use
• Preparing paperwork for use abroad
• Witnessing contracts or declarations

It’s not the flashiest business, but demand is steady – especially from solicitors, estate agents and clients dealing with overseas matters. Once qualified, it’s a respected role with flexible hours and low overheads.

You can work from home, offer mobile appointments or build relationships with local firms who need notary services regularly.

Useful read: How to become a notary public in England and Wales (thenotariessociety.org.uk)

13. Cleaning & Mobile Car Valeting

Experience: No experience needed, just attention to detail and a strong work ethic.

Cleaning is one of those services that never goes out of style. Whether it’s domestic cleans, end-of-tenancy work or regular contracts with local businesses, there’s always demand for reliable cleaners.

This business is flexible, scalable and often built on repeat clients and referrals. If you’re consistent and easy to deal with, it won’t take long to build a loyal customer base.

Useful read: How to start a cleaning business in the UK (money.co.uk)

14. Property Management & Home Inspection

Experience: Background in lettings, property, construction or maintenance is useful.

Managing properties isn’t just about collecting rent. It involves looking after tenants, handling maintenance, making sure regulations are followed and keeping everything running smoothly. For landlords who don’t want the day-to-day hassle, it’s a valuable service.

You might offer:

• Ongoing property management for landlords
• One-off inspections for lettings or purchases
• Maintenance coordination and repairs
• Tenant communication and dispute resolution

With more people renting and investing in property, there’s steady demand for reliable help. It’s also a business that grows well through local reputation and word of mouth.

Useful read: How to start a property management business (lettingagenttoday.co.uk)

15. Trades - Plumbing, Electrical, Handyman

Experience: Trade qualifications and certifications required for most services.

Skilled trades are still some of the most in-demand services across the UK. Whether it’s plumbing repairs, rewiring or fixing a broken door frame, homeowners and landlords are always looking for reliable local tradespeople.

If you’re already trained or considering retraining, it’s a solid career path that also works brilliantly as a small business. Many tradespeople start solo and grow by adding apprentices or small teams once the work picks up.

You don’t need a massive marketing budget either. Local Facebook groups are full of people looking for trades, and if you’re active, professional and get a few good reviews, you can build a steady flow of enquiries.

People want someone they can trust and reach easily and once you’ve built that reputation, word of mouth does the rest.

Useful read: How to set up as a self-employed tradesperson (checkatrade.com)

16. Appliance & Electronics Repair

Experience: Hands-on repair skills essential. Often self-taught or gained through previous technical work.

With the cost of living rising, more people are choosing to repair rather than replace. Whether it’s a broken washing machine, laptop or phone screen, there’s real demand for affordable, local repair services.

You can start small – offering callouts or working from home – and grow as demand builds. Many people find customers through Facebook Marketplace, local repair groups or community noticeboards.

It’s a great business if you’re practical, patient and good at diagnosing problems. And with fewer high street repair shops around, being local and easy to contact is a real advantage.

Useful read: Is appliance repair a good business idea? (money.co.uk)

17. Auto Mechanics & Detailing

Experience: Formal training required for mechanics. Detailing can be self-taught with practice and the right tools.

Cars still need regular servicing, repairs and MOTs – and many people prefer to use a trusted local mechanic over a dealership. If you’ve got the skills and qualifications, starting your own garage or mobile service can be a reliable way to go solo.

With more people investing in high-end vehicles or simply wanting to keep theirs in top condition, there’s strong demand for paint correction, interior deep cleans and ceramic coatings.

This is the kind of business that grows on reputation. A few solid before-and-after photos and good reviews on Facebook or Google can go a long way.

Useful read: How to start a car detailing business in the UK (autoglym.com)

18. Mobile Spa / Beauty Services

Experience: Beauty therapy or massage qualifications required. Insurance and certification also recommended.

More people are choosing to have treatments at home rather than heading to a salon especially if they’ve got kids, mobility issues or just want privacy. Mobile beauty is set to be even busier in 2026 as clients prioritise convenience and personalised care.

Whether it’s massage, facials, lashes, nails or brows, this is a flexible business you can run around your own schedule. You can keep overheads low by travelling to clients or renting a small space for pop-up days.

A strong Instagram presence, good client reviews and clear pricing are usually all it takes to start building a regular and growing client base.

Useful read: How to start a mobile beauty business (salongold.co.uk)

19. Dog Walking, Grooming & Pet Concierge

Experience: No formal qualifications needed, but experience with animals and a calm, confident approach is essential.

Pet ownership is still on the rise and with more people back in offices or juggling busy schedules, pet services are only getting more popular. In 2026, owners are treating pets more like family and they’re happy to pay for trusted, high-quality care.

That could mean daily dog walks, mobile grooming, pet taxi services or even overnight stays. The key is reliability and trust. Once you build relationships with local owners, you’ll often find work grows through word of mouth.

You can start small with just a few regular clients and grow from there. A clean, friendly website and a few strong reviews on Google or Facebook can go a long way.

Useful read: How to start a pet services business (smallbusiness.co.uk)

20. Home Food Delivery / Meal Prep

Experience: Hygiene certification required.

Meal prep and home delivery services saw explosive growth recently. One UK company, FuelHub, grew its turnover by 90% year-on-year, and its revenue is projected to exceed £7 million by 2026. That jump isn’t just about convenience, it’s about helping busy households eat better without spending hours in the kitchen.

You don’t need a restaurant to start this. Begin from your home kitchen with pre-orders and local deliveries. As demand builds, you can look towards subscriptions, corporate meals or fitness-focused plans.

Your aim is simple: offer food that’s healthy, reliable and stress-free.

Useful read: How to start a meal prep business in the UK (startups.co.uk)

21. Private Chef & Catering

Experience: Professional kitchen or event catering experience strongly recommended. Food hygiene certification required.

From small dinner parties to private events, there’s a growing market for chefs who come to you. People want the restaurant experience at home without the stress of cooking (or cleaning).

You can start with small bookings, offering a set menu and pricing per head. As word spreads, you might move into weddings, corporate events or bespoke tasting menus. It’s also a great fit for foodies who want a creative business without running a full restaurant.

Reliability, presentation and attention to detail matter as much as the food.

Useful read: How to become a private chef (leiths.com)

22. Freelance Business Consulting

Experience: Previous experience in business management, marketing, operations or strategy.

If you’ve spent time working in or running a business, there’s a good chance you’ve got skills others are looking for. Freelance consultants help small business owners improve systems, reduce costs and plan for growth without the overhead of hiring a full-time employee.

It’s a flexible option that works well around other commitments, and you can specialise in whatever you know best whether that’s marketing, logistics, finance or something else entirely.

For example, I freelance as a PPC consultant alongside my role here at instantprint as a PPC Manager (and blog writer!). It’s a good way to use existing experience to help other small businesses grow.

Useful read: How to become a business consultant (reed.co.uk)

23. Event Planning & Special Occasion Services

Experience: Strong organisation and communication skills. Experience in hospitality or logistics is a bonus.

From weddings and birthdays to corporate launches and seasonal markets, events are still a thriving industry especially with more people looking to outsource the planning. If you're someone who enjoys multitasking, has a good eye for detail and can keep calm under pressure, this can be a rewarding and profitable business.

Many start by helping friends and family before moving into paid events. You can also carve out a niche, such as:

• Weddings and civil ceremonies
• Product launches and corporate events
• Seasonal markets and pop-up shops
• Milestone birthdays and private parties

2026 is already looking busy in the events space, so now’s a good time to get started.

Useful read: How to become an event planner (eventacademy.com)

24. Web & UX Design

Experience: Experience with design tools (like Figma or Adobe XD) and website builders (like Webflow or WordPress) is ideal.

Every business needs a website but not every business owner knows how to build one that works. That’s why web designers are still in demand, especially those who understand both how a site looks and how users interact with it.

You might offer:

• Website design and build
• UX audits and user journey mapping
• Landing page optimisation
• Mobile-first redesigns

It’s also a business that can be run fully remotely. If you’ve got a strong portfolio and a clear process, you can work with clients anywhere. Once you’ve built a few sites, they often become your best marketing tool. You can put your business in the footer and drive more leads that way.

Useful read: How to become a freelance web designer (careerfoundry.com)

25. Online Course & Tutoring Services

Experience: Subject knowledge is essential. Teaching or coaching experience is a bonus but not required.

Online learning isn’t slowing down whether it’s students revising for exams or adults looking to upskill, people are still turning to the internet to learn on their own schedule.

There are two strong routes here:

• Tutoring: Helping GCSE, A-Level or uni students with one-to-one support
• Course creation: Building and selling pre-recorded lessons on platforms like Teachable or Udemy

It’s a flexible, low-cost business that can be run entirely from home. And once a course is created, it can continue earning with little ongoing input.

Useful read: How to start an online tutoring business (startups.co.uk)

26. Fitness & Nutrition Coaching

Experience: Qualifications in fitness, nutrition or coaching are recommended. Personal experience also goes a long way.

Health and wellness are still a top priority, and more people are looking for personalised help. Whether it’s fitness plans, meal guidance or accountability coaching, this is a business that works well both online and in-person.

You can start by offering:

• One-to-one coaching (in person or via video)
• Group classes or challenges
• Digital plans or subscription content

It’s also a business that fits around other work and can scale as demand grows. A strong presence on Instagram or TikTok can help attract the right clients especially if you focus on a clear niche, like postnatal fitness, strength training or plant-based nutrition.

Useful read: How to become a personal trainer or coach (futurefit.co.uk)

27. Dropshipping

Experience: No formal experience needed. Strong research skills and an understanding of e-commerce platforms help.

If you want to start selling online without holding stock, dropshipping is one of the simplest ways in. You create a store, market the products, and your supplier handles fulfilment.

It’s competitive but if you treat it like a proper business rather than a quick win, there’s still plenty of opportunity. Some people use dropshipping as a launchpad before moving into private label or their own product line.

Useful read: How to start a dropshipping business (shopify.co.uk)

28. Photography, Videography & Content Production

Experience: Creative skills and a portfolio are essential. Formal training helps but isn’t required.

From product shoots and corporate videos to weddings, headshots and social content, there’s never been more demand for visual content especially as businesses invest more in their online presence.

This is a business where word-of-mouth, referrals and a strong portfolio matter more than qualifications. It also fits well alongside freelance design, marketing or social media work.

Useful read: How to start a photography business (shopify.com)

29. Coworking or Shared Studio Spaces

Experience: Helpful to have property, management or creative industry experience. A good understanding of your local market is key.

Remote work isn’t going anywhere, but not everyone wants to work from their kitchen table forever. That’s why shared workspaces, hotdesking studios and creative hubs are gaining traction especially in smaller towns and suburban areas.

Community is the selling point here. People want somewhere local, practical and welcoming. Not just a desk and Wi-Fi.

Useful read: How to start a coworking space (nexudus.com)

30. Subscription & Membership Businesses

Experience: Depends on niche can start with minimal experience if you’re passionate and organised.

Subscription models have boomed across industries, from fitness plans and meal kits to exclusive content and business support groups. They offer predictable income and build strong customer relationships over time.

Popular options include:

• Monthly subscription boxes (beauty, snacks, hobbies)
• Membership sites with exclusive courses, coaching or networking
• Digital content clubs (writing, photography, fitness)

The key is delivering consistent value that keeps members renewing. It can start as a side hustle and scale up with smart marketing and community-building.

Useful read: How to start a subscription box business (foundr.com)